Grateful Dead Icon Phil Lesh Dead Aged 84 After Horror Health Fights Including Cancer and Liver Transplant
Phil Lesh passed away surrounded by his family.
Oct. 25 2024, Published 5:45 p.m. ET
Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of iconic Bay Area band The Grateful Dead, has died at 84 years old.
RadarOnline.com can reveal the singer was "surrounded by his family and full of love" as he passed away peacefully despite years of health complications.
Lesh was one of the founding members of iconic Bay Area band The Grateful Dead.
The bassist's family took to Instagram to confirm his passing on Friday, October 25, and wrote: "Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead, passed peacefully this morning.
"He was surrounded by his family and full of love. Phil brought immense joy to everyone around him and leaves behind a legacy of music and love. We request that you respect the Lesh family's privacy at this time."
His family did not specify the cause of death.
Lesh had many health complications over the years.
Lesh had previously survived his battles with prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and a 1998 liver transplant —which was needed due to the debilitating effects of a hepatitis C infection and years of drinking.
Although he kept a relatively low public profile, rarely doing interviews or speaking to the crowds at his shows, fans and fellow band members recognized Lesh as a critical member of The Grateful Dead.
He was known for playing his six-string electric bass and his iconic jams with lead guitarist Jerry Garcia.
Phil Lesh played a six-string electric bass in The Grateful Dead.
The co-founder and longest-tenured member of the iconic rock band performed his final show at Oracle Park in 2023. The Sanfrancisco show was described by many "Deadheads" as "intense" and "sureal".
Lines to enter the venue stretched back all the way to Bay Bridge, but once inside, those lucky enough to score tickets were greeted with a celebratory and circus-like atmosphere.
Lesh and the rest of the band played some of the Dead's biggest hits such as Shakedown Street and Brown Eyed Women, but they also play several deeper cuts for the fans that were able to get a ticket.
Lesh had to get a liver transplant in 1988.
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The bassist's death comes two days after MusicCares named The Grateful Dead its Persons of the Year.
It was meant to kick off a year-long celebration of the 60th anniversary of the group's founding.
The fundraiser for this charitable arm of the Recording Academy is advertised to feature the remaining original members of the band and several all-star performances covering the honoree's catalog.
According to the fundraiser's website, the gala will take place in January ahead of the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
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