Grateful Dead legend Phil Lesh died Friday at the age of 84.
His death was announced on his official Instagram page.
“Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of the Grateful Dead, passed away peacefully this morning,” the statement read. “He was surrounded by family and full of love.”
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 14: Bob Weir (L) and Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead perform at the Rocking the Cradle: Egypt 1978 at Best Buy on October 14, 2008 in New York City. ” Attended an autograph session. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
The statement also paid tribute to Lesh’s talent and contributions to the music world over his decades-long career.
“Phil brought immeasurable joy to those around him and left behind a legacy of music and love. We ask that you respect the Resch family’s privacy at this time,” the statement said.
Lesh began his musical journey as a classically trained trumpet player. According to , he studied with avant-garde composer Luciano Berio and played with minimalist pioneer Steve Reich when he was scouted to play bass. variety.
His bass skills were an integral part of the Grateful Dead’s early albums for Warner Bros. Records.
Bassist Phil Lesh performs with the American rock group “Grateful Dead” at the Woodstock Music Festival in Bethel, New York, August 16, 1969. (Photo courtesy: Archive Photos/Getty Images)
He performed “St. Stephen,” “The Eleven,” and the smash hit “Dark Star,” which became a staple of the band’s concert repertoire and became a huge hit with fans.
Lesh was honored in 1994 when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Grateful Dead.
Despite a series of health problems, he remained active in the music scene. According to Variety, Lesh survived a liver transplant in 1998, beat prostate cancer, underwent surgery for bladder cancer in 2015, and back surgery in 2019. Despite everything, he kept music alive.
SANTA CLARA, CA – JUNE 27: Trey Anastasio, Phil Lesh and Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead perform at “Fare Thee” at Levi Stadium on June 27, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Well: Celebrated 50 Years Of Grateful Dead”. (Photo Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) Getty Images
The Grateful Dead was named “Person of the Year” by MusiCares just two days before his death. Details regarding his cause of death have not been released at the time of publication. (Related: Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy breaks silence following his tragic death)
Fans and fellow musicians have been paying tribute to Resch on social media, saying a final farewell to a talented musician whose legacy lives on.
Resch is survived by his wife Jill and sons Graham and Brian.
