Phil Lesh , co-founder and bassist of the Grateful Dead , died last Friday, the 25th, at the age of 84. The cause of death has not yet been revealed.
The news was shared on his social media with the following message: “Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead, passed away 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.”
Lesh is known for reinventing the bass in Californian rock. He founded the Grateful Dead alongside vocalist and guitarist Jerry Garcia in San Francisco during the rise of the 1960s counterculture.
The band broke up after 30 years, with Lesh going on to lead a new jazz group called Phil and Friends.
See the full statement below.