Phil Leshwho was bassist and co-founder of the leading band Grateful Deadhas died at the age of eighty-four years of age. Lesh was part of the band between 1965 and Jerry Garcia’s death.
The news was announced by his own family. The musician has died of natural causes surrounded by his family. Let us remember that Lesh had been suffering from various illnesses for years. He had a liver transplant due to hepatitis C and subsequently suffered prostate and bladder cancer.
Lesh was one of the original members of the Grateful Dead since he met Jerry Garcia in 1959. From that moment on he was one of the indispensable members of the group and was one of the composers of a long list of songs such as “Box Of Rain” or “Unbroken Chain”. Once Jerry Garcia passed away in 1995, Lesh began touring with the band Phil Lesh & Friendswho continued with the concept of jam band that had previously characterized him.
The remaining members of the band have released a statement pointing out that more than a friend has died, “we have lost a brother and our hearts are with his family right now. Phil Lesh was irreplaceable. With a simple of his notes you felt the world being born “If under it flowed like a river would.”
Many other musicians have expressed affection for the musician, whom they consider a true reference. Among them are Trey Anastasio (Phish) either Warren Hayneswith whom Lesh himself had collaborated.
