The 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 peacefully this morning,” the statement reads. “He was surrounded by his family and full of love.”
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 14: Bob Weir (L) and Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead attend the signing of “Rocking The Cradle: Egypt 1978” at Best Buy on October 14, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
The statement went on to pay tribute to Lesh’s talents and contributions to the world of music over his decades-long career.
“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,” the statement said.
Lesh began his musical journey as a classically trained trumpeter. He studied with avant-garde composer Luciano Berio and played with minimalist pioneer Steve Reich when he was recruited to play bass, according to Variety.
His skills on bass were an integral part of The Grateful Dead’s early albums for Warner Bros. Records.
Bassist Phil Lesh performing with American rock group The Grateful Dead, at the Woodstock Music Festival, Bethel, New York, 16th August 1969. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
He was credited for co-writing “St. Stephen,” “The Eleven” and the epic hit “Dark Star,” which became a signature fixture in the band’s concert repertoire and a major hit with fans.
Lesh was honored by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Grateful Dead in 1994.
He remained highly active on the music scene despite an ongoing series of health challenges. Lesh overcame a liver transplant in 1998, he beat prostate cancer and underwent bladder cancer surgery in 2015, as well as back surgery in 2019, according to Variety. He kept the music alive, in spite of it all.
Santa Clara, CA – June 27: Trey Anastasio, Phil Lesh and Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead performs on Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years Of Grateful Dead at Levi Stadium on June 27, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) Getty Images
The Grateful Dead were named “Persons of the Year” by MusiCares just two days before his death. Details surrounding his cause of death have not been released at time of publication. (RELATED: Liam Payne’s Girlfriend Kate Cassidy Breaks Her Silence After His Tragic Death)
Fans and fellow musicians are paying tribute to Lesh on social media as they say their final goodbyes to a talented musician whose legacy will continue to live on.
Lesh is survived by his wife Jill and their sons, Grahame and Brian.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
