Phil Lesh, founding member and bassist of the Grateful Dead, has died at age 84, surrounded by family. His passing was confirmed by family members on social media.

Originally a classically trained trumpeter, Lesh switched to bass at Jerry Garcia's request when joining the Warlocks, which later became the Grateful Dead. His unique, self-taught style with jazz influences helped define the band's distinctive sound. He co-wrote several of the band's iconic songs, including "Truckin'," "St. Stephen," and "Box of Rain."

The Grateful Dead performed and recorded from 1965 until Jerry Garcia's death in 1995. Throughout his career, Lesh faced health challenges, including a liver transplant in 1998 and bladder cancer in 2015.

After the Grateful Dead, Lesh remained active in music, publishing his memoir "Searching For The Sound: My Life With the Grateful Dead" in 2005. With his wife Jill, he opened a restaurant and live music venue in 2012. His last major appearance with the band was during their 50th anniversary Fare Thee Well shows in Chicago in 2015, performing alongside Trey Anastasio of Phish.

Just prior to his passing, the Grateful Dead were named MusiCares Persons of the Year for 2025, recognizing Lesh, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Bob Weir, and the late Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan for their contributions to music.

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