Phil Lesh, Grateful Dead Co-Founder and Bassist, Passes Away at 84: Impact on Dead & Company

Phil Lesh, the co-founder and bassist of the iconic American rock band Grateful Dead, passed away on October 25, 2024, at the age of 84. Lesh’s death was announced on social media, stating that he passed peacefully surrounded by his family and full of love.

Lesh was a pivotal figure in the Grateful Dead, known for their eclectic style and improvisational live performances. After the Grateful Dead disbanded following Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995, Lesh continued to be involved in various musical projects, including the formation of Dead & Company in 2015.

Dead & Company, which included Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, John Mayer, Jeff Chimenti, and Oteil Burbridge, was a continuation of the Grateful Dead’s legacy. The band embarked on several tours, playing to enthusiastic audiences and keeping the spirit of the Grateful Dead alive. Their tours included performances in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, with notable shows at The Forum in Inglewood and the Chase Center in San Francisco.

The news of Lesh’s passing is expected to have a significant impact on the music community, particularly on the fans of Dead & Company. Lesh’s contribution to the band’s sound and his role in maintaining the Grateful Dead’s musical heritage will be deeply missed.

Lesh’s legacy extends beyond his work with the Grateful Dead and Dead & Company. He was also known for his other projects, such as Phil Lesh and Friends and Furthur, which he formed with Bob Weir after the 2009 Dead tour. These bands continued to explore the improvisational and eclectic music style that Lesh and the Grateful Dead were famous for.