RIP Phil Lesh

[CliffMcTainshaw]

Another one of Grateful Dead's founding members gone at 84. Phil Lesh was the bassist and from I've read was lucky to have lasted this long. He survived prostate cancer and had a liver transplant in 1998, due to the effects of a hepatitis C infection and years of heavy drinking. Will be sadly missed by all us Deadheads.

 

[Professor Knowall]

I've included below just the first 2 and last 2 paragraphs of this informative article marking the passing of Phil Lesh

The Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh: The Patron Saint of the Low...

With guys like Jack Bruce and Jack Casady, and before Geddy Lee and Les Claypool, Phil Lesh helped pioneer the bass as more than just a rhythm instrument in rock n' roll. Phil Lesh was far from a backline character.

savingcountrymusic.com

"Phil Lesh might have been part of the so-called “Other Ones” in the Grateful Dead behind Jerry Garcia. But for many bass players, Phil Lesh was the only one. Lesh was one of the first true lead bass players in popular American music beyond the jazz discipline. With guys like Jack Bruce and Jack Casady, and before Geddy Lee and Les Claypool, Phil Lesh helped pioneer the bass as more than just a rhythm instrument in rock n’ roll. Phil Lesh was far from a backline character of a famous band. He was his own autonomous musical institution.

If nothing else, Phil Lesh was the reason Jerry Garcia never felt comfortable being characterized as the leader or frontman of the Grateful Dead. He knew just what a marvel Lesh was, and so did the true fans and students of Grateful Dead music. Lesh’s gifts and accomplishments could never be subordinated to anyone. Phil was just as much the Grateful Dead as any other player.
...

Music would most certainly be a less interesting, colorful, aspiring, and riveting thing without the bass of Phil Lesh influencing musicians from a wide array of disciplines, including country. His passing after many years of ailments, and an entire career keeping the Grateful Dead’s music and memory alive after the passing of Jerry Garcia, isn’t just notable and important, it is monumental.

Phil Lesh was a patriarch of the bass. And now upon his passing on October 25th at the age of 84, Lesh is becomes the Patron Saint of the Low Register."