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BORN
1940
DIED
2024
Phil Lesh Obituary
Phil Lesh was a founding member of the Grateful Dead and remained the band's bassist for its entire 30-year career.
We invite you to share condolences for Phil Lesh in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: E. Dougherty/WireImage)
28 Entries
Alan Friedley
July 20, 2025
Phil, you are certainly a righteous and loving person who has made and kept the planet and universe much more equitable than it would be otherwise .
Godspeed to you, Brother.
Dia fragilethunder
February 4, 2025
I met the dead at age 15 in 1984 at Irvine meadows amphitheatre in Irvine California.
They were working on touch of grey/in the dark.
As I went along for the ride, I came to feel that box of rain was one of the most important songs I had ever heard. At 18, I bought. 1957 Chevy short schoolbus and got a vanity plate that said Rainbox.
It was as close as I could come to my favorite song at that time.
Phil inspired me partly because his singing was a lot like mine. Not really perfect, or beautiful, but mostly on key and ok...it made me feel like I could sing when I wasn't the best at it but I loved music so much and wanted so much to express my understanding through songs.
Let there be songs to fill the air.
I felt I counted. I could sing too
Blessed be my good brother who gave his life to share so much beauty and love with so many lost sailors and day jobbers.
Phil made good sense and I really appreciated him.
I love you Mr Phil lesh.
May we meet again around some corner...
Phil Schneider
December 16, 2024
I was fortunate enough to se this amazing man play countless times. Thank you for the wonderful memories
Grant Hensley
December 9, 2024
As a self taught bass player myself, the closest thing to a teacher I had was listening in on Phil Lesh through hundreds of live recordings. I wouldn´t have gotten this far into my musical journey without Phil Lesh. Words don´t do the justice of how impactful his playing was for many souls like myself. I will continue to play and of course "listen, listen, listen, and listen some more" I wish I could´ve met you phil, you are my hero RIP
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S. G
December 1, 2024
A musical performance genius in all genres. His musical activities are well documented and enjoyed by millions. He will truly be missed and remembered by millions. I wish to encourage the saddened family from their loss : " And many who are asleep in the dust of the earth will wake up, some to everlasting life. " Dan 12:2 With deepest sympathies.
Mr. Jr.
November 30, 2024
My condolences.
David Sibek
November 26, 2024
Phil, I´ve been in love with you since October 31st, 1970 - SUNY Stony Brook gymnasium, late show. I was 17 years old and hitched to the venue with my pal, the late great Henry Khlaaf. Not sure what it´s going to be like without knowing you are walking on this Earth. Painful
Steve Raucher
November 12, 2024
Jason Zigterman
October 31, 2024
My first experience with Phil , was at soldier field in 1993 where you could here him on a loop about parking lot safety and to be aware of scalpers in the parking lot
veronica
October 30, 2024
Fare Thee Well Phil. I was lucky enough to spend almost 20 years watching you with the Grateful Dead. My best memory of you was having my friend take me to see you on my birthday at the Cap! I was on the floor right in front of you enjoying your beautiful music. It was like you were serenading me for my special day. This is a big loss for our Dead Head community, but as I always say, we will meet again in Paradise and hope you will be playing that beautiful music when I arrive. May the 4 winds blow you safely home Phil!! We love you!
Howard Studstill
October 30, 2024
Thank you so much, you and your friends made my life brighter and inspired me to creative heights I never could have imagined.
deb paschen
October 29, 2024
watching the Phil and Bobby gig at Chicago Theatre one March, and having Phil look at my wharf rat badge and play brokedown palace instead of truckin. just a fan...but he helped my head with that close. Great music ! so many thanks
Camille Turrey
October 29, 2024
Thank you for the music and roses. RIP sweet Phil.
Michael Halpin
October 29, 2024
Thank you for everything Phil, my life was completely changed because of you, go jam with Jerry now
Ben Ager
October 29, 2024
My best memory of Phil was watching him play for free at Crossroads. I was late to the show and had to sit in that little room to the left up the ramp and after the 1st song, Phil turned around to ask us if it sounded ok where we were. My friend replied, "Eh, I´ve heard better." The entire bar erupted with laughter. Love u Phil and thank you for the contribution.
JK
October 28, 2024
I remember the first time I heard Unbroken Chain from the Mars Hotel album. We were hanging out at Tim Hoffmann´s house when after that tight jam I heard the sound of the jet landing and that´s when I knew I was a deadhead. It was my favorite song but one that they never played live. After 17 years and over 100 shows later, on March 19, 1995 at the Philadelphia Spectrum, Phil finally broke it out near the end of the first set!
Listening for the secret, searching for the sound...Thank you Phil!!
RR
October 28, 2024
A founder member of an amazing and longstanding group. The music has been incredible. Such a talented bass player, he will missed.
Cliff Bailey
October 27, 2024
Kent Pearson
October 27, 2024
Dear Jill, Grahame and Brian,
I´m sending deep condolences to you on your husband and dad´s passing. He was part of the soundtrack of my life like so many other fantastic musicians as I was growing up in the 70´s and beyond. I personally did not know Phil but, like the legions of fans he had, I am really feeling this loss. Please stay strong and celebrate a life VERY well lived. He was blessed.
Kent.
David Rutkay
October 27, 2024
Phil, I was devastated to hear you passed. What will my life be without knowing I´ll be seeing you out there soon. Thank you for all the memories over the years.
Chad Panek
October 27, 2024
Thank you, Phil.
You played the soundtrack to my life.
I am sure, by now, the four winds have long blown you safely home.
Enjoy your well-earned rest and know you´ll be missed dearly.
Brian Goewey
October 26, 2024
I have thought for a long time that Lesh was just as important, maybe a bit more because of his classical training, jazz study and technical radio/recording skills, as Jer in their crucial early formative Dead years. Not to denigrate the other ones, who have had their dayz in the Sun. Let the light shine for everyone and everything. Sat Nam.
Jennifer Baribault
October 26, 2024
Jennifer Baribault
October 26, 2024
CELEBRATING THE LIFE
OF PHIL LESH ETERNALLY
HIS SOULS STILL LIVE ON,
AS HIS HEAVILY BODY RETURNS
BACK HOME TO HEAVEN,
HAS REUNITED WITH JERRY GARCIA, PERFORMING FOR THE
ANGELS.
RIP
Keith Klements
October 26, 2024
Thank You Phil. You have touched my life in a musical way with love and feeling. Your passion was there when I needed it as I sure for so many. For that I am thankful even though we did not know each other. You living made so many others joyful. RIP brother Phil and deepest condolences to Phil's family, friends, and fans..
Tisha
October 26, 2024
Phil,
I want to Thank you, for a Real Good Time!
Peace, Love, and Light.
Rest Easy.
RB
October 26, 2024
A talented and outstanding bass player whose career spanned 30 years. He was with the Dead from the beginning, an amazing group that so many loved. Sincere condolences to the Leah family, so very sorry for your loss.
Elizabeth Bell
October 25, 2024
RIP Phil
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