Phil Lesh dead at 84: Grateful Dead bassist and founding member passes away as tributes paid

Grateful Dead icon Phil Lesh has died aged 84.

The bassist and founding member of the rock band ‘passed peacefully’ on Friday, October 25 – a statement on his Instagram page confirmed.

The statement read:  ‘Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead, passed peacefully this morning. 

‘He was surrounded by his family and full of love. 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.’

Lesh (second left) is pictured with Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart, Jerry Garcia, Brent Mydland, Bill Kreutzmann, and Bob Weir