What a week for the members of the Grateful Dead.
A few days ago I announced they would receive the Musicares Person of the Year Award.
Now beloved bass player Phil Lesh, a founding member, has died at age 84.
I can tell you exclusively that Phil was on daily dialysis, and suffered from kidney disease for quite a while. I’m told that it was amazing he got this far.
Without Lesh there are only three original members of the Dead left to receive the Musicares award or the Kennedy Center induction in December. They are Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, and Bob Weir.
Phil Lesh was the center of the Grateful Dead sound. He gave those songs and performances their driving energy on stage and on the records. His playing was mesmerizing — ask the Deadheads who could listen to him for hours and hours.
What a shame. Condolences to his family, fans, and friends.
