Grateful Dead founder Phil Lesh, 84, dies as family share bassist's final moments

Legendary Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh has died, leaving a profound impact on rock and roll after his decades-spanning career.

His passing was confirmed by loved ones who were with the iconic musician during his last moments, enveloping him in affection.

A statement released through Phil's official account on Friday announced: "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."

The message also included a request for privacy, stating: "We request that you respect the Lesh family's privacy at this time." Lesh, who helped shape the sound of a generation with the Grateful Dead, was 84 years old and is mourned by his wife Jill amongst others.

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Tributes have been pouring in for the late musician, with one fan writing on (X): "Crushed by the news that Phil Lesh has passed. One of the all-time greatest bass players and just a true original in every possible way. Smuggled so much weirdness and originality into the heart of American culture. But his tone is immortal. Nothing hits like a Phil bomb. RIP."

Another penned: "RIP Phil Lesh, the cerebral, avant-garde, post-Beat genius who took the Dead's sound far beyond psych-blues and folk into empyrean realms of free jazz & classical. He could play the bass like a heartbeat or a tidal wave, searching for new but timeless sounds eternally."

Iconic American rock band The Grateful Dead were founded in 1965 - with Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann and Ron McKernan being founding members alongside Phil. They released their self titled debut album in 1967 but it failed to make much of a splash in the charts.

The band's success began to. build in the 1970s and their album Blues For Ashes reached number 12 in the USA in 1975. Their best selling record was the 1987 album In The Dark which hit number 6 in the USA and number 57 in the UK. The single Touch Of Grey was their most successful - hitting number 9 in the USA, 17 in Canada when released in 1987.

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