15 Facts About Phil Lesh

Phil Lesh joined them for their third or fourth gig and stayed until the end.

Since Phil Lesh had never played bass, it meant that to a great extent he learned "on the job", yet it meant he had no preconceived attitudes about the instrument's traditional rhythm section role.

Phil Lesh has cited Jack Bruce of Cream as an influence.

Phil Lesh was an innovator in the new role that the electric bass developed during the mid-1960s.

In many Dead jams, Phil Lesh's bass is, in essence, as much a lead instrument as Garcia's guitar.

Phil Lesh was not a prolific composer or singer with the Grateful Dead, although some of the songs he contributed or co-wrote are among the best known in the band's repertoire.

In 1998, Phil Lesh underwent a liver transplant as a result of chronic hepatitis C infection; since then, he has become an outspoken advocate for organ donor programs and when performing regularly encourages members of the audience to become organ donors.

On December 7,2006, Phil Lesh released a statement stating that he had undergone prostate surgery with the cancer being removed.

In 2009, Phil Lesh went back on tour with the remaining members of the Grateful Dead.

In 2012, Phil Lesh founded a music venue called Terrapin Crossroads, in San Rafael, California.

Furthur disbanded in early 2014 and, at age 74, Phil Lesh ceased touring full time.

Phil Lesh took part in the 2015 Fare Thee Well concerts, and a short North American tour with Bob Weir in the spring of 2018.

In October 2015, Phil Lesh announced that he had had bladder cancer surgery.

Phil Lesh stated that his prognosis was good and that he expected to make a full recovery.

Phil and Jill Lesh closed Terrapin Crossroads in November, 2021 when their lease on the property expired.