RIP Phil Lesh

[dmt]

I haven’t thought about the Grateful Dead much in the last decade, but reading through this thread and all the wonderful tributes has brought up a lot of memories. It’s heartening to see and feel the positive impression Mr. Lesh has left on the bassists of the world. Thanks for all the music, Phil

 

[Dana R Gregory]

Not sure if this is the right forum. I heard last night on the World News that Phil Lesh, one of the founding members of the Gratful Dead, passed away. What a tragic loss! He was one of the greats.

 

[Ritter667]

Can't say I was ever a big Dead fan, but I recognize what a great loss of an unique voice in the world of bass and music as such this is.

R.I.P Phil.

 

[Heiwa]

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/rip-phil-lesh.1662012/

 

[Tommy Sparks]

RIP

 

[GwenOnBass]

Phil Lesh owes me new speakers

 

[sacahill42]

 

[2saddleslab]

As we started to play Friend of The Devil last night our guest guitarist mentioned over the mic that we just lost Phil Lesh. I had no idea.

I was never a Grateful Dead fan. But I certainly respect the counter intuitive approach they implemented to become so successful, not to mention their longevity.

RIP, PL.

 

[bassdude51]

A unique bassist! His lines were always appropriate but different in a very good way. He didn't get into "the bass rut" of predictable lines and yet, his lines were never "showy" and were in good taste.

On top of that, loved his bass sound!

Amazing that he made it to 84! He lives on with many recordings!

 

[gwangi]

The way I see it it doesn't matter what forum this topic goes in, Phil Lesh as been playing music for such a long time and the Grateful Dead have had a major impact on so many generations of people with there music, Phil deserves the respect in any forum for his achievements.

 

[HolmeBass]

What’s a an essential Phil Lesh example to check out?

The Garcia/Hunter song “Dark Star”, where Phil masterfully leads difficult somewhat improvisational transitions between the sections of the song. On many live renditions the group improvisations entered into atonal territory, and even some “pure noise, pure sound” areas.

 

[kobass]

Rest easy Phil.

 

[roccobass]

RIP Phil.
Neither the Dead or Alembic would be where they’re at without him.

 

[jthisdell]

What’s a an essential Phil Lesh example to check out?

Atticks of my life shows how his playing is unique

Phil somehow keeps the groove while not playing straight, if someone doesn’t play bass it is hard for them to understand why it is so different from typical bass playing and why ot made the Dead sound so different. I read a quote that without Phil the Dead would have just been the Jerry Garcia Band.

 

[sacahill42]

RE: the mysterium tremendem et fascinans that could be a Dead Show, here is Phil effing the ineffable:

 

[GwenOnBass]

His death hits hard.

​

 

[getBAK]

A gift

 

[Laurent]

Time to play Box of Rain, a song Phil wrote.

RIP Phil. Condolences to his family and friends.

 

[Pdaddy1978]

Seen the Dead about 6 times...always tried to stand in "The Phil Zone". Joined in the chorus of "Let Phil sing!"
A few friends were tapers.
I loved his approach to the bass. The way he didn't follow the "rules".
A real giant.
RIP

 

[Nedmundo]

I've had a long, strange relationship with the Grateful Dead, which, until recent years, included short periods of moderate enthusiasm separated by longer periods of indifference and, sometimes, active dislike.

But I've always admired the band for their touring mojo and musicianship, especially Jerry and Phil, and through some Deadhead bandmates (2008-18) I developed a much deeper appreciation for the band and started to learn some of their tracks for select gigs. I thus discovered that I love playing their material, and I began to be more influenced by the Dead's music and Phil specifically. I've always appreciated melodic playing, and he was among the very best.

Fast forward to last year, and I've ended up in a GD cover band, so Phil has become a huge influence. He was a true visionary. RIP.