Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh dead at 84

Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of the Grateful Dead, died Friday at the age of 84.

A brief statement on his official Instagram account said Lesh died “surrounded by his family and full of love.”

The post did not cite a specific cause of death. Lesh had previously survived bouts of prostate cancer, bladder cancer and a 1998 liver transplant necessitated by the debilitating effects of a hepatitis C infection and years of heavy drinking.

“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,” the post read.

Lesh, a Berkeley, California native, helped form the Grateful Dead in the San Francisco Bay area with lead guitarist and vocalist Jerry Garcia, rhythm guitarist and singer Bob Weir and drummer Bill Kreutzman in 1964.

He quickly became known for his unconventional style of bass playing, which was inspired by his background in classical music and jazz and helped define the Dead's unmistakable sound.

With the support of legions of "Deadheads" across the U.S. and around the globe, the Grateful Dead toured relentlessly for 30 years.

Following the band’s disbandment in 1995 after the death of lead guitarist Jerry Garcia, Lesh continued to make music, forming groups like Phil Lesh and Friends, a rotating lineup that featured many prominent musicians.

In 1998, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann began performing together as The Other Ones, and later as The Dead, bringing Grateful Dead music to fans while exploring new material.

He did take part in a 2009 Grateful Dead tour and again in 2015 for a handful of “Fare Thee Well” concerts, marking both the band’s 50th anniversary and what Lesh said would be the last time he would play with the others.

He did continue to play frequently, however, with Phil Lesh and Friends.

In later years, he usually held those performances at Terrapin Crossroads, a restaurant and nightclub he opened near his Northern California home in 2012. The club was named after the Grateful Dead song and album “Terrapin Station.”

Lesh is survived by his wife, Jill, and sons Brian and Grahame.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.