Beacon for Humanity

On Friday, Jerry Garcia’s family honored Phil Lesh after hearing about his passing.

Heartfelt Tribute

Garcia’s loved ones took to social media, expressing their sorrow: “We are devastated to learn of Phil’s passage to the next life.”

They also shared fond memories, saying, “We will miss his sharply dry humor, wry smiles and brilliant insights.” They talked about how his life’s work was like a guiding light for musicians everywhere, influencing many with his incredible mind. The message concluded warmly with, “P.S. say hi to Jerry.”

A Long Friendship

Lesh and Garcia’s friendship went back over thirty years. From the early days as the Warlocks, Lesh replaced Dana Morgan Jr., helping form what became the Grateful Dead. Even after Garcia passed away in 1995, Lesh kept their music alive through different versions of the band.

“Jerry was the hub,” Lesh once told Rolling Stone. “We were the spokes. And the music was the tread on the wheel.”

Their first meeting was in 1959 at a party in the Bay Area. After a Warlocks gig in 1964, Garcia invited Lesh to play bass guitar, an instrument new to him. In 1965, Lesh played his first show with them at Bikini A-Go-Go in Hayward, California.

Fans feel a deep connection to their music and legacy.

In their Friday message, Garcia’s family expressed gratitude and wished Lesh a peaceful journey, hoping everyone joins them in celebrating his cosmic contributions.