Phil Lesh, Grateful Dead co-founder and bass player, dead at 84

Phil Lesh, the bass player who co-founded the legendary rock band Grateful Dead, died Friday. He was 84.

Lesh’s death was announced in a statement posted on his official Instagram account.

“Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of the Grateful Dead, passed peacefully this morning,” the statement shared Friday read. “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. We request that you respect the Lesh family’s privacy at this time.”

His cause of death is not known at this time.

Lesh was instrumental in creating The Grateful Dead sound, collaborating with lead guitarist Jerry Garcia since the band’s inception under a different name, the Warlocks.