Phil Lesh Shares High Praise For Dead & Company

While Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh is the one surviving core member of the band who isn’t participating in Dead & Company he has high praise for the six-piece. “I think they’re doing a great job,” Phil told Rolling Stone in a new interview. “They’re bringing the music to the people just like we always wanted to do, and I commend them for it. I hope they’re having a good time.”

Lesh has focused more on performing at his own Terrapin Crossroads venue in San Rafael, California and at Peter Shapiro-promoted shows in recent years rather than touring extensively. “It’s not something I could do myself,” the bassist added in regards to Dead & Company. “I’m done with that kind of touring.” Dead & Company features Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart joined by John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti. The sextet kicks off their latest tour on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Phil was asked whether he’d invite Hart and Kreutzmann to perform with him and Bob Weir as part of a tribute to Terrapin Station’s 40th anniversary at this year’s Lockn’ Festival. Lesh said no, responding “We have a drummer.” When questioned about whether he’s on good terms with the Rhythm Devils, Phil responded, “We don’t really communicate much at all, but that’s just the way of the world.” Head to Rolling Stone for more from the bassist on Lockn’ and his thoughts on Long Strange Trip.