Watch Fellow Musicians Honor Phil Lesh in Song: Phish, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Goose and More
Photo Credit: Jay Blakesberg
In the wake of beloved bassist Phil Lesh’s passing on Friday, Oct. 25, an outpouring of tributes has arrived in songs and covers plucked from the Grateful Dead’s cherished songbook. Many artists choose to go with the American Beauty classic, “Box of Rain,” composed by Lesh and lyricist Robert Hunter–and notably, sung by the revered improvisational mastermind. Scroll down to see pulls from the weekend, fellow musicians performing homages to Lesh.
Phish opened their three-night benefit for Divided Sky Foundation at MVP Arena in Albany, N.Y., with “Box of Rain.” Fellow bassist Mike Gordon donned a wristband, saluting Lesh’s signature concert style. View a photo here.
In Oakland, Calif., Joe Russo’s Almost Dead followed up on the West Coast with a drummer-led take on “Box of Rain.”
During Goose’s Oct. 25 appearance, which doubled as a Hurricane Helene Benefit in Winston Salem, N.C., the band took time during their second set to pay homage to Lesh on “Cold Rain and Snow” followed by “Brokedown Palace.” Notably, Rick Mitarotonda previously collaborated with Lesh on stage, participating in The Capitol Theatre’s 2022 Phil & Friends run.
Life Is a Carnival, Last Waltz Tour offered up its own tribute to Lesh, with tour participants Lukas Nelson, Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, and Ryan Bingham teaming up for a rendition of the Grateful Dead’s “Truckin’” during a stop at the Boulder Theatre.
Meanwhile, during a Woodland tour stop at Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw, N.C., Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, with Paul Kowert, delivered a haunting and harmonious rendition of “Brokedown Palace.”
Meanwhile, Daniel Donato followed in his jam predecessor’s footsteps at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl, reprising the same American Beauty originator during night one of his venue-specific stand. Watch via the cosmic country musician’s official Instagram account, or the fan captured video below.
Sam Grisman Project dipped into the Dead’s catalog, pulling the emotive “Bird Song” as their Friday night tribute to Lesh while performing at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Va.
View this post on Instagram
More tributes will surely surface after the weekend; check back for additional coverage. Know our love will not fade away.
