Phil Lesh Has Bladder Cancer, Postpones Shows

PHOENIX, AZ (CelebrityAccess) — Former Grateful dead bassist Phil Lesh announced that he's postponing a pair of upcoming shows with his group Phil Lesh & Friends after he was diagnosed with cancer

In an October 17th post on his Facebook page, Lesh said that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer in early October and was undergoing tests at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona ahead of a surgical procedure to remove the tumor.

Lesh seemed optimistic about his prognosis, stating that the cancer was not aggressive and that he expected to return to normal activity within two weeks of undergoing the surgery. Lesh also said that he plans to perform a free show at The Grate Room at Terrapin Crossroads but did not specify a date.

One of the founding members of the Grateful Dead, Lesh played bass for the band for more than 30 years, most recently for their highly successful Fare The Well concert series in July. However, Lesh was notably absent from the lineup for the follow-on Dead & Company tour with the other surviving members of The Dead and John Mayer.

The two affected dates are October 24th & 25th, both for shows at Terrapin Crossroads. Lesh said he plans to reschedule the dates as soon as possible. – Staff Writers