Among guitar enthusiasts, there's a shared recognition of the Warren Haynes sound—a nod to a lifetime of musical achievement. Haynes has been captivating audiences for decades, with stints alongside David Allen Coe, The Allman Brothers, The Dead, Phil Lesh and Friends, the Dickey Betts Band, and his own band, Gov’t Mule. So, it's no surprise that whenever he announces a new album, it causes a stir.

Slash has been part of American music since 1981. It is hard to think of the '80s and '90s rock scene and not visualize the tall, muscular Guns N’ Roses lead guitarist in his trademark top hat. He has formed many bands and played many styles. His current album, Orgy of the Damned, is a collection of tried-and-true Blues powerhouse tunes played with some of the industry's heavy hitters. Each track is a marriage of the original song, the featured artist's own style, and Slash’s interpretation on guitar.

In the swirling, technicolor maelstrom that was Haight-Ashbury, there was a bassline. It wasn’t just any bassline, mind you. It was Phil Lesh’s—an intricate, weaving, electrified pulse that felt more like the heartbeat of the universe than just another instrument in a band. Now that pulse, that cosmic conductor, has drifted into the great unknown.

Today, we at Grateful Web are heartbroken to share the passing of Phil Lesh, founding bassist of the Grateful Dead, who left this world on October 25th, 2024. Phil was surrounded by his family, filled with love in his final moments. His contributions to music and the deep joy he brought to countless lives will remain forever. Our thoughts are with the Lesh family, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time. A more detailed tribute will follow as we honor his incredible legacy.