Remembering Phil Lesh: Reflections on His Final Maine Show

There's a common stereotype that gets thrown around on social media quite a bit these days, and it’s entirely true in regard to my life. Essentially, it's the fact that many men turn into jam band fanatics when they hit their midlife crises. Well, that is 100% what happened to me.

I had always been interested in jam bands but was never fully comfortable embracing the truth. However, as I grew older, I realized that long guitar solos, energizing riffs, incoherent lyrics, shows without openers, and college football-like tailgates were definitely my speed

In the course of about two years, I went from being a casual fan to desperately trying to convince my wife to let me follow Phish around for an entire summer. It's been quite an impressive climb up the jam band fandom mountain.

I give you all this background because the death of the legendary Phil Lesh got me thinking about the incredible performance he and his band put on just a few years back in Portland. It would sadly be Phil's last show in Maine, one that I will never forget.

Phil Lesh was not just a founding member of the Grateful Dead; he was also an innovator when it came to the electric bass. He brought a truly unique sound to the Dead, one that helped the band spread its 'San Francisco sound.'"

Following Jerry Garcia's death in 1995, Lesh played in numerous reunion bands with former members before starting Phil Lesh & Friends in 2012. This allowed Lesh to collaborate with a variety of musicians, including his son, and perform Dead tunes as well as covers from other artists. Phil Lesh & Friends would occasionally tour, including a stop at Thompsons Point in Portland back in 2022.

I had never seen any iteration of the Dead before, so needless to say, I was rather excited. I felt like I was in for quite an education. Boy, was I right.

I don't think I'm being too hyperbolic when I say it was quite possibly the most positive and fun show I ever attended. The vibe was perfect (as was the mid-summer weather), the crowd was eclectic, the sound was superb, and the setlist was absolutely killer.

Lesh & Friends whipped out some serious Dead classics like 'Alice D. Millionaire,' 'Here Comes the Sunshine,' 'Shakedown Street,' and 'Touch of Grey.' And that was just the first set.

The second set featured hits like 'Terrapin Station,' 'Scarlet Begonias,' 'Dark Star,' and a great version of Bonnie Dobson's 'Morning Dew.' It was a great evening, to say the least.

However, the highlight may have been just watching Lesh perform. First off, he was still absolutely killing it on the bass, even in his early 80s. It was also special to see him share the stage with his son, which was a very heartwarming aspect of the show. But the true icing on the cake was when Phil addressed the crowd before the encore, thanking everyone for the unwavering support and discussing how important organ donation is—something he has stressed on stage since his liver transplant in 1998. Listening to Phil speak so passionately about this topic was truly a sight to see, and it will always remain engraved in my memory

The news of Lesh's death was difficult to take, but I’m glad his fans here in Southern Maine had a chance to see him that one last time—a moment I know I will never forget—and I’m sure I’m not alone in that.

So long to one of rock's legendary performers and individuals. It's never easy to lose an icon, but thankfully Phil's legacy will live on forever.