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Miles Archer

(18,837 posts)
Sat Oct 17, 2015, 12:29 PM Oct 2015

Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh Reveals Bladder Cancer Battle

Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh Reveals Bladder Cancer Battle

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/grateful-deads-phil-lesh-reveals-bladder-cancer-battle-20151017



Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh has canceled a pair of October concerts after revealing that he is battling bladder cancer. In a letter to fans Friday on Facebook apologizing for the nixed Phil & Friends shows, Lesh wrote, "I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in early October, and have spent the last few weeks at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale doing tests and eventually surgery to remove the tumors."

However, Lesh calmed fans' concerns by letting them know that his prognosis is positive and that he expects to make a full recovery. "I am very fortunate to have the pathology reports show that the tumors are all non-aggressive, and that there is no indication that they have spread," Lesh said. "So thanks to my local doctor Cliff Sewell, and the incredible team at the Mayo Clinic, all is well and I can return to normal activities in two weeks from my surgery."

In recent weeks, Lesh had canceled his scheduled appearances at his Terrapin Crossroads restaurant and venue in San Rafael, California due to "unforeseen circumstances." Lesh's October 24th and 25th dates with Chris Robinson were cancelled due to the bassist's recovery, but he promises "we will reschedule these shows as soon as we can." Lesh previously battled prostate cancer in 2006.

Phil and Friends seem intent on resuming their trek October 30th with six shows at Port Chester, New York's Capitol Theatre, including a Halloween night performance just 30 miles north of Dead & Company's October 31st gig at Madison Square Garden.
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Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh Reveals Bladder Cancer Battle (Original Post) Miles Archer Oct 2015 OP
This is a bummer! zappaman Oct 2015 #1
Same cancer as Billy Zoom Blues Heron Oct 2015 #2
((((((((((((get well soon)))))))))))) Cosmic Kitten Oct 2015 #3
The Phil Bombs will destroy the cancer NightWatcher Oct 2015 #4
The grass is always greener hifiguy Oct 2015 #9
Saw him & co. at Manor Downs near Austin. Get well! Eleanors38 Oct 2015 #5
One of my greatest bass heroes hifiguy Oct 2015 #6
I'd add Mike Mills to the list Warren DeMontague Oct 2015 #8
Phil is nothing if not tough. Warren DeMontague Oct 2015 #7
Weren't we hearing about Bob Weir's health issues not too long ago? nomorenomore08 Oct 2015 #10

NightWatcher

(39,343 posts)
4. The Phil Bombs will destroy the cancer
Sat Oct 17, 2015, 01:32 PM
Oct 2015

Have you ever stood too close to the speaker when he's playing? That feeling in your guts is the cancer destroying properties of the bass.


 

hifiguy

(33,688 posts)
6. One of my greatest bass heroes
Sat Oct 17, 2015, 04:27 PM
Oct 2015

along with Jack Bruce, Chris Squire and Jaco Pastorius. Phil's the last one left. Hang in there, Phil!!

nomorenomore08

(13,324 posts)
10. Weren't we hearing about Bob Weir's health issues not too long ago?
Sat Oct 17, 2015, 07:58 PM
Oct 2015

These guys may be legends, but sadly they're not immortal.

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