Fans of the Grateful Dead gathered at the Haight-Ashbury house that served as the band’s home in the 1960s to honor the memory of founding member Phil Lesh, who recently passed away.
Joan Durbin, visiting from Atlanta, reflected on the band’s profound influence on their lives. “They’ve had a really big influence on our life. And, so I like to think of the happy memories,” she expressed. Her husband, Mark Durbin, added, “When we heard the news that Phil had died, we decided we wanted to come down here and just pay our respects. It’s like watching a bunch of your friends get older, and so people die, but the music goes on.”
Across the street, a Volkswagen van played the band’s music, capturing the atmosphere of the occasion. “It’s surreal. I mean, the dead were getting old,” said Johnny Greavu. “I figured this day was coming, but not so soon.”
Phil Lesh, the bassist for the iconic Bay Area band, died at the age of 84, marking the loss of a significant figure in the counterculture movement of the sixties. Michael Seiler reflected on the importance of the house, stating, “If you look at that house and think about the people that have gone up and down those steps during those special years, that was a very special moment in time.”
Greavu noted the community surrounding Deadheads, describing them as “a whole community of misfits in a way, and it’s home for a lot of people who don’t feel they have a home.” The Grateful Dead’s music has left a lasting impact, inspiring generations of fans who continue to celebrate their legacy. Seiler summarized the atmosphere, saying, “The energy from that time is still here; you feel it.”