For one hour on Friday night, the Empire State Building illuminated New York City with a colorful display of “tie dye” lights to honor the passing of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh.
News of Lesh’s death sent the music world reeling despite his advance age—he was 84. Tributes to the influential musician began pouring out as all those whose lives he touched worked to find the words to express their gratitude.
Among those voices, the Empire State Building shined as a glowing acknowledgement of Lesh’s vast impact on music history and American culture. The iconic NYC landmark previously lit up in tie dye colors for the 80th birthday of Lesh’s late bandmate Jerry Garcia, and the building’s lights also synced to a live encore performance of “Touch of Grey” during Dead & Company’s concert at Citi Field in 2017 and to honor the end of the band’s final tour in 2023.
Though Lesh was not a part of that group, the beloved bassist earned his own recognition, highlighting that the profound individual contributions he made during his time with the Dead and in 30 years since extended well beyond the Deadhead and hippie subcultures and into the mainstream.
His musical achievements were truly great, and his memory will not fade away any time soon.
Watch the Empire State Building shine is tie dye in honor of Phil Lesh below.
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