Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh diagnosed with cancer

Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh says he has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and is being treated in Arizona.

Lesh, 75, announced his illness Friday on the Facebook page of his San Rafael restaurant and concert hall, Terrapin Crossroads.

Lesh says he was diagnosed in early October and has been undergoing tests at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale and will eventually have surgery to remove the tumours.

He says he's "very fortunate" to have the pathology reports show the tumours are all non-aggressive and that there is no indication that they have spread.

He cancelled Phil Lesh and Friends shows scheduled for Oct. 24 and 25 at the Terrapin Crossroads.

Lesh saidhe will be able to return to normal activities two weeks after surgery and will reschedule the canceled dates.