Grateful Dead lyricist John Perry Barlow, who was a high school classmate and longtime lyrical contributor to Bob Weir, suffered a heart attack earlier this week. Barlow penned the lyrics to songs like “The Music Never Stopped,” “Cassidy,” “Let It Grow,” “Estimated Prophets,” and so many other staples of the Dead’s repertoire.
Barlow, 67, was nearly dead, but fortunately is in the hospital recovering. His messages on Twitter certainly show an optimistic tone, and we wish him all the best as he continues the healing process.
I was dead for about 8 minutes on Wed eve. Total cardiac arrest. Hard to relax & sleep now. And sad to report no Ascending Light.
— John Perry Barlow (@JPBarlow) May 29, 2015
I have prevailed. Back shortly. Armed and dangerous. Unlike the USA PATRIOT ACT, With any luck. pic.twitter.com/rftaoVCat5
— John Perry Barlow (@JPBarlow) May 29, 2015