There is an interesting phenomenon surrounding the band “Phish.” If one is not familiar with the band, the popular Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor “Phish Food” may ring a bell. The band was formed in Vermont in the 80’s, starring guitarist Trey Anastasio, bassist Mike Gordon, keyboardist Page McConnell and drummer Jon Fishman. Four decades later, they are still touring, and, as Vermont Public states, “despite never having a chart-topping song or getting heavy radio play, they are one of the most successful bands of all time.” In fact, they are even often compared to the Grateful Dead. However, it seems that everyone who knows of the band either loves Phish or hates it.
One of the most intriguing things about the band is its fanbase, or “phandom” as some call it. Outside of every Phish concert stands a seemingly never-ending line of vendors – a phenomenon affectionately known as Shakedown Street, a song and album by the Grateful Dead. On Shakedown Street exists anything and everything imaginable – including drugs and tie-dyed shirts. One source states that “many of the fans who occupy and contribute to the set-up of this street do not even attend the actual concert, but would rather spread the communal aspects of their fan-created genre to newcomers.”
Phish fans have a reputation for their oddities, but it is also a fanbase with startlingly dedicated fans. For example, blogger and game developer Marco Arment states on his blog that he has “27 GB of Phish music, all legal, that would take 10 straight days to play through.” Additionally, Phish is well known for having many fans who will live on the road just to attend every concert that they put on. As one website, the Village Voice, comments on the Phish scene, stating that, “if you don’t get it, you really don’t get it.” Whether one “gets it” or doesn’t “get it,” the impact that the culture surrounding Phish has had on music as a whole is undeniable. The band, along with the legendary Grateful Dead, helped to define what a jam band truly is. That is unforgettable.
