For the uninitiated, Phish is America’s most famous jam band—basically, acolytes of the lysergic, endless-guitar-solo-rock of The Grateful Dead. And the band—a four-piece consisting of Trey Anastasio (guitar), Jon Fishman (drums), Paige McConnell (keys), and Mike Gordon (bass)—doesn’t do too bad for themselves. Per a new feature about the band from Rolling Stone, they rake in about $1.5 million per night on a busy annual tour schedule.
Originally formed by Anastasio and Gordon at the University of Vermont in the 1980s, the band slowly but surely gained a tremendous following via college rock radio; former Dead Heads (and countless other members of the dreadlocked, patchouli-smelling set); and music dorks (each band member is at the top of his game).
But in recent years, the momentum all but disappeared. The band first broke up in 2004, amidst turmoil within the band. Anastasio had been battling an addiction to prescription pills, which ended with his arrest in 2006, and subsequent sentencing to a medical rehab facility in upstate New York. Besides the demon chemicals, the band also dealt with interpersonal issues, such as arguing over band dynamics on stage, musicianship, and ill-timed solo projects.
These days, Phish is probably in its most comfortable format to date and having just released its most pop album ever, Big Boat, the band is back on the road and stronger than ever. Having just wrapped a major fall tour in October, the band is looking ahead to its perennially sold-out New Year’s Eve affair at Madison Square Garden.
To read Rolling Stone‘s full feature on the band, click here. For all the latest tour news from the band, click here. Listen to the single “Breath and Burning” from the band’s latest album below.
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