There is nothing like the pure freedom and joy of a Phish concert – a powerful communal moment that is often likened to a religious experience, a transcendent moment. Formed in 1983 in the homegrown music scene of Burlington, Vermont, Phish have grown into the planet’s preeminent jam band, combining stellar musicianship with a singular ability to build a vibrant grassroots community, a fan ecosystem. The organic, fan-built Phish.net – an early online hub for sharing setlists, trading show recordings, and discussing the band’s music – became a perfect example of their tight-knit, devoted following.

Phish have taken their progressive, theatrical rock to the next level, delivering improvisatory performances and utilizing innovative technologies to encourage the sharing of their shows, like their LivePhish streaming service. Guitarist Trey Anastasio, bassist Mike Gordon, drummer Jon Fishman, and keyboardist Page McConnell are revered for providing unsurpassed live experiences, where audiences can “surrender to the flow” of their kaleidoscopic melodies, jazz chord progressions, folk harmonies, unexpected song transitions, and virtuosic solos. For the band, every show is a musical exercise, with sound, and the audience – never performing the same song in the same way. Greatness attracts greatness – Phish have been joined onstage by artists including Jimmy Buffett, George Clinton, members of the Grateful Dead, Warren Haynes, JAY-Z, Wynonna Judd, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, and Neil Young.  

After four decades creating brilliant music, Phish have become a formidable force in the music industry. They have sold out concerts around the world, but to their fans, no venue means more than Madison Square Garden. In 2017, the band sold out 13 consecutive shows at the Garden during their “Baker’s Dozen” residency where they never repeated a single song. The band’s groundbreaking festivals directly inspired many of today’s camping festivals. Phish continue to “split open and melt” audiences with new albums and live performances, intricate compositions and jams, organic and elegant light shows, and stunning oversized stage props. Their influence continues to be felt not only through the music industry but through musicians from Matisyahu and Adam Levine of Maroon 5 to bands Vampire Weekend and Goose. 

Nominees: Trey Anastasio, Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon, Page McConnell