Phish

Phish is an American rock band formed at the University of Vermont in 1983, renowned for their musical improvisation, extended jams, and a highly dedicated fan base. The founding lineup consists of guitarist Trey Anastasio, bassist Mike Gordon, drummer Jon Fishman, and keyboardist Page McConnell, who joined in 1985. Often considered the spiritual successors to the Grateful Dead, Phish blends eclectic genres including rock, jazz, funk, bluegrass, and psychedelic music. Unlike mainstream acts, Phish’s fame was built through relentless touring and word-of-mouth rather than radio hits. They are famous for never playing the same set list twice, making every show a unique experience for "Phans." The band released their debut studio album, Junta, in 1989. Throughout the 1990s, they became a stadium-level act, culminating in the historic "Big Cypress" New Year’s Eve festival in 1999, where they played a continuous seven-hour set for 75,000 people. Phish went on hiatus in 2000, returned in 2002, and officially disbanded in 2004. However, they reunited in 2009 and have been active ever since, entering a prolific period often referred to by fans as "Phish 3.0" and now "4.0." In 2024, the band performed a landmark residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, utilizing the venue's immersive 16K resolution screen and advanced spatial audio systems to redefine the live concert experience. The Phish community is a subculture known for "taping" (recording and sharing live shows) and a vibrant lot scene. The band’s official streaming service, LivePhish, allows fans to access soundboard recordings of nearly every concert, maintaining their status as one of the most documented bands in history. In recent years, Phish has continued to release new material, such as the 2024 album Evolve. They remain a top-tier touring act, frequently headlining multi-night runs at Madison Square Garden and hosting their own festivals, such as Mondegreen in 2024. As of 2025, Phish remains a cornerstone of the improvisational music world, continuously pushing the boundaries of live performance technology and creative expression.

Phish's commitment to philanthropy is primarily channeled through The WaterWheel Foundation, a non-profit organization established by the band in 1997. Born out of the band members' desire to consolidate their corporate giving, the Foundation has become an integral part of their touring and community engagement, having donated millions of dollars to hundreds of non-profit organizations. WaterWheel's mission is two-fold. Firstly, it supports Vermont-based non-profits, with a special emphasis on the Lake Champlain Initiative. This focus stems from the band’s decision to donate all royalties from Ben & Jerry's "Phish Food" ice cream toward cleaning up the Lake Champlain watershed. The funds have historically supported environmental advocacy, land conservation, and education concerning the lake's ecological health. Secondly, the Foundation's Touring Division is dedicated to "thinking globally and acting locally." At virtually every tour stop, WaterWheel raises funds and awareness for a pre-selected, local non-profit organization. These beneficiaries are chosen from a wide sphere of causes, including social justice, food insecurity, environmental protection, music education, and those aiding women, children, and the homeless. The fan community contributes through donations, merchandise sales, and raffles at the WaterWheel table, embodying a collective spirit of positive change in the communities Phish visits