Phish: The Biography

by Parke Puterbaugh
Da Capo Press, 352 pp., $25

With Phish back together, the time is ripe for Parke Puterbaugh’s biography, although non-Phishheads will find it rough going. Puterbaugh gained inside access to the Vermont jam band for a Rolling Stone article in 1995, which blossomed into a trusted relationship. That’s relegated him as a cheerleader for the band, when an unbiased viewpoint would better tell the tale. Chronologically, he captures the group’s beginnings, including 10 pages devoted to the unreleased, early song-cycle “Gamehendge.” The quirks of being a fan are also explored, which will set eyes to rolling. Phish became known for putting on special gigs at remote sites, but despite their importance even the biggest – Big Cypress, a millennium celebration concert held Dec. 31, 1999 – gets glossed over. The story gets interesting in 2000, when it’s explained that heavy drug use and the pressure of sustaining a bloated support staff led to Phish’s initial breakup, and ends on an interview with guitarist Trey Anastasio, who provides hope for the extended future.

This article appears in June 11 • 2010.

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