I don’t know if it was my freshman roommate Mark listening to Phish often, or if it was something that just clicked, or if it was all the kind I was beginning to enjoy, but something special happened. My next show was summer tour 1994 at SPAC in Saratoga, NY. My experience was nothing short of incredible! I finally “got it,” and oh how it changed my perception of music and my appreciation for jam bands in general. It was like a rebirth of sorts, and a welcome addition to my life. 

Since that fateful day, I’ve seen over 40 shows in states such as Washington, Massachusetts, Nevada, California, Vermont, Colorado, and the list goes on. I’ve been to venues which inspired me like Red Rocks, and the Gorge. What does Phish mean to me? Well to put it into words seems to fall short of the mark, but I’ll try. 

Phish is my psychologist, my philosopher, my teacher, my student, my lover, my best friend, my inner demons, and my salvation. See what I mean, words just don’t describe what Phish is, was, or ever will be! If you take nothing else from this story, take this much away. Get out there and experience life for yourself, don’t be content to read about it, hear about it from others, or make judgments before you’ve seen it, done it, and lived it!

 - JGB