Phish is one of the most iconic American rock bands of all time. Known for their improvisational jams, rare covers of beloved songs, and their uncanny ability to keep their fans guessing about what’s coming next, Phish has become a cult phenomenon throughout their decades-long career.
But with over 30 years of music under their belts, there are bound to be some rare gems hidden in their extensive discography. So, what is the rarest Phish song?
Midnight on the Highway 11/23/1996
One of the rarest Phish songs ever performed live is “Midnight on the Highway.” This tune was only performed once, on November 23rd, 1996 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The song was written by Tony Furtado, an American singer-songwriter who has collaborated with a variety of artists in the folk and bluegrass genres. Furtado wrote the song after a gig in California, where he had an eerie experience driving through the mountains in the middle of the night. The song’s haunting lyrics and melody resonated with Phish and lead guitarist Trey Anastasio’s love of bluegrass and roots music.
“Midnight on the Highway” is a rare treasure for fans of Phish, and the band will likely never perform it again. However, you can listen to the recorded performance on Phish’s LivePhish platform.
Midnight Rider 6/22/1994
Another contender for the rarest Phish song is their cover of “Midnight Rider,” originally recorded by the Allman Brothers Band. Phish performed this classic rock tune only once, on June 22nd, 1994, in Columbus, Ohio.
The performance was part of their soundcheck for that night’s show and has since become a highly coveted recording for fans. The recording captures the energy and spontaneity of Phish’s live performances, with a unique twist on this classic rock anthem.
Conclusion
Phish is known for their unpredictable live shows, and it’s exciting for fans to know that there are still rare gems waiting to be discovered in their extensive discography. “Midnight on the Highway” and “Midnight Rider” are just two of the many rare Phish songs that fans continue to discuss and celebrate.
Even though these songs may only have been performed once, their legacy lives on through Phish’s dedicated fanbase and the online recording platforms that provide access to their live performances. With Phish’s relentless touring schedule and continued creativity in the studio, fans can expect even more rare songs to be added to their musical canon in the years to come.
FAQ
What is Phish’s most played song?
Phish is a rock band from Vermont, and they have been known to experiment with various genres such as rock, jazz, funk, and even psychedelic. The band has been active since the 1980s and has gained a huge following of fans who appreciate their musical talent and energy on stage. One of the questions that frequently arises when discussing Phish is what their most played song is.
After analyzing their performances, it has been found that the title of the most played song belongs to “You Enjoy Myself.” This classic Phish tune has been played the most of any track by the band in its history. According to The Phish Spreadsheet, which is a database of Phish concerts, “You Enjoy Myself” has been performed numerous times, with a total frequency of 540 times, as of 2021. This is a staggering number, considering that Phish has played over 1,800 shows.
The title of the most played Phish song might not come as a surprise to many of their dedicated fans. “You Enjoy Myself” has become known as a staple in Phish’s live shows, frequently serving as a set-closing number. The song opens with a catchy guitar riff and builds into a lively instrumental section. At the center of the song lies a signature vocal jam and a notorious trampoline segment where Phish enhances their already playful stage presence.
While “You Enjoy Myself” is the most played song by Phish, the band’s repertoire is vast and incredibly diverse. Phish continues to perform this song repeatedly, among their other favorite hits, including “Mike’s Song,” “Tweezer,” and “Bathtub Gin.” As with any other band or artist, each track’s frequency may vary from show to show, and fans of Phish can only compare notes and hope for their favorites to make the setlist.
“You Enjoy Myself” is Phish’s most played song, having been performed 540 times in the band’s history, especially as a set-ending number. It may be their most performed song, but the band’s repertoire continues to have something for everyone.
How many original Phish songs are there?
Phish is a rock band that has been active for over three decades, and they are known for their unique style that blends elements of rock, funk, jazz, and other genres. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Trey Anastasio, bassist Mike Gordon, drummer Jon Fishman and keyboardist Page McConnell. One of the most common questions about this band is how many original songs they have written in their long career.
According to Jon Fishman, the band has written and performed 280 original songs over the years. This number is impressive considering the band’s discography contains only 14 studio albums since their first release in 1986. Phish has always been known for their improvisational skills during live performances, which often includes extended jams and covers of other artists’ songs.
Despite their affinity for covers, Phish has always maintained a strong focus on original music. The band’s lyrics often explore themes of spirituality, nature, and the human experience, and their music is known for its complex arrangements, intricate musicianship, and explosive live performances. From their early days playing small clubs in Vermont to their record-breaking arena shows and festivals, Phish has always maintained a strong connection with their fans and their music.
Phish has written and performed 280 original songs over their long and illustrious career. This number is a testament to the band’s dedication to their craft and their ability to continually evolve and innovate their sound while maintaining their unique identity. Whether you are a lifelong fan or new to the band’s music, their vast catalog of original songs is sure to provide hours of enjoyment and inspiration.
Why is Phish named that?
Phish is a quirky and innovative rock band that has won incredibly devoted followers around the world. But have you ever wondered why they chose such a strange name for themselves? It turns out that the story of how they came up with “Phish” is just as idiosyncratic as their music.
According to Parke Puterbaugh’s Phish: The Biography, the story of how the band got its name is somewhat hazy and varies depending on who you ask. However, there is one commonly accepted version that the band members themselves have confirmed.
As the story goes, in the early days of the band, they were trying to come up with a name that would set them apart from all the other groups out there. As they threw out name after name, one of them made the sound “of air coming out of a balloon.” The others paused for a moment, considering the sound. It wasn’t exactly a word, but it was memorable and distinctive.
At first, they thought of going with the full sound: “phhhhssssh.” But they quickly realized that this wasn’t exactly the most marketable or memorable name. So they began to play with it, simplifying and condensing it in different ways until they arrived at “Phish.” This name was just unusual enough to get people’s attention, but also catchy and easy to remember.
Of course, the band members themselves have had different interpretations of the name over the years. Some have claimed that it represents the band’s fluid, improvisatory style, as they “swim” through different musical styles and techniques. Others have said that it’s a reference to their tendency to “phish” for ideas and sounds, always experimenting and pushing themselves creatively.
Regardless of the specific meaning behind the name, it has become an essential part of the band’s identity and lore. To Phish fans around the world, the name represents not just a band, but a way of life and a community of likeminded souls. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most unconventional choices can be the most powerful, and that creativity and experimentation are always worth pursuing.
What band has the most songs?
When it comes to determining which band has the most songs, there are a few different factors to consider. Firstly, what is your definition of a “song”? Does it have to be a fully recorded, released track, or can it simply be a demo or live performance? In this case, it seems that the focus is on songs that have been released in some format, whether on albums, singles, or elsewhere.
With that in mind, Guinness World Records currently holds that the band with the most songs featured in video games is Iron Maiden. According to their website, the band has 51 songs that have been included in various video games over the years. This impressive feat is due in part to Iron Maiden’s enduring popularity and influence in the metal community, as well as the fact that their music lends itself well to the gaming world.
Of course, it’s worth noting that this particular record only applies to songs featured in video games. Other bands may have more songs overall, or may have more songs that have been released in other formats (such as on albums or singles). Additionally, the number of songs a band has may not necessarily be an indicator of their overall quality or influence – there are plenty of beloved bands with smaller catalogs, and vice versa.
While Iron Maiden may be the band with the most songs featured in video games, the question of which band has the most songs overall is a bit more complicated. Nonetheless, there’s no denying that Iron Maiden’s incredible legacy and prolific output have earned them a place in the record books.
How many songs has fish wrote?
Fish is a well-respected and prolific songwriter who has been active in the music industry for several decades. While it is difficult to determine an exact number of songs he has written, it is safe to say that he has written an extensive catalog of music.
Fish has co-written with hundreds of other songwriters and in all genres, including country, rock, pop, and blues. Many artists have cut his songs over the past 10 years, from up-and-coming acts to established stars.
One of the reasons for Fish’s success as a songwriter is his ability to genre-hop. His signature sound is always gruff, rootsy, and down-home, but he is equally comfortable writing pop ballads, uptempo country anthems, and bluesy rockers.
In terms of the exact number of songs that Fish has written, it is difficult to say. His catalog of songs includes approximately 1,800 works, but it is likely that this number continues to grow as he collaborates with other artists and continues to write new music.
Despite the impressive number of songs that Fish has written, what sets him apart as a songwriter is his ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. Many of Fish’s songs tell stories of everyday people and their struggles, which resonates with fans and has helped him develop a loyal following over the years.
Fish is a prolific songwriter with an extensive catalog of music that spans several genres. Although it is difficult to determine an exact number of songs he has written, his ability to genre-hop and connect with listeners on a personal level has helped him establish himself as one of the most respected and successful songwriters in the industry.
Is Phish a hippie music?
Phish is a progressive rock band that formed at the University of Vermont in 1983. Their music incorporates elements of rock, jazz, funk, bluegrass, and even classical music. While some people may associate Phish with the hippie subculture due to the band’s improvisational approach to music, their use of psychedelic imagery, and their association with the jam band scene, it is not entirely accurate to classify Phish as “hippie music.”
While Phish’s music certainly appeals to a wide range of people, including hippies, their sound is not limited to that demographic. They’ve gained a devoted following over the years thanks to their unique sound, incredible live performances, and their willingness to experiment with a variety of musical genres and styles. Phish has been described as a band that defies easy categorization, which is one of the things that makes them so appealing to music lovers of all types.
Phish’s live performances are legendary, and have been known to last for several hours at a time. Their concerts are characterized by extended jams and improvisational passages that allow the musicians to explore the music in unique and unpredictable ways. While this approach may appeal to fans of the hippie subculture, it is far from exclusive to that demographic. Phish’s music has been known to attract a wide range of people, from college students and young professionals to middle-aged music lovers and beyond.
While Phish’s music may hold a special appeal for fans of the hippie subculture, it would be inaccurate to classify them solely as “hippie music.” Their unique sound, incredible live performances, and willingness to experiment with a variety of genres and styles make them an appealing band to music lovers of all types. Whether you’re a fan of rock, jazz, funk, or anything in between, there is something in Phish’s music that is sure to capture your attention and keep you coming back for more.