One music writer owes Phish fans an apology

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To be eligible for the Rock Hall, musical artists should possess a unique blend of qualities simultaneously or else they must excel exceptionally in one crucial aspect. They should have achieved significant artistic success, which extends beyond inspiring just a few bands; rather, it’s about influencing an entire wave of musicians who aspire to redefine their sound. Additionally, these artists need to maintain commercial success over the span of their careers. This involves not only performing well on tour but also selling a substantial number of records.

The criteria I’m referring to aren’t my own; they come from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. To be inducted, a musical artist must have significantly impacted the music industry and left a lasting cultural impression. Although it can be argued that Phish has influenced culture through their references in specific TV shows and films, this could also apply to other bands.

As a music enthusiast, it’s undeniable that Iron Maiden has made an extraordinary global impact on the heavy metal genre. Their influence towers above that of Phish on a worldwide scale. It’s unfortunate that Iron Maiden, despite their immense contribution to rock music, hasn’t been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yet, and they weren’t even nominated this year. I’m not saying I’m a die-hard Iron Maiden fan more than a Phish fan, but it’s clear that their absence in the Hall is a significant oversight.

Phishheads have a right to be upset

It’s somewhat peculiar to consider the concept of a Rock Hall, I must admit. Placing a hierarchy on any form of art is inherently contentious and prone to disagreement and contradiction.

When it comes to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Phish, matters can get intricate. The band stands among the most triumphant touring acts throughout the past four decades, a feat they’ve truly earned. They tirelessly arrange tours, maintain their health and availability for performances, and deliver such an enjoyable experience that fans eagerly anticipate future shows.

Despite being together for four decades, the band hasn’t achieved significant success in terms of album sales, with only around 4.1 million records sold in the U.S., according to Best Selling Albums. Their impact on the global music scene in terms of album sales is minimal.

It’s important to note that a band’s ability to sell records doesn’t necessarily determine their talent. Phish produces decent music, not exceptional, but still worth listening to. What truly sets them apart is their dedication to their fanbase, which adds significant value.

I’d like to discuss something that has arisen due to my recent article stating that Phish may not deserve to lead in the first week of voting for the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballot, as it seems to have sparked some strong feelings among Phish fans. It’s only fair that these devoted fans feel upset when they perceive their beloved band being disrespected.

I acknowledge that my choice of words might have seemed overly critical. To clarify, I don’t hold a grudge against Phish. However, personally, I don’t believe they are deserving of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Yet, I understand and respect other people’s differing opinions on this matter.

Fundamentally, what matters is not whether Phish (or Iron Maiden) gets inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; after all, this wasn’t their initial purpose when they began making music. They create music for their own pleasure and that of their fans, and this should be the primary goal when producing art. Phish excels at doing just that.

A well-known band, often linked with advanced technology, such as the Sphere in Las Vegas, might be considered by some as an impressive imitation of a Grateful Dead aspirant. While Phish certainly has its own worth, discussions comparing them to the Dead will persist indefinitely.

Indeed, Phish’s approach to music festivals has influenced certain events. Their unique concert style served as a model for improvement, prompting some festivals to adapt and enhance their own practices.

One frequently cited argument for Phish’s induction into the Rock Hall is questionable, as it pertains to their earnings from touring. While they have indeed been quite profitable on tour, it’s important to note that this figure isn’t always directly comparable to other bands due to various factors.

Phish, renowned for its numerous live performances, has exceeded 1,800 concerts and amassed an impressive gross revenue of $595 million. On the other hand, One Direction, less prolific compared to Phish in terms of concert count, has still managed to earn approximately $571 million from their tours, performing fewer than 350 times.

Comparing an artist with more all-time tour grosses who has performed in many more shows to Pete Rose being a better baseball player than Ted Williams due to having more hits but playing in a larger number of games is like for like comparing apples to oranges. Both Rose and Williams were exceptional, though one may have been more exceptional than the other.

To clarify, it’s not about the number of records sold, but rather the caliber of music that Phish produces, which is exceptionally high. If some people haven’t discovered their greatness yet, that’s more a reflection on them missing out than any fault of the band. I must emphasize that I hold Phish in high regard, just as I do The Smiths, who are also deserving but not currently in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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2025-02-25 14:00