Phish

American rock band Phish, formed by friends at the University of Vermont in 1983, is known for a devout, Grateful Dead-caliber indie following despite the fact that the band has received very little radio play over its long run.

Instead, fans are known to fervently trade live concert tapes and follow the band whenever they are on tour.

Phish is composed of four members: Trey Anastasio on guitar and lead vocals, Mike Gordon on bass and vocals, Jon Fishman on drums and vocals, and Page McConnell on keyboard and vocals.

Each member is a high-level musician, which enables the band’s music to blend a huge variety of genres, from rock to funk to jazz, as well as folk, bluegrass, reggae, country, blues, and even classical. No Phish concert is ever the same, as the band has made a habit of consistently performing different songs or different styles of past songs whenever they perform.

Their musical skill is also evident in a frequent experiment Phish performs called “The Rotation Jam,” which features each member seamlessly trading instruments throughout a song, as well as their huge collection of improvisational tracks.

Phish is best known for being a permanent fixture on the festival circuit, though their album Billy Breathes hit number seven on the charts in 1996.

Two of Phish’s top songs include “Down with Disease” (33 on the rock billboards in 1994) and “Free” (11 on the billboards in 1996). Other top Phish tracks include "Slave," "YEM," "Coil," "Ghost," and "Stealing Time."

Factoring in studio work, live recording, singles, and video albums, Phish has released more than 70 albums and sold several million copies worldwide.

Roughly 3.5 million gallons of Phish Food ice cream, which was named in honor of the band by ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s, is consumed every year.