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Parke Puterbaugh
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Phish: The Biography Hardcover – November 24, 2009

by Parke Puterbaugh (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 254 ratings
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Phish rank among the greatest live bands in rock history, and a sizable subculture of Phishheads would argue there’s been none better. Formed in Burlington, Vermont, this determined foursome of high-IQ misfits developed their uniquely telepathic chemistry playing that college town’s club scene. Vermont’s best-kept secret rose to national prominence in the nineties, when they became the most obvious heirs to the Grateful Dead’s legacy as onstage improvisers and touring Pied Pipers. With a raft of self-imposed challenges, Phish mapped out much new territory, as well. Wildly eclectic, endlessly resourceful, and ever unpredictable, Phish were at the forefront of the jam-band movement, an organic alternative to the mainstream status quo that caught the ears and imagination of millions.

Drawing upon nearly 15 years of exclusive interviews with the members of Phish and those in their employ, veteran music journalist Parke Puterbaugh delivers an insightful and authoritative biography of this beloved band and their quixotic career. Phish: The Biography thoroughly traces the quartet’s history from their formative years to their spectacular success as a prolific touring phenomenon. Puterbaugh examines the colorful chemistry – the unique mix of personalities, backgrounds and talents – that inspired the members of Phish to push their four-way experiment to the limit. He documents their rigorous work ethic, boundless creativity, and all of the resulting innovations, including a series of one-band festivals that served as the blueprint for Bonnaroo and a slew of latter-day rock festivals. Moreover, he details how Phish distilled classical discipline, jazz improvisation, and rock instrumentation and attitude into an intoxicating brew that kept hordes of fans coming back show after show, encouraging them to digest and debate every note and nuance.

The book also candidly addresses the bumps in the road that followed Phish’s ascent to popularity, as rock’s hardest-working band also became one of its hardest-partying entities. Mounting excesses and internal dissent led to a two-year hiatus, a dramatic breakup, and a well-documented drug bust and courageous recovery from addiction for guitarist Trey Anastasio. The tale concludes with Phish’s triumphant reunion in 2009, marking one of the greatest comebacks in music history. An intimate and fascinating portrait, Phish: The Biography is the definitive story of these Vermont jamband legends.

 

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  1. Print length
    352 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Da Capo Press
  4. Publication date
    November 24, 2009
  5. Dimensions
    6.25 x 1 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0306814846
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0306814846
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In the wake of Phish's wildly successful summer reunion tour, journalist and Rolling Stone contributor Puterbaugh delivers a consistently lucid and revelatory look at the 26-year-long career of the legendary jam band. Puterbaugh's solid and intelligent take on how Phish blends both seriousness and whimsy into rock, jazz, funk, country and experimental music (sometimes in the same song) will satisfy newcomers as well as the band's obsessively knowledgeable fans. In the process, Puterbaugh definitely demolishes the media's reflexively drawn comparisons of Phish to the Grateful Dead just because both played long improvisational concerts for hardcore fans. Much of the book's success stems from Puterbaugh's experience as in-house PR writer for the band from 1995 until its 2004 breakup. His insider access allows him to get never-before-published comments and insights from the band, its management, archivists, crew and close friends. His solid reporting produces the best account so far of Phish's college-era birth and growth in Burlington, Vt. And his exclusive interview with Trey Anastasio provides a frank look at how the guitarist's drug addiction brought down the band, how his recovery led to their reunion and why there's no reason that Phish couldn't go on for quite some time. (Nov.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

Publishers Weekly
“A consistently lucid and revelatory look” at the band, and complimenting “Puterbaugh’s solid and intelligent take” that “will satisfy newcomers as well as the band’s obsessively knowledgeable fans.”

Kirkus
“An even-keeled evaluation of an important American band—a must for Phishheads.”

Booklist Online
“Puterbaugh serves up everything one could want to know about jam-band supreme Phish…Valuable enough as a comprehensive Phish file, this book is greatly enhanced by Puterbaugh’s depth of knowledge.”

Relix
“What sets [the book] apart are rare, first-hand accounts and details provided by Phish’s inner circle…Phish: The Biography’s entertaining stories and colorful pictures of key events in the band’s remarkable history make it a must-read for fans.” 

Glide Magazine
“[A] good read for those who love the band.”

New York Post, 12/6/09
“Check out this authoritative Phish-ography…From the guys’ early days at a Princeton prep school and the University of Vermont to success, fame, drug busts, breakup and reunion, it’s all covered.”

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Da Capo Press; 1st edition (November 24, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0306814846
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0306814846
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 254 ratings

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Parke Puterbaugh

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
254 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book readable, interesting, and worth their time. They appreciate the great information and insights on a phenomenal band and career. Readers also praise the writing style as well-written.

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ReadabilityInformation qualityWriting style
20 customers mention "Readability"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting, quick, and fun. They say it's worth their time and full of great info and insights on a phenomenal band.

"...but there was also plenty of new information that made this a quick and fun read...." Read more

"Great little book. It's my first Phish book, and I learned a lot about the band and the band members...." Read more

"If you love phish as much as I do then this is a great read...." Read more

"...but it's interesting, fairly well written, and so probably worth your time - if you like the band or are interested in rock history, of course." Read more

9 customers mention "Information quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book full of great information and insight on a phenomenal band. They say it's interesting, well-written, and has a decent overview. Readers also mention that there are gems of insight buried in these pages.

"...presented here will be familiar, but there was also plenty of new information that made this a quick and fun read...." Read more

"...This book is no masterpiece in literature, but it's interesting, fairly well written, and so probably worth your time - if you like the band or are..." Read more

"Good history of Phish. I learned a few new things about the band." Read more

"...There are so many gems of insight buried in these pages that you simply won't find anywhere else. READ THE BOOK!" Read more

6 customers mention "Writing style"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style interesting and well-written. They also say the book is readable.

"...This book is no masterpiece in literature, but it's interesting, fairly well written, and so probably worth your time - if you like the band or are..." Read more

"...The book was very readable and I'd certainly recommend it for any phan." Read more

"Well-written and extremely entertaining bio of one of the greatest bands of all time! If you are a fan of Phish, you need to give this a read." Read more

"Great and interesting read. Loved the writing style." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Christopher B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy Read for Any Phish Fan
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2015
Verified Purchase
I'd consider myself a "seasoned" Phish fan and I really enjoyed this book. If you've followed the band for a good amount of time a lot of the information presented here will be familiar, but there was also plenty of new information that made this a quick and fun read. Most notably was some behind the scenes details regarding the 2004 breakup and the situations that surrounded that time.

Another aspect I enjoyed was the commentary from Phish inner-circle folks like John Paluska, Chris Kuroda, Tom Marshall, Amy Skelton and others. I really appreciate their unique insights into early Phish history.

Having worked for the band and likely having lots of insider information, I do think the author toed the line of giving away some seldom-heard details but shied toward not ruffling any feathers and remained largely uncritical, even if subtly so. It's apparent that he has a friendship with, and high admiration for, the band members and likely doesn't want to ruin those relationships. So in that sense I think the outcome is a little soft. Personally, I'm first and foremost a fan of the music and don't care too much for gossipy features so that suits me just fine. But if you're looking for juicy, in-depth details this book doesn't really give them up.

I finished this in a couple days and found myself wishing there was more to read. Definitely recommend it as a fun, light read for any Phish fan.
3 people found this helpful
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Sherry
5.0 out of 5 stars Great first book for Phish phans
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2020
Verified Purchase
Great little book. It's my first Phish book, and I learned a lot about the band and the band members. It's not a critical look nor are you left feeling you have an inside look at the band, but as a first book for a diehard fan, it's a great start.
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Steven Casley Jr
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read for the real Phans
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2014
Verified Purchase
If you love phish as much as I do then this is a great read. It gives you a lot of the background and phishtory that you getin the Phish Book..... but you get a sense of the band issues leading up to the hiatus and break up. The honest portrayal of the way drugs and the enormity of it all took a toll on four great friends who started a band in college and never looked back, is a moving and entertaining read.
One person found this helpful
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Steve Capone
4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and worth a read for any phan, seasoned or new
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2009
Verified Purchase
Very well written and interesting take on the history of our favorite band. I'm a 10 year and 100+ shows-attended fan and there was plenty of newly-presented information in this enjoyable read. Of course, I like to read anything I can about phish, but this is one of the only times I've read a book about phish without getting the distinct feeling that I'm reading the work of "some guy who likes phish but can't write"...

This book is no masterpiece in literature, but it's interesting, fairly well written, and so probably worth your time - if you like the band or are interested in rock history, of course.
12 people found this helpful
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WickedGood
5.0 out of 5 stars Good enough.
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
Good history of Phish. I learned a few new things about the band.
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Jack D
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for any Phish fan
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2014
Verified Purchase
I've seen a hundred shows and thought I knew everything about this great band. I did not. This book was such a great read. It went into detail about how they met, their Oh Kee Pa jam sessions and gives a great account of how Chris Kuroda and company brought them into the underground spotlight. I would recommend this to any music fan. This is a great account of how marketing and practice can make you a legend.
2 people found this helpful
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Aikotripp
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2012
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed and burned thru in a couple sittings. Awesome to see the miracles recovery - not only for Trey but his family and the world he touches. I read Steve Parish autobiography right before and couldn't help but draw the comparisons with Trey and Jerry. Aside from obvious comparisons as band leaders, their drug addictions were eerily similar. Trey surrendered to his afflictions and was given a roadmap to carry on.
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NCC
3.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat entertaining light read
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2016
Verified Purchase
This book was somewhat entertaining, but if you've done any poking around the internet or know a friend of a friend of the band, you're not going to learn much you don't already know. The part I enjoyed the most and that filled in the most holes for me was the early stuff, i.e. some of their back stories, how they met, context around some of the things/people mentioned in the early songs, and their early grind to reach popularity. Once the story gets to the early 90s or so (the watershed period for the band), the book seems to speed up and gloss over a lot of things, which is somewhat surprising since that when the author supposedly jumped into the scene. It feels like the author researched pretty hard the period for which he had no direct experience, then skates through at a surface level the part he was there for. Either way, I don't regret reading it, but it's nothing groundbreaking.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

J T
4.0 out of 5 stars A decent introduction
Reviewed in Canada on June 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
A good introduction to the band. Follows their career chronologically.
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