Phish: The Biography

Phish were one of the most successful touring outfits of all time, with a fan base rivaling that of the Grateful Dead. Their full story has never been told—until now.

In 1995, Parke Puterbaugh was sent by Rolling Stone to write a feature on the band. Spending time with them in their hometown and rehearsal studio, as well as attending some of their most memorable concerts, he became a trusted insider and unofficial in-house writer, producing press releases, interviews, and articles for the band until their breakup in 2004.

Phish is the product of a decade of interviews with all band members, tracing their evolution from prep school to enormous success in the mid-’90s and beyond. Puterbaugh provides unique insight into their music and complicated interpersonal dynamics; examines their controversial later years; and reveals the real role drugs played in their breakup. The result is an intimate and fascinating portrait of one of the most successful live acts in history.