122. Phish

Like many successful Jam bands, Phish enjoys a devoted fan base, and like any top improvisational group, the genres they draw from are quite diverse. Each Phish concert can count on Rock, Jazz, Progressive Rock, Bluegrass, Reggae, Country and Blues infusions throughout the sets, and they always seem to draw a crowd as unique as their music. As such, comparisons to the Grateful Dead are commonplace and if any band could come close to drawing any kind of accurate comparison (in terms of culture, though not necessarily in terms of musical style) it would be Phish). Although they do have a massive following, a Phish catalogue does not have any traditional “hits” and there might be an incorrect assumption that the “Jam Band” category is filled in Cleveland.

Should Phish be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 85.5%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 3.9%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 4.5%

No opinion. - 0.6%

No way! - 5.6%

The Bullet Points

Previous Rank: 2013: #112
2014: #107
2015: #104
2016: #103
Eligible Since: Wednesday, 01 January 2014
Country of Origin: U.S.A. (Burlington, VT)
Why they will get in: They certainly have the talent to be there.
Why they won't get in: They don’t have “hits”.
Nominated in: Never
Essential Albums: A Picture of Nectar (1991)
A Live One (1994)
Slip, Stitch and Pass (1997)
Hampton Comes Alive (1999)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Fluffhead (From Junta, 1988)
The Mango Song (From A Picture of Nectar, 1991)
Bouncing Around the Room (From Lawn Boy, 1991)
Theme from the Bottom (From Billy Breathes, 1996)
First Tube (From Farmhouse, 2000)