Benjamin Reid collection of Phish concert recordings

 Collection
Identifier: MUSIC-035

Collection Overview

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of cassette tapes of Phish concerts in various locations from 1984-1998, likely obtained by tape trading and swapping by the original collector. Since the tapes are from many different sources, the art on the cassette inserts is varied, as is the quality of the recordings. Most inserts contain set lists. Where known, performance venues are noted in the finding aid, as are set numbers, as well as the handful of performances by Bad Hat, a side project for several Phish band members. When there was space left on a cassette tape, some fans would add additional material from other Phish shows, which is sometimes noted on the cassette labels or the inserts; this additional material is not routinely noted in this finding aid.

Dates

  • Creation: 1984-1998

Extent

7 Boxes (147 audiotapes)

Creator

Biographical / Historical

Phish is a jam band formed in 1983 in Burlington, VT by guitarist Trey Anastasio, bassist Mike Gordon, drummer Jon Fishman, and guitarist Jeff Holdsworth. They were later joined by keyboardist Page McConnell and Holdsworth left the band in 1986. Phish is known for their genre-blending and extended improvisation, particularly during live shows, as well as their dedicated fan base. The band also allows fans to record their concerts under certain conditions, and sanctions tape trading of these "bootlegged" concerts among their fan base. Benjamin Reid, the donor of the collection, obtained it from a collector in New York state, who likely participated in tape trading and swapping.

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research. Audiocassettes must be digitized before they can be used; contact archivist at repository for more information.

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Benjamin Reid in May 2018.

Title
Guide to the Benjamin Reid collection of Phish concert recordings
Author
Natalie Stitak and MLBSSA staff
Date
2021
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin