Is Phish Cooking Up Something New?

Word on the street, or blogosphere rather, is that famed jam band, Phish, is planning to record a reunion album. Rumor has it the band has called on producer Steve Lillywhite, producer of their 1996 album,
 Billy Breathes, to discuss ideas for the potential reunion.

Word on the street, or blogosphere rather, is that famed jam band, Phish,is planning to record a reunion album. Rumor has it the band has called on producer Steve Lillywhite, producer of their 1996 album,
 Billy Breathes, to discuss ideas for the potential reunion.

According to Billboard, an “online report,” a.k.a. a blog post on Jamtopia.com, mentions a similar rumor allegedly started by former Phish drummer, Jon Fishman. The rumor, apparently written in an email, stated that the band would be returning to the studio sometime in the near future—and Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio has added steam to the rumor mill with comments made in recent interviews.

The recent buzz generated by a possible reunion is unexpected so soon after the band’s 2004 split. In the four years since the band’s division, each member of Phish has been keeping busy with solo projects as well as participating in one another’s recordings, proving the band to be a professionally close and intertwined group. This reported closeness, however, could be the false alarm that has led to rumors of a reunion.

As for Steve Lillywhite, who has produced records for the Rolling Stones and fellow jam band, Dave Matthews Band, the producer’s only involvement with Phish was the production of Billy Breathes in 1996. When contacted by Billboard, Lillywhite said, “no comment,” in response to questions about the reunion hearsay. “No comment” doesn’t necessarily mean “no,” but for now, Lillywhite is said to be busy working with U2 in Dublin.

The former members of Phish have yet to make any statements regarding their supposed reunion album. The only certain and legitimate news regarding the band is the August 5th release of a DVD filmed at their July 22, 1997 performance at Walnut Creek in Raleigh, NC.