Talk of a possible Phish reunion has been heating up in recent weeks, and now keyboardist Page McDonnell has issued a statement confirming the band's intention to meet and discuss their future.
"Recently the conversations have turned toward the possibility of spending some time together," McConnell says, adding, "later this year we hope to spend some time together and take a look at what possible futures we might enjoy. In fact, the only real decision that has been made is that when we do get together, it will only be the four of us, hopefully with no distractions. I am really looking forward to that."
In his statement, McConnell admits that he's enjoyed the past four years away from Phish, who split in August 2004, but he adds that he's not only rekindled friendships with the other members, but that he's "closer with all of them now then I've ever been in our 20-year relationship."
Rumors of a Phish reunion started last May when all four members were on hand in New York to accept a lifetime achievement award from the Jammys. In the following weeks, speculation has centered on the making a new studio album with producer Steve Lillywhite.A reunion tour would be a huge financial incentive for the band, whose loyal fan base has remained undiminished.
McConnell ends his statement by saying that "the prospect of Phish reuniting is something I consider very seriously, and I think about it a lot. And lastly, as always, there is plenty of misinformation floating around. Try not to focus too much on secondhand sources and random gossip. If there is anything real to announce, it will come from the four of us as a group."
And as soon as we hear something, we'll report.
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Joe is a freelance journalist who has, over the past few decades, interviewed hundreds of guitarists for Guitar World, Guitar Player, MusicRadar and Classic Rock. He is also a former editor of Guitar World, contributing writer for Guitar Aficionado and VP of A&R for Island Records. He’s an enthusiastic guitarist, but he’s nowhere near the likes of the people he interviews. Surprisingly, his skills are more suited to the drums. If you need a drummer for your Beatles tribute band, look him up.