Full interview: Catching up with Phish ahead of four night residency at Las Vegas's Sphere

Phish is famous for their otherworldly performances. They're putting on 4 sold-out shows at Las Vegas' Sphere, where the show can become a fully immersive experience for the audience. Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio spoke to CBS's Kris Van Cleave about preparing for the unique shows and what the band's unlikely path to success has looked like.
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[@dougw7804]

Trey is an absolute treasure. Period. Full stop.

[@barbarjinx3802]

This is an objective truth.

[@stuartblum2389]

And the greatest composer ever. Period. Full stop.

[@geneparmesan8108]

My exact thoughts the entire interview. The guy has so much humility and respect for his fans. I hope they're all in their 80's on that stage in 25 years.

[@SCARFACE69247]

Argh! Pirates love treasure!

[@stars-555]

@@barbarjinx3802 no, he is dangerous

[@brianchristiansen3828]

He’s right that it’s such a gift that they’ve had tremendous success while not being hemmed in by commercial expectations. The only downside I see to that is so many people don’t understand what a gift this man in particular, and this group is generally to art, music, and the culture. And each of them seem like such genuinely kind souls. Feels like “unique” was made to describe Phish, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

[@connorstory6373]

Very well said. Couldn't agree more. Best band on the planet.

[@christophermathewson256]

I love that he acknowledges how informed we are. This was the zany, brilliant, entrepreneur, innovative and now wise Trey on full display.

[@SawItAgaaain]

“We practice train wrecks.” Brilliant, evident, and why we trust the band.

[@rondenicolo7760]

Anyone else tear up a few times watching this? His passion for the music and love and appreciation of us Phans (sorry) is just so immense. Please more Sphere shows for those of us who missed out. 😢

[@petermccarthy4729]

☝🏻

[@yasminTheMachine]

i finally graduated bc phish led me to goddard college🫡🫡🫡

[@phiend2248]

I tend to when I watch him just talk.

[@evoshandor11]

PHISH is THE greatest band. I stopped counting at 160 shows. I can't express how grateful I am that Coventry wasn't the end. When my Mom had a brain tumor surgery and my Grandfather died in the late 90's the only comfort I had was God and PHISH. PHISH is to me, a gift from God. Thank you God, thank you PHISH.

[@maroonecho]

no one asked. no one cares

[@evoshandor11]

@@maroonecho you seem nice.

[@ExxylcrothEagle]

😂​@@evoshandor11

[@melodydawngentry5470]

Thank you, Phish, for the eternal joy & and never-ending splendor. We love you.

[@MikeP2055]

I feel like Phish are having a bit of a renaissance this year (2024), and I couldn't be more thrilled. This summer's tour has been incredible thus far.

[@state3tv]

What an awesome person. I was lucky enough to get to see the first night at The Sphere. What an amazing show!

[@dovthiessen]

I live in Las Vegas and have been itching to see the Sphere. Tomorrow will be my 20th Phish show. The ticket gods came through!!

[@wastintimejp]

Trey, you’re correct about your observation. Phish is the best it’s ever been. Thank you for everything.

[@maroonecho]

lol sorry you never saw phish

[@artofruin1393]

Coming from a musical act myself, it hit really hard when Trey said "there's 3 people I can't fool." He's so right. A band must be the best and most connected at all angles of each member. Only then will you play the best you ever will, together. Alot of people have missed out on the greatness of Phish. Having seen them 4 times, I can't wait to see them another 10+ times!!

[@elguapo6750]

He's a national treasure... as is the band.

[@stardust532]

Mexico! Yes! 100%! We talk about this a lot. I’ve been going to your show for 31 years and you sound better than ever. 👏👏👏

[@kdd981]

I love this band so much. They have been my constant for 30 plus years and I never get tired of it. Thank you Phish for continuing to be in my life and bringing so much joy to so many. ❤

[@Louis-ef4eb]

Terrible college garage cover band, after 40 years, nothing more!

[@ShastaTodd]

@@Louis-ef4eb haters gonna hate - sorry you don't get it.

[@freehahahafree]

I couldn’t agree more. I, too, discovered them 30 years ago and feel extremely lucky that I can still see them play today. They are the soundtrack to so many of my favorite moments and memories. Thank you Phish!

[@Louis-ef4eb]

@@ShastaTodd Repetitious noise is something to get!? Go play another Halloween show!

[@Louis-ef4eb]

@@ShastaTodd Trying to pass off your puff the magic dragon college thesis after 40 years!? No , I don't get it!

[@musiclives6772]

Get this band in the rock hall of fame! Legend. ❤

[@John-xe5kr]

The hot dog is the first thing u see when u walk in rorhof. Along with the fries and cup!🐟

[@gamehengeful]

​@John-xe5kr yea but I don't think they've ever actually been inducted

[@patrickmullins4552]

@@John-xe5krthat really got me good when I visited the RRHOF.

[@christopherorman5769]

It is impossible to not like Trey and his band's approach. It is one -- of many, many reasons -- why I love Phish.

[@bobwiegers]

great interview! I've only seen them once, over 25 years ago, but I'll never forget the feeling, and still enjoy the music

[@michaelmorris1486]

I love this guy. I’ll never stop seeing them-I started when I was 14 and now I’m in my forties. N I still love it. If you are looking for a band loving what they do, come to a show. Keep an open mind and you’ll find at least a few things to love and talk about. I wish I was at the sphere-it’ll happen again though.

[@maroonecho]

lies

[@caracoogan9795]

That was a GREAT interview Trey!!! So wish we could of made it there, but you are right, Mexico was AMAZING!!!! Going to be watching on PHISH LIVE from our couch all weekend!!! WE LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH... break a leg my friend!!! ❤🎉😂❤🎉😂❤

[@michaelfrieze]

Trey is such a kind person and an amazing musician. Phish at the Sphere has been so much fun to watch so far. I wonder how Dead and Company are going to do so many shows at the Sphere. My guess is they won't be able to put as much effort into the visualizations.

[@STSGuitar16]

Just want to point out that Phish has played together longer than the original Grateful Dead did. They’re jam band juggernauts and we can still see them now at the top of their game. Take a moment to really appreciate that! Go see Phish!

[@Manuel-mj5mv]

I would but I think they’ll never visit Europe again

[@STSGuitar16]

@@Manuel-mj5mv that’s unfortunate. When was the last time they were in Europe?

[@Manuel-mj5mv]

@@STSGuitar16 if I remember correctly it was 1998😕

[@TreesRocksRivers]

11:25 - “Phish is a place where everyone is welcome.”

[@pauloriley341]

Somehow plastic Ken-doll looking CBS interviewer Kris Van Cleave totally nailed it, was tuned-in, asked the right questions and enhanced the Phish vibe. Kudos to Kris.

[@LichenAndMoss]

Trey: Mind Melting. Kris: (nods) Mind Melting. Trey: Yeah that's what I just said.

[@suzygreenberg_555]

Phish truly outdid themselves at the sphere. Such a blessing being able to witness and live through phishs ride. Love you boys ❤

[@matthewcollins5344]

So much respect for Trey and his journey throughout the years. He truly respects and appreciates us🪩🚀. We are the good people. The ones your momma warned you about.

[@phillipallen3879]

Wrong gig, space Wrangler ;)

[@evertking1]

Treys tone was amazing during his ride with futhur and Phil. Him and Kimock.... Spectacular. His 90s sound is how i hear phish when i think of them. I agree that the song writing had improved a LOT.... Matured

[@CarebearOG]

Last night was my 100th show

[@maroonecho]

not a single person cares

[@picklejalapeno]

@@maroonechoI care

[@Pretty_Fly_on_a_White_Guy]

[The] Phish [from Vermont] 4LIFE!!! 🤘

[@JaK-de4qx]

You could be right, sphere sounded so tight and I go back to 92. So correct about the community and phamily.

[@DrewG77]

As someone who's been to 109 shows in since 2011, I am forever grateful that, despite it not being for everyone, that I "get" Phish. For the beautiful music, for the unique experiences they create, for the countless friendships I’ve made, for the places I’ve traveled, for the family time, for crying from unadulterated joy, for dancing (badly). Long live the Phish from Vermont.

[@Louis-ef4eb]

Terrible waste of time! Phish noise is terrible.

[@DrewG77]

@@Louis-ef4ebHey Louis, good thing it’s not your time to waste then.

[@ShastaTodd]

@@DrewG77 Yep! more tickets for the rest of us!

[@sathivv950]

@@Louis-ef4eb And here you are spending your time making sure to chime in on every post with your same copy paste comment. As if trolling people talking about something positive will give any meaning to your life.

[@Louis-ef4eb]

@@sathivv950 That's just it! Where do you get off thinking this crap repetitious noise is positive!? Don't "waste " your time or money on this college garage band from Vermont!!

[@jiudice1]

Phish is still "under the radar" after 40 years yet can still sell out 13 nights in a row at Madison Square Garden in the summer of 2017 without repeating a f'n song! No other band in existence could come close to achieving that. They're our secret, and I'm way cool with that. :)

[@gamehengeful]

There's a video of Metallica doing a pre-tour rehearsal. I guess their first show was MSG right after Baker's Dozen and they were pretty much in disbelief that they could do 13 shows without repeating a song. Hetfield was like "it would be a nightmare for us to try that" lol. It was really funny hearing a band that's not part of the jam genre talking about Phish.

[@nicholasdauphinais]

I definitely agree their improvisation and texture they bring is at a peak. And will get even better.

[@maroonecho]

lol imagine this logic? sorry you missed real phish - but hey , if it helps you sleep

[@erikkanter4106]

It strikes me how fame can be so relative. They talk about how Phish would be considered by many to be "unknown," but in the general territory of music that I, and so many of us watching this, gravitate towards, they are massive and kind of the gold standard band (along with the Dead). I've never really considered the idea that there are a lot of people who don't even know who they are. Never heard one of their songs or listened to an album or been to a show? Sure, I get that. But to have never heard of them, I've never even considered that.

[@gamehengeful]

Unlike Phish, the Dead had some songs that made it into the mainstream--Casey Jones, Truckin', songs like that. Phish hasn't had any songs that ever became very well known. A couple of the songs off of Farmhouse got some radio play, but not much. So a lot of people, even if they're not Deadheads, can name a Dead song or two, but that's not really the case with Phish.

[@joshzee4441]

Trey. You and your band are a blessing

[@jimicoop]

Trey is so great. He exudes the text book way to keep creatively approaching life with the excitement and curiosity of a child within the body of an adult. Hell yeah!

[@stedawg12]

Couldnt Agree More - I think They are Better And Better - The Full spectrum of emotion they are able to bring is expanding each time i see them in a way that always awes me ***

[@scottbeallfit4197]

All love, respect, and gratitude to Trey and the band. Love that they’re still playing and exploring new creativity in their shows! And yet every artist probably peaks. … Does anyone else think that Phish has peaked in their writing, improvising, and playing? Does anyone prefer their past 4 albums to their early stuff?

[@deionsandals423]

Troy Pistachio is the man

[@karenhousley610]

Lol

[@heidibrown7705]

They were incredible!!!! 🎉❤😊

[@SolzeyeJewels]

Love, love, love Trey! I hope to see them one day at the Sphere!

[@cleantones]

I hope you post the segment from an hour ago as well!! Thanks

[@addictedtoadrenaline]

Amy!!! Kudos to the first family. Love her !

[@Kire2112]

Imagine a Broadway play where different parts of the audience hear different things but it all works and perhaps tells different stories with one stage. Hey it’s 420 wacky thought.

[@christopherw.3763]

He’s right about their recent Mexico run. That was an amazing musical run to be a part of! Glad Trey thinks so too!

[@aasurasky1]

Wonderful interview!

[@thebtron]

I been going to shows since the 90s, the best live band!

[@maroonecho]

no one asked

[@thebtron]

@@maroonecho no one asked you to reply either.

[@JMBraz1]

Been a fan for 25 years!!!

[@tomroberts2135]

took newbies to a Halloween show in Chicago. Blew them away! "Is it always like this?" Nope. They interpreted that as it was a better than usual night. "Nope, not that either."

[@ryanlonergan3577]

What a genuine guy.

[@gabrielg8826]

The four states of matter. Solid, liquid, gas, plasma

[@lancecorwin7237]

I agree with Trey saying Mexico was their best run of music over the last few years. Mexico was damn near perfect!

[@custom55]

I love this human.

[@grouffa]

Awesome interview !!! 🌈☮️🌈

[@johnrosanova297]

Amazing talent! Here's to another 40 years!

[@justingroff3682]

Such a great interview 4 amazing is better than 40 subpar to me on couch tour though that is easy to say. I’m not holding a finger in the air in a casino tonight

[@walshnormandy1605]

"the weirdest band that ever got big" I effing love this

[@Franciskev2]

Love Trey

[@RandySasquatch]

What a good dude. Trey is the best

[@reneelafevers-cox3084]

Brilliant....🐢🐳🐬🐌🌿🎶🪔

[@zachleary108]

This brings up so many questions around the DeadCo run. Treys comments are suggesting that 30 nights for a jam band will equal mediocre shows rather than 4 super dialed in shows. Hmmm......

[@davidkast3587]

Phish is the most creative band on earth. It’s kind of mind blowing that they’ve been doing this for 40 years and they manage to still stay fresh.

[@LunarLancer15]

Trey homie everyone agrees that yall hit ur stride now, since that ACDC bag on NYE the band has never sounded better

[@jaredhartley]

He’s got it Simple!

[@2112CO]

So a couple of great bands I have been lucky enough see put on big shows . Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Grateful Dead all at Mile High. The Who C.U Boulder . Sam Boyd Vegas 91 thru 95 and Eugene OR . The best festival I have attended Indio CA. Halloween 09 what Killer venue! Cool cops and a plan from staff and volunteers that was a flawlessly and so much fun!

[@fluffhead74]

Love you Trey!

[@samiam7342]

I WISH they would have had access to these resources and technology back in the mid 90's..........now THAT would have been something beyond special..............

[@crimsonshadow7459]

CARINI HAD A LUMPY HEAD

[@karenhousley610]

Saw you with Bela fleck at salt aire yrs ago

[@benjaminrhule2744]

No one takes music more serious. Tell me different. And you’re right Trey 349…..The whale 🐋 was so insane the Dolphins were insane! Rolling Stones ate their Article!

[@pagesofbrandon]

It was Vegas 04 when he didnt got this. But then he actually pulled it together

[@phiend2248]

Yup…. Correct….❤

[@suzygreenberg_555]

I also wanna say the fact that main stream has no idea about phish, THATS THE POINT. 😂

[@Spottedstriper]

80’s-90’s Burlington music scene is rolling in its grave looking at what it is now

[@heyguy5201]

“There’s three people that I can’t fool” 😢

[@kevinbarry1764]

Trey is just….incredible 🥹

[@vibesforlife135]

Love trey

[@ericd4503]

❤

[@bjbhehir]

He has a sweet comb over!!

[@ToppJimi-q7r]

Goosed

[@djhatcher67]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@JohnHoneycutt-ol5gh]

Can I dance on stage for you guys and be part of your theatrical event?

[@azmundai3d]

What is Phish? “You practiced train wrecks?” … “yes”

[@Skwid-Lives]

Previous success if you never had any hahaha. Dude is pretty cool

[@Kire2112]

Four nights is not a residency for Phish.

[@tatesmith6888]

Exactly. Why do people keep calling it that?

[@lamarguitar]

Ck5!!

[@vertyisprobablydead]

You're not like U2 right? Leans in *YES*

[@brianwalkosz9567]

I LOVE U2

[@brianwalkosz9567]

Why thank you!

[@naomflyon6628]

Phish Family Reunion

[@brianwalkosz9567]

Tey likes U2. Trey likes Beyonce..... Trey still makes grAte statements after he met DUNCAN

[@Station2Station-du2gh]

Is the interviewer an alien?

[@mikeyt8047]

I’m sure I’m not alone but I would be 💯 okay with being so overwhelmed I puke. The most exciting part is that we’ve just started scratching this surface.

[@christophercampbell1677]

Hi trey luv ya

[@evertking1]

Is this a commercial?

[@alexmagor]

Trey is the best. But I can't help but feel they are a shadow of the band they were in the 90's and the energy and musicality of that era can't be matched by them or anyone.

[@tweedwood6910]

The interviewer does not know phish

[@sokbok]

Love Trey.....interviewer needs to go to a show, clear he has not and its embarassing !

[@SC-je7ew]

The song writing is not as high as picture of nectar or rift. New songs have become Dad rock and Trey is correct. “He owes the fans” cause this new material is weaker.

[@maroonecho]

imagine spending 4grand to see these christian rock ballads?

[@Manuel-mj5mv]

I can’t share his enthusiasm about the sphere, to me it sounds dry and cold compared to their regular shows and it looks like an AI driven deluxe screensaver.