Phish Nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

On Wednesday, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2025 nominees, a list that includes Vermont jam titans Phish. Joining them as first-time nominees are Chubby Checker, Outkast, Billy Idol, Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Maná, and the Black Crowes.

Phish formed in Burlington in 1983, with an initial lineup of drummer Jon Fishman, bassist Mike Gordon, and guitarists Trey Anastasio and Jeff Holdsworth. Page McConnell joined on keys in 1985, followed by Holdsworth’s departure the next year. The band’s lineup has remained the same since.

Phish have released 16 studio records, beginning with Junta in 1989 and most recently Evolve last year. The band has sold millions of albums and concert DVDs but is best known for its elaborate live shows and festivals. Phish’s massive fan base is often compared to the Grateful Dead‘s traveling devotees.

In order to be eligible for nomination to the Hall of Fame, artists must have released their first recording at least 25 years ago. Along with the seven other first-timers on the ballot this year are repeat nominees Mariah Carey, Oasis, the White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper, Joy Division/New Order and Soundgarden.

“These remarkable nominees have each created their own musical style and attitude impacting generations of music lovers and contributing to the ever-evolving sounds and continued growth of rock & roll,” Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation chair John Sykes wrote in a statement.

Phish in the early days Credit: Photo courtesy BC Kagan

Atlantic Records cofounder Ahmet Ertegun established the Hall of Fame in 1983. A 500-member body of music historians and journalists decides on its nominees.

The official list of inductees will be announced in April, followed by the induction ceremony in Los Angeles in the fall. Fans can vote for their favorite nominee at vote.rockhall.com.