Everyone has a lot of love for their favorite band, but Phish fans especially are giving all of their energy towards supporting Trey and the gang.
In December of 2006, Trey Anastasio was pulled over in Upstate New York because of erratic driving. Police found him with prescription drugs, including Percocet and Xanax, which weren’t in his name. Trey’s possession of these pills was a result of his drug and alcohol addiction that brought Phish to an end in 2004.
"The first time I tried cocaine, I fell asleep. ... There was always drinking, pot, psychedelics. I'm sure there was a lot of self-medicating, self-discovery going on. Once that line was crossed, it sucked all the life out of the music and relationships.” Trey opened up about his addiction and how it impacted him.
It quickly became apparent to the band when Trey lost control of his addiction, “For 20 years, I had 100 percent faith that you would lead us onstage, and it's always made me feel good. For the first time, I’m not so sure I feel that anymore,” keyboardist David Fricke told Trey.
When Phish performed their 2004 farewell concert in Coventry, Vermont, fans noticed Trey’s lethargic appearance. Despite how unhappy everyone was to see Phish come to an end, fans and band members understood it was for the best. If they didn’t understand at that time, they certainly did when news broke of Trey’s arrest.
After fourteen months of sentenced rehabilitation, limited-mobility treatment and community service, Trey was back on stage. Although it took him about three years to fully recover, he reunited Phish in 2009.
"I fucking hate drugs. I really do," Trey said. It is now safe to say fans can rely on him and the band to remain sober.
Since his sobriety, Trey has been putting much more effort into his performances, and it certainly shows. Phish recently made an appearance at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Upstate New York. Fans were especially riled up to see the band here, because it had been two years since they last visited the venue. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone who attended. The band clearly put all of their energy into making sure every fan left satisfied. This three day special occasion was once annual for Phish, and will hopefully continue to be from here on out.
Jon Fishman (drummer of Phish) commented on how well Trey has been performing since he completed the drug program, "Trey's work ethic is unbelievable. He's not dabbling. He's pushing himself hard. He always says, 'Fish practices more than anyone else in the band.' Well, he's written for orchestras. I'd better practice my drums."
The love of a Phish show is unlike any other concert one might attend. The fans are all united by their appreciation and admiration for the band. After losing Phish once, fans are showing their support more than ever, and its working!
