Phish keyboardist Page McConnell and bassist Mike Gordon appeared on SiriusXM this past Friday in advance of Phish Radio, the limited-run channel which launched today on Channel 29. One of the topics Mike discussed was the genesis of Phish’s Kasvot Växt set, while McConnell talked about guitarist Trey Anastasio‘s leadership abilities.
“I wouldn’t want anyone else out there calling the songs. [Trey] does a lot to lead the band and has done a lot to lead the band over the years,” Page told host Ari Fink. “No doubt, it’s his drive and his prolific nature, just the amount of songs that he’s brought over the years, and the fact that he’s out front and the guitar player and singing most of these songs … he is leading.”
McConnell noted there’s quite a bit going on during the shows and Trey has to think about lots of details as he decides what to play. “He spends an immense amount of time thinking about what we might play and creating songlists and sometimes we don’t play half of what he writes down on his songlists. But it’s a skill that he has that he’s developed over the years and I’m truly grateful that he’s the one out there making those decisions and I’m happy to follow whatever song he calls.”
Phish Radio can be heard on SiriusXM’s Channel 29 through January 1 including a live simulcast of the band’s New Year’s Eve concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. An all-new installment of “Ask Trey” featuring Anastasio responding to fan questions premieres today at 12 p.m. ET.
