Phish Finally Get Some Respect From _Rolling Stone_

Rolling Stone has named Phish as one of their “New Immortals.” While this may sound like a huge compliment, it requires a bit of context. Back in 2004, the magazine got a bunch of musicians, critics and industry folks together to assemble a list of the 50 greatest artists of all time. They called this list “The Immortals,” and a little while later they expanded it to 100 artists. It was an interesting concept, with other musicians writing short articles on their heroes. (Elvis Costello wrote the entry on The Beatles, for instance, and Warren Haynes wrote a piece on The Grateful Dead.) Phish did not make it on to this list the first or second time around but it looks like things have changed.

In light of the past few years, Rolling Stone has decided to update their list with 14 new artists whose work they believe will stand the test of time. Artists whose names you “wouldn’t be surprised to see on a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballot at some point down the road when they become eligible.” The list does not have any particular order to it, but Phish is now ranked amongst the likes of Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Rhianna, Beyonce and Green Day—though bands like The Roots, The White Stripes and Wilco are also included. So what do you think? Are you happy Rolling Stone has finally placed Phish in their pantheon of rock gods? Do you think it’s too little too late? Or do you think these lists are dumb to begin with? Let us know in the comments.