This Is Your Song Too: Phish and Contemporary Jewish Identity

Phish has a large and dedicated fan base, many of whom are Jewish, and the band has played Hebrew songs in concert. This book explores Jewishness in the Phish universe and how spirituality, ritual, and identity function in the world of rock and roll.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

Phish, a renowned rock band, has amassed a dedicated fan base known as "Phishheads," who follow the band across the country, attending numerous concerts. What may come as a surprise is that a significant portion of these fans identify as Jewish.

Two members of the band, bassist Mike Gordon and drummer Jonathan Fishman, were raised in Jewish households, and Phish has incorporated Hebrew songs into their live performances. At these concerts, many attendees, some sporting T-shirts featuring "Phish" written in Hebrew letters, experience a unique and distinctly Jewish feeling during the band's performances.

As this book explores, Phish serves as a platform for many Jews to explore cultural and spiritual fulfillment outside the traditional confines of Jewish life. The fandom and the live Phish experience act as a microcosm, showcasing how American Jewish religious and cultural life manifest in unexpected spaces.

Featuring an interview with Mike Gordon and a collection of captivating photographs, "This Is Your Song Too" delves into Jewishness within the Phish universe, offering a deeper understanding of how spirituality, ritual, and identity play a role in the world of rock and roll.

The book is brought to life by a team of editors, including Evan S. Benn, Dean Budnick, Jacob A. Cohen, Benjamin David, Jessy Dressin, Josh Fleet, Mike Greenhaus, Joshua S. Ladon, Noah Munro Lehrman, Caroline Rothstein, and Isaac Kandall Slone. Their contributions enrich the narrative and provide valuable insights into the diverse experiences of Jewish fans within the Phish community.

Whether you're a seasoned Phishhead or a newcomer to the world of rock music, "This Is Your Song Too" offers a captivating exploration of the intersection of Judaism and music, shedding light on the unique ways in which Phish has touched the lives of its fans and contributed to the broader cultural landscape.

Weight: 750g
Dimension: 260 x 185 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271095660