Page McConnell Discusses Phish’s 1996 Jazz Fest Appearance

Considering how many acts have played the New Orleans Jazz Fest numerous times, it’s always been disappointing that Phish hasn’t been asked back after their lone appearance at the Fairgrounds in 1996. Today, Phish keyboardist Page McConnell gave some insight into the reason as part of an interview with OffBeat Magazine.

[Photo by Parker Harrington]

McConnell, who kicks off a flurry of New Orleans appearances tonight at Republic with The Meter Men, explained the issue and espoused his desire to return to Jazz Fest…

“I know there was a problem with fans defecating and fornicating on the lawn. But then, who knows what band those people came to see? But I can see that we bring a particular flavor of fan and we bring enough of them that it can start to feel like something other than Jazz Fest, it can feel like a Phish concert. So we’d love to do it again, but I doubt we’re going to get invited.”

[OffBeat Magazine]

We know how protective Jazz Fest lovers are of the sacred institution, but we’d love to see Phish make their return to the event. New Orleans itself hasn’t hosted a Phish show since September 26, 1999. It’s not 1996 anymore, fans wouldn’t turn the Fairgrounds into a Sodom and Gomorrah.