October

• Hey Mike:

  Just last night I heard that you and the boys are planning to do a music video. This could just be someone's idea of a sick joke, but when I heard it I almost collapsed. I don't want to ever hear a VJ say, "Here's Phish."
  Now I realize that I have no right to tell you what to do concerning your career, but making a music video is a serious decision. Too many bands fall apart once MTV steps in. They assume control and take credit for discovering bands that have been around forever.
  I understand that by making a video the band could possibly soar, and that the videos you make will most likely be really cool but I must object to the entire ordeal. I just don't think I could handle hearing Kurt Loeder tak about you guys.

  Take Care, Dan Lubell
  Dan:

  Upon rereading this letter from several months ago, it seems that it might be relevant to say a few words on the subject of videos. We spent at least two years arguing among ourselves about whether to do a video. We discussed it from many angles. How is music perceived in different contexts? What is the effect of MTV on music? How will this affect the band?
  I've always thought that it might be an outlet for my interest in film-making. Recently the others have agreed that it might be the right time for me to do a video for us. To tell you the truth, I've watched very little MTV. I don't even know who Kurt Loeder is.
  So we don't know what will become of it or whether it would even be played. Thank you for sharing your concern.
  
  --MG
• Phish:

  "Suzie Greenberg," "Esther," "Icculus," "Colonel Forbin," even "David Bowie" have their own song, but I Mike Railey does not. I figure its just a small oversight by the band. I wonder if you could clarify the problem for me.

  Mike Railey
  Mike:

  "Won't you come home, Mike Railey, Won't you come home..."
• Dear Mike:

  My question is about your pants being rolled up. I understand that the Roxy flooded out last year and I was wondering if it had a traumatic psychological effect on you to cause you to continually fear wet pant cuffs.

  Mike Ferris
  Mike:

  I've found that rolling high on the leggings can reduce the heat on one's calves, and it also helps to suspend one's pants higher. Let's face it, pants are heavy things.
  
  --MG
• Phish:

  Have you ever driven along a deserted highway or I-95 and seen a Phish sticker on the back of a car and wanted to scream out the window, "Hey I like Phish too!!" but the winds were too strong or your mom was yelling at you to keep your head and hands inside the vehicle? Well for safety's sake, please tell us how we can communicate at high speeds the idea that there is a mutual like for your band? Please come up with a universal hand signal for us to use.
  :

  Wiggle hand like a fish (then briefly pick nostril)
  
  --MG