This one ultimately falls flat for me. I agree that the comparison to Deadheads is unjustly tossed about by those who know little more than appearances. The intelligent listening habits described can and do apply to various fans of BOTH bands, as can the last line. Years before Phish gained attention from the mainstream music press, when they truly were an underground phenom, the audience members largely fit the description above. By the time that J.D. Considine wrote the above in late 1998, there were plenty of people attending Phish concerts that were "simply bobbing along in a state of mood-altered bliss". This had little to do with the music being played by either band. Among hardcore Deadheads, there are many who have been intelligent, attentive listeners since well before Phish performed their first gig. Mr. Considine seems to have his own issues with looking beyond mere appearance.

well said, lpenoza. it's kinda silly to complain about people who make sweeping generalizations about phish phans being similar to deadheads, and then in the same breath make sweeping generalizations on how they're different. there's folks from all walks of life in both camps.