While I love the intent of the quote, even back then, there was something they could do onstage to make more money...and that was shred it so people came back the next night. Which Phish did (shredded it) and the fans did (came back).

I would also say that Phish comes closer than almost anyone else to being a "universal language"-like band. Reason being, while their lyrics are a large part of who they are, in plenty of their songs they are so nonsensical as to be irrelevant. And thus, it is the played music that carries more weight (rather than the lyrics), at least to me. And anyone, anywhere, can listen to an epic jam and like it.