Watch Phish’s Trey Anastasio & Mike Gordon’s Unedited 1992 MTV News Interview

In Summer 1992, Phish took part in the inaugural H.O.R.D.E. Tour. As the multi-band traveling concert began to gain traction, MTV began to take notice. The recently shuttered MTV News interviewed Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio and bassist Mike Gordon on the H.O.R.D.E. Tour at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York.

While the interview touches on the usual stuff — band origin story, description of sound (“loud and soft”) — Phish being Phish, there is certainly some silliness. Trey and Mike synchronizing sips of beer and crossing their legs is classic. Anastasio also shouts out MTV News’ Tabitha Soren who previously worked at the ABC affiliate in Burlington, Vermont. Silliness aside, the interview is more of a manifesto where Mike and Trey lay out the formula for Phish’s success, which the band from Vermont still largely abides by to this day.

Some of the things Anastasio and Gordon discussed are cornerstones of the band’s music as well as the culture that grew up around them, including their grassroots beginnings, relying on word of mouth and bootlegged shows to proliferate awareness. In the early days of the internet, Anastasio talked about “PhishNet” and how it helped grow the group.

Ever the champion of Phish’s crew, Trey also spoke about how touring supports not only the band but also those who make the shows happen behind the scenes, including health insurance. Additionally, Trey and Mike discussed the special connection between audience and band.

But perhaps one of the most interesting questions through the lens of history is when the interviewer asks if Mike and Trey saw themselves continuing to tour and “still together” in 20 years. Watch the unedited interview below: