Spotify Playlists: Phish Drummer Jon Fishman Turns 50

Today marks Phish drummer Jon Fishman’s 50th birthday. The pair of Spotify playlists below celebrate the frock-wearing percussionist’s half-century of life by showcasing both his wide array of influences as well as his talents as perhaps the world’s lone vaccumist. All told the two sets total 50 tracks in honor of the man called Henrietta.

The first playlist, And Ruined Your Set, features Fish as frontman, leading Phish through a wild collection of covers and a few originals, often augmented with one of his signature 1960s Electrolux vacuum cleaner solos. The merits of the “Fish Song” have long been debated by fans and the band (see: August 11, 2004 set two banter; “Walfredo” lyrics) but this playlist helps you decide for yourself.

The second playlist is largely composed of original studio versions of many of the frequently covered songs featured in the first playlist. In this set you’ll find plenty of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd cuts, as well as Aerosmith, Neil Diamond, Marvin Gaye, Elvis Presley, Prince, Will Smith and many more. There are a few original Fishman lead and/or penned tunes which appear on several of Phish’s studio albums interspersed in the set as well.

[Ed. Note: The above playlists have been updated since original publication]