The Phish concert experience can only be truly experienced in sounds and sights, but many have articulated metaphors in order to describe the experience in words. Carlos Santana, who's band toured with Phish during the summer of 1993, saw the band as a giant hose and the audience as the vast garden, and the music watered the garden. There is a scene that follows the band. Many Phans have traveled with the band, attended shows numbering in the hundreds and maintained a zeal bordering on virtual discipleship for the band. But with this scene other elements follow as well.
Different people have different perspectives on the issue of drugs and the Phish scene.
Drawing from his experience witnessing seven Phish shows betweem 1995 and his most recent show last Wednesday, James sees some negative aspects to the growing Phish scene. Every time there are more hippies than before. It seems Phish is a band designed for people to listen to in another state of mind. Some Phans, however, have organized groups that choose to remain drug and alchol free. A group of Phans called the Phellowship, produces a regular newsletter that supports those who wish to avoid drugs and alchol.