Trey Anastasio

Trey Anastasio is a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and composer who is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Phish. Born on September 30, 1964, in Fort Worth, Texas, Anastasio grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, where he attended Princeton Day School. He started playing guitar at the age of eight and formed his first band, Space Antelope, while attending the University of Vermont.

Anastasio's love for music led him to form Phish in 1983, along with his college friends Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon, and Jeff Holdsworth. The band's unique sound, which blends elements of rock, jazz, funk, and bluegrass, quickly gained a following, and they became one of the most popular touring acts of the 1990s. Phish released their first album, "Junta," in 1989, and went on to release a total of 14 studio albums, including the critically acclaimed "Billy Breathes" and "Farmhouse."

In addition to his work with Phish, Anastasio has also released several solo albums, including "Traveler," "Paper Wheels," and "Ghosts of the Forest." He has collaborated with a number of other musicians, including Dave Matthews, Carlos Santana, and Herbie Hancock, and has composed music for orchestras and Broadway shows.

Anastasio's Broadway debut came in 2019, when he composed the music for the musical "Hands on a Hardbody." The show, which was based on a documentary of the same name, followed a group of contestants as they competed to win a new truck by keeping their hands on it for as long as possible. Anastasio's score, which blended rock, country, and gospel influences, was praised by critics for its energy and emotional depth.

Anastasio's work as a composer has also extended to film and television. He composed the score for the 2018 documentary "Between Me and My Mind," which followed his creative process as he wrote and recorded his solo album "Ghosts of the Forest." He has also contributed music to several films, including "The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday" and "Heavy Petting Zoo."

Despite his success as a musician and composer, Anastasio has faced his share of challenges over the years. He struggled with addiction in the early 2000s and was arrested for drug possession in 2006. However, he has since turned his life around and has been sober for over a decade. He has spoken openly about his struggles with addiction and has used his platform to advocate for addiction recovery and mental health awareness.

Anastasio's most recent work includes the release of "Lonely Trip," a live album recorded during his solo acoustic tour in 2019. He has also been working on new music with Phish and has hinted at the possibility of a new album in the near future. In addition, he has been involved in a number of philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of the Divided Sky Fund, which supports addiction recovery and environmental conservation.

Overall, Trey Anastasio is a talented and versatile musician who has made a significant impact on the world of rock and roll. His work with Phish and as a solo artist has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim, and his contributions to Broadway, film, and television have showcased his versatility as a composer. Anastasio's commitment to sobriety and mental health advocacy has also made him a respected and influential figure in the music industry.