I have a theory that jam bands appear more popular than they actually are, because they seem to have a higher percentage of fans willing to follow them around on tour. (Assuming a metric of popularity where selling Bob 3 tickets means less than selling Alice, Bob, and Charlie 1 ticket apiece.) In this Phish example, I'd wager that the percentage of attendees who went to all 4 shows is unusually high, compared to what a band from other genres might get.
Not to discount the achievement of selling out MSG in the first place, by the way. Phish bores me to tears (to the fans: yes, even live in person) but I can't deny that plenty of people go nuts for them.
Not to discount the achievement of selling out MSG in the first place, by the way. Phish bores me to tears (to the fans: yes, even live in person) but I can't deny that plenty of people go nuts for them.