Photo by @rene_huemer

Esteemed production designer and creative visionary known for his work with Phish and The Residents, Chris McGregor, died of a heart attack on Monday, July 31. The luminary, celebrated for his transformative work in lighting design and production, was 61 years old.

McGregor’s significant contributions spanned across genres and stages. His untimely departure was confirmed by The Residents, the enigmatic band with whom he shared a creative journey dating back to 1989.

A statement issued by The Residents paid tribute to McGregor’s life and legacy: “It is with profound sadness that The Residents pay their respect to the passing of Chris McGregor, their longtime lighting and tech guru, as well as a generous, warm-hearted and true friend… He will be greatly missed.”

McGregor’s entry into the world of music was marked by his collaboration with The Residents, an iconic music and art collective. However, his influence extended far beyond. Notably, Phish’s live performances were deeply impacted by McGregor’s vision. Today, the Vermont quartet shared a statement regarding his passing.

“RIP Chris McGregor (1962-2023), production designer, creative visionary, and dear friend to the Phish band members,” the statement read. The band went on to chronicle the beginning of their creative relationship, tracing back to a backstage encounter between McGregor, Trey Anastasio, and Jon Fishman at the Laguna Seca festival in 1993.

McGregor’s innovative designs redefined the visual landscape of Phish’s live shows. His work spanned 20 years and included iconic moments including the “Aquarium” set at The Centrum in Worcester, Mass., during Phish’s 1993 New Year’s Eve performance. His creative prowess also led to the creation of the “Baby New Year”/”Time Factory” gag in 1995, the captivating “Chilling, Thrilling” haunted house set for the 2014 Halloween show in Las Vegas, and the whimsical “From Suck to Blow” gag at the 2014 New Year’s Eve show in Miami.

McGregor’s artistic ingenuity reached its pinnacle with the iconic 16-foot flying hot dog, which soared above fans at Boston Garden on New Year’s Eve in 1994. The flying hot dog became an enduring symbol of Phish’s free flowing, tongue-in-cheek spirit, making appearances at subsequent events, including the Big Cypress festival in 1999 and the Meatstick New Year’s gag in 2010. Its final resting place is now within the esteemed walls of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

As the music community grapples with this loss, McGregor’s vision, humor, and passion continue to resonate through the stages he illuminated and the hearts he touched. See Phish’s tribute to McGregor and read the full statement below.

RIP Chris McGregor (1962-2023), production designer, creative visionary and dear friend to the Phish band members.

A backstage run-in with Trey and Fish at the Laguna Seca festival in the spring of 1993 led to one of Phish’s most enduring creative relationships.

Known originally for his pioneering work with The Residents, the legendary music and art collective, Chris first worked with Phish on their 1993 New Year’s Eve “Aquarium” set at The Centrum in Worcester.

Over the next two decades, Chris was responsible for such iconic Phish moments such as the “Baby New Year”/“Time Factory” gag in 1995, the late-night Tower Set at the IT festival in 2003, the “Chilling, Thrilling” haunted house for the 2014 Halloween set in Las Vegas, and the “From Suck to Blow” gag at 2014’s New Year’s Eve show in Miami, among others. He also fabricated the chessboard for the band’s tour-long chess match against the audience in Fall 1995, as well as Fish’s Elvis cape at the Aladdin in Vegas in 1996.

But of course Chris was most notable for designing a 16’ flying hot dog that flew through Boston Garden with the band aboard on New Year’s Eve 1994. The hot dog would make its return at Big Cypress in 1999, and for the Meatstick New Year’s gag in 2010, and now hangs on permanent display in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Chris’ influence on Phish cannot be underestimated. We will all miss his wit, his humor and his vision, and are so grateful for having had the chance to work closely with him for so many years.