WHY THE FAN-BASHING? March 11, 2001 - The Boston Globe LETTERS: Pg. N14 I found Tom Kielty's musical analysis of Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio's performance at the Orpheum Theatre (Liv ing/Arts, Feb. 24) to be fairly insightful. That's why it was surprising that after praising every aspect of the concert and Trey's unique ability to improvise with other musicians, Kielty criticized him for allowing the jams to "wander into aimlessness." Without citing any examples or reasons for the criticism, Kielty used this point as a launching pad to bad-mouth Phish fans. Kielty claimed that fans "accept every note unconditionally." Kielty has clearly never spoken to a Phish fan or gone on the Internet to read the unforgiving reviews by fans who criticize and debate Phish's every song. Of course, as in most concerts, most fans remained courteous throughout the performance. But Kielty condemned the audience for enjoying a show that clearly impressed him, suggesting that Anastasio might be more inspired if he played for objective listeners - listeners such as Kielty who criticize without any reason? What separates Phish fans from fans of other rock bands is that Phish fans actually listen, and they listen closely. They love Phish because Phish has provided them with 15 years of the most inspired and adventurous music. I wonder if Bruce Springsteen fans would really bother to listen if the Boss played some complex instrumental music. Or I wonder how classical music fans would react if a classical musician began to improvise. If Phish and the fans had not ignored the critics all these years, there might not have been all the great music. PAUL ROME Newton Centre