I think there will be many tribute bands at first, but it will fade pretty quickly to just a few, and none of them will be routinely selling out theaters and smaller amphitheatres 30 years after the fact like JRAD and DSO. And no way will bands with the original members in them sell out stadium tours, unless there is some event that brings a massive influx of new young fans.

Youre absolutely right about Phish songs belonging to Phish. Phish has more of a niche audience where the GD appealed to a variety of musical tastes (just look at the variety of musicians that sat in with them). It also helped that the GD had hit records, were at the height of their popularity when we lost Jerry, and there were tons of young kids on tour. These kids are now the successful adults spending ridiculous amounts of money to try and get another fix of that GD magic with Dead and Co.

I also want to say that comparing the two are like apples to oranges..Both bands have been a huge part of the last 36yrs of my life (GD since 87 and Phish since 92). I love them both and will be first in line to see a good Phish cover band once they call it quits.