SHARING THE SHOWS
So when I pre-ordered these tickets back in January, I didn’t think I was getting in. So I was delighted to discover I had gotten the two-night package, along with three more shows on the East Coast. But this would be my first time seeing Phish outside the East Coast. I figure I’d be in Seattle anyway, so why the fuck not?
I’m writing a screenplay about four teenagers trying to get from Florida to Plattsburgh, NY for Clifford Ball, and I’m figuring these next shows will generate some good ideas. As I munched on my chicken Cobb salad at Sam’s Diner preshow, I heard someone say the words “pseudo Grateful Dead band.” That line will make it into my screenplay somehow. When I walked into the Bill Graham Civic Center, a purely general admission venue, I was reminded of a larger version of the Norva. This was quite different from Madison Square Garden, where I had seen my last ten Phish shows (to me, that sounds normal; to a non-phan, WHAAAAAAT?). A lot of folks like to be as close to the band as possible; I prefer to be in a space with a lot of room to move around. I actually was able to secure a spot by the Tapers; a lot of people don’t like being yelled at to not scream, so they stay away. I’m not a huge screamer (unless it’s the “whoo” during Twist or the “hey” in PYITE), so I’m good there. This was another solo show. I was hoping to go with my friend Amy, but she was being a good mother and obliging her daughter’s wishes not to go to the show. She also didn’t want to expose her to some of the potential ugliness that may have been lingering from the Gorge shows from this past weekend. Phans of color being attacked and guys randomly groping at women? Seriously? I guess even the Phish scene isn’t immune. I’ll always love Phish, but I’m saddened disappointed the band didn’t address the issue. I always write the setlist in my phone as the band plays. They started off with “46 Days” and went into “McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters.” I had never seen the latter performed live, and it was beautiful. I can’t hear that song now without thinking of my phriend Scott, who named his dog Gruppy. One of the characters in my screenplay has a cat named Nutbag, but that’s another issue. “Pigtail” is always upbeat, and the Talking Heads’s “Cities” Is always welcome. I love a good “Gumbo,” and a trippy “Guyute” made the mix. This was one of the songs that got me hooked. Side yarn: in 1998, Story of the Ghost was released, and I was in a fraternity. I DJed our open parties, and a few brothers used their seniority to get me to play “Birds of a Feather” along with a couple of other songs on the album. I was hooked. When I bought the cassette (I still listened to those back then), I must have worn out the heads on the album, and 20 years later, here we are. Thanks, TGs! J “Axilla” is not my favorite, but an okay enough tune (IMO), but I was getting down during “Dogs,” off Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House. I’d like to hear “Your Pet Cat” for my son/cat Chester during one of my ten planned shows this year, but that’s just me. “Dirt” has me near tears every time I hear it. Now for David Bowie, which has the most complex lyrics I’ve ever heard: the band sings “David Bowie” and then repeats it. Then they sing “UB40” and repeat that. In all seriousness, the jam on that one is always amazing, and tonight was no exception. The second set began with “Moma Dance” and went into “Song I Heard the Ocean Sing.” I called the latter as the opener, given the view of the Pacific Ocean. The jam during that one was amazing. My perpetual groove was interrupted by an inebriated young lady being dragged out by her significant other. Thank God those days are over for me. “Mercury” and “Carini” had amazing jams, and by the time “Maze” rolled around, everybody was dancing manically, myself included. Stevie Wonder’s “Boogie on Reggae Woman” made it, and the band closed the second set with “Harry Hood.” “Squirming Coil” filled the encore, and Page’s keys always give me chills. Highlights from post-show: the guy in the bathroom yelling “Oh God, that hurts” at the top of his lungs (interesting) and the “pssssss” sound that emanated from the nitrous tanks on Grove Street (not my deal but it’s always interesting to describe). All in all, an awesome affair.
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May 2024
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