One fans essay on maximum Phish show enjoyment

Non-Phish Member Projects
#21

The Pa represents everything truly great about what Phish is/was and I will definitely look forward to hearing opinions of the upcoming tour.

And, just to clarify, I don’t think it’s “greatness” that has been missing for me when it comes to 3.0. There have been some great moments at the shows I’ve seen (Red Rocks Tweezer, Fest 8 acoustic set, Berkeley Cities/Simple, etc…). It’s more about the vibe, the personality, the exploration, the connection and the journey. For me, it takes more than shredding to blow my mind. It’s the entire experience that does it-- and when this band is truly in sync, the roller-coaster of emotions is overwhelming.

Fast licks, high notes and bright lights are fun. But it’s the emotional connection that really blows my mind-- from laughter to tears to shutters of euphoria.

For me, that’s what’s been missing.

#22

^I agree with ya Dooj, but it seems that those moments that you highlighted were all from shows that you attended, right?

And I think you went out to an east coast show last year and didn’t have the greatest time, if I remember correctly.

All I know, and maybe this isn’t the right place for this, but I thought I’d interject here, is that some of the shows I caught this summer brought me back to years past.

I have seen a few shows, and from what I saw go down in the Southern Swing and the DC>AV shows, was as close to 1.0 as I’ve seen/heard so far! I mean, the “feeling” was there each night. The band and audience were interacting at an extremely high level. Again, more so than has it been since 1.0.

2.0 never did much for me, and the feeling at those shows was very odd.

I think the band has hit their stride again and I for one am very excited for all the shows coming up this fall. They are about to embark on the most intimate tour of 3.0 and I get chills thinking about what is about to go down.

So, it appears that my A.D.D. has fully taken over so I will stop here.

:wave:

#23

As an infrequent pa poster, and someone who doesn’t really “know” you, I hope it’s not inappropriate for me to comment on this.

I agree with this sentiment. I saw a handful of shows in 09 (Alpine,Darien) that were fun, had good energy and solid playing but most definitely lacked that mind blowing connection. It was there a little more at SPAC, and then even more at Albany and Miami. (of the shows I’ve been to).

In 2010, I again felt that lack of connection at the Blossom and CMAC shows. SPAC was a little better but at JB it was most definitely there, it felt like old times.

If you feel that the magic is gone and want to stay on hiatus that’s cool but I think the reason that a lot of people are trying to convince you otherwise is that the magic has slowly been coming back and they would hate for you to miss out.

It’s not hype. Albany-MSG-Miami '09 and DC-AV-JB '10 were all huge stepping stones on their complete return to glory, not just proficient playing but the full emotional experience.

#24

Your time is near, the mission’s clear
It’s later than we think

#25

Man, WTF??? You don’t know me! ::snapz finger 3 times in z motion and flipz head back:: :laughing:

No, seriously, I think you said your piece very well and I appreciate it. I’m not boycotting Phish. I’m just taking a little break and pulling back on the amount I’m willing to spend for now. I believe they can bring the magic once again. I just feel like it needs a little time.

#26

^ I like the theory on 20s Phish, actually. I never thought of that… but damn. It might be awesome!

#27

Yes, the shows I mentioned were shows I was at. That’s all I can really speak from, because I never really get the same feeling from a recording. SPAC was different. The show was pretty awesome in terms of personality and exploration. Unfortunately, venue issues like major over-crowding, raining, mud, severe obstruction of view and poor sound made it tough to enjoy. But it probably would have been my favorite show I attended in 3.0 had the venue situation been a little different.

#28

Oh I was being 1000% serious when I said that. You and I will rage some 20’s Phish, brother.

#29

I agree with this, and this was the main driving force behind my writing this crazy essay. They don’t want to be a nostalgia act, they want to blow everyone’s minds, including their own.

#30

The best shows of all time had the crazy buzz in the venue before the band even takes the stage. The fans are completely responsible for this vibe, with their positivity, happiness, and excitement.

There have been some 3.0 shows where this vibe was present hours before the band took the stage, and these shows are the clear examples of 3.0 brilliance.

Since this vibe is present when the band is still at their hotel, and the shows have been amazing whenever the crowd really “brings it”, I believe that the crowd is the most important variable.

The band probably has the same mentality at every 3.0 show. They don’t choose to play a Greek Simple one night, and a standard Simple the next night. The Albany 7below>Ghost wasn’t a conscious effort to play some jams. I believe they want to play sick jams every night, but when the crowd isn’t paying attention, they can feel it and the inspiration isn’t there.

#31

^I was surrounded by talkers during that Simple.

#32

I think that the whole thing about not feeling the “magic” or whatever may be more the listener than the band. I have felt, at every Phish show I have attended, more band-audience communication and energy exchange than I ever have anywhere else. In 2010, it was doubled from 2009. The Southern run and Deer Creek, those 6 shows all blew me away, except for 7.3, and that was mostly due to the fact that I was tired that night and not feeling it. All my friends loved that show though.

I dunno, I think if the feeling is not there for you, it might be because you (and I’m referring to the generic “you”, not doojer) aren’t that into Phish shows anymore. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I know I’m new at this and all, but I have boundless enthusiasm for Phish, even though sometimes they play better than others. Like Trey said in Bittersweet Motel, if you get on stage and take a risk, sometimes you’re going to play shit, and that’s just something we have to deal with. Another step in the journey to get to those moments that make you think about quitting life and going on Phish tour. And I have had a lot of those moments since October '08.

#33

I agree with this, to an extent. I’m definitely a different person than I was in 98. But, how can the band not be different people, too? This whole “they’re the same guys” thing doesn’t make sense. Are any of us the same as we were in 98?
I think it’s very possible I’ve (the generic “I”, of course :mrgreen: ) drifted in the opposite direction of the band… but I still think they’ve drifted, too.

I would love to see them take a risk and play shit! My guess is that the “shit” would be quite awesome. But they (and I’m referring to Trey) leave the jams too soon. And they dress too nice. :lolno:

#34

I was just saying this 2 nights ago to a random Phish fan that I met at the brewpub. I love the tight precision but I’m still hungry for more exploration, more risk-taking, and both the glorious fuck-ups and the moments of pure brilliance that it can lead to.

“That’s the reason we’re exploring. You never know what you’ll run into.” :thumbup:

(And I actually like how they dress now, it’s classy!)

#35

No we’re not the same people we were in 98. We’re better, we’ve retained the essence of the good parts of who we were in 98 and refined them. The refining is still happening with Phish.

#36

^Speak for yourself. I’ve retained some good parts and have certainly lost some. I’ve developed new traits, both good and bad.

Refined? Not me. And I don’t really care for refined in general. So if refined is where Phish is going, that just might be my problem. If I want refined, I’ll go to the Opera.

#37

Ok man. The good parts of all their previous efforts aren’t being refined. The bands settled into a straight forward rock groove and the emotion is gone.

That better?

Cool.

#38

rearranged but not refined.

#39

take the space between us, fill it up some way… Fill it up! Fill it up!

#40

Sure. :stuck_out_tongue:

Or… we could just agree that one person’s perception and experience may be different than another’s…