So, I have been enjoying my ventures into the venues of America and travelling tp Phish shows for over fifteen years now. I have listened to Alpine Valley shows, heard people speak of the venue and have wanted to mark it off my venue list for some time. The energy was muddled by people who like to dress up and feel a vibe. The grandest issue I have as I grow up and love to phreak out, is that I become incredibly frustrated with the number of people who have no clue of what they are listening to, or the significance of a FUCK YOUR FACE at a show, or in incredibly intimate Jam and evolutionary process being explored right before their very ears! Go to the top of the venue and do all the sloppy screaming, bumping into people, complaining, or talking about all the class times that you can't believe your going to have to wake up for. When I go to Phish, I am in a cathedral! This Venue was a pretty cathedral with a huge sloping dancefloor that was soggy from the rain the night before, making it a bit slippery; however, after being at Coventry (remember these dates are 6 years exactly from their break up(GOD BLESS IT THAT I AM AT A SHOW)) I will take a little gradient and slippage.
Being a sober Phishphan and having been so for over ten years now, I will tell you that I have never had a problem with energy. It is just an attention span issue. The kids these days. . .
THE MUSIC: This was not a show for anyone that does not pay attention to the rich history and intimacy of the JAM! This was not the show for a new girlfriend introduction to a "cool band we just heard about," This was a rich and varied show played so tight that I couldn't get out of it! (even with those around me). The band is playing so well together, they are indulging in each other (or so it seems) each of them take time to hold the light saber and show their Jedi Mastery, and I gotta say: vocally, they are hitting notes and sounding super strong. This was an incredibly vivid show: the lights were astounding, video master even had a great time throughout (but props during Sparkle); and I was a part of a grand Phish Show!
6 years ago I had a campsite and mud up to my ankles in glorious Vermont for a strange two day goodbye party that the world conspired against. My favorite band was choosing to break up (and the way Paige cried 6 years ago tonight) it felt like it very well could be true. I am in beautiful Wisconsin today, relaxing into the afterglow of an incredible set with Phish last night, and heart pounding nervous excitement about what tonight could possibly become.
Cheers to Phish for their continued willingness and exploration. Cheers to the Phans young and old. And cheers to another setlist and venue into my own collection of the Book!