Saturday 07/23/2016 by pzerbo

FORUM RECAP: GRAVITY'S RAINBOW

On Friday night, Phish rolled into The Forum in Inglewood, CA for the third consecutive year and the penultimate show of the 2016 summer tour. After an unusually sluggish opening two weeks of the campaign, starting with Great Woods Phish had returned to mid-season form, including most recently a successful run in San Francisco that featured entertaining jams and a bounty of bustouts. The tour has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but with an upward arc and two high-profile, webcasted, weekend gigs to wrap up, the hammer was theirs to pull out the come-from-behind tour championship. Let’s see how they did.


Photo © Derek Gregory

The band took the stage at 8:15p and opened with a “Moma Dance” > “Sample” combo, a set of songs that are often deployed in early slots because they are easy to perform, relative to much of the band’s seemingly limitless repertoire. “Moma” safely allowed everyone to get comfortable, but in what turned out to be a harbinger for how much of the show would play out, Trey struggled with routine parts of “Sample.” The first “Paul and Silas” since 10/20/13 Hampton (107 shows) was a fun surprise and would be the only rarity of the night.

The balance of the set was standard modern first set fare, without anything in the way of real highlights. There were plenty of “average great” segments: check out Trey’s MuTron deployment in “Kill Devil Falls,” the short but engaging jam in “Stash” (after Trey oddly flubbing the easy part and getting a chuckle with the crowd), and the jam segment of “Antelope” which saw Trey briefly run free and relaxed, a state that seemed elusive for much of the set. There were competent if forgettable performances of “Yarmouth Road,” “Halfway to the Moon,” “Blaze On,” and “Cavern,” while “Horn” and “Heavy Things” joined “Sample” in the trainwreck category.

On the heels of the first set from the final night in San Francisco – widely and appropriately praised as among the best first sets of the 3.0 era – it was understandable that Phish would serve up an uneventful, average-for-3.0 first set. What followed though was a genuine surprise, with a set break that lasted as long as the Worcester “Runaway Jim,” almost an hour. The crowd (and fans following along on couch tour) was of course drunk with speculation as to what it all meant, man; the delay could have been the result of a million things that don’t benefit from guessing, but we’d be remiss not to note that it happened.


Photo © Derek Gregory

The band finally returned to the stage a little after 10:30p with “Axilla,” which perhaps not coincidentally was present in the 7/3/16 SPAC3 second set. As has been the case for the last several outings, “Fuego” featured a nice Trey jam that was given room to roam, setting the stage for a centerpiece jam. There was a moment of indecision where a new improvisational launchpoint briefly emerged, but that window closed in favor of “Back on the Train.” “BOTT” packed a lot of spunk into seven and half minutes, and with the opening notes of “Saw It Again” it was clear that they’d be delivering a suite absent an improvisational centerpiece.

The next half hour was uneventful, as “Saw it Again” was followed by a combo of “Prince Caspian” that floated upon the “Waves.” Along with “Paul and Silas,” “Waves” was the only 2016 debut of the show. It was a great call in a vacuum, though placed between “Caspian” and “Joy” was not an effective sequence for the heart of the second set. “The Wedge” further cemented the sense that this night was basically two first sets of mostly short and thematically unconnected songs. “Scent of a Mule” featured the sought-after Trey-Fish Marimba Lumina duet for the drums/space portion of the show. “Rock and Roll” reached a peak that was sorely needed by this late point, and “You Enjoy Myself” brought the set to a close, but not before a Mike and Trey face-off duel. Phish oddly limped home in the encore with tepid, sloppy versions of “Boogie On Reggae Woman,” “Bouncing,” and “Golgi.”


Photo © Derek Gregory

There is Phish, the fantasy. This is a world where everything Phish is unicorns and rainbows, and the only variations in Phish performances are whether they were merely “totally sick” or, more likely, “the best ever!” Phish as escapist fantasy is totally valid approach – an island oasis of lights and colors, brilliant scents and subtle sounds, amongst friends. Everything. Is. Awesome. If you loved that show, more power to you! Own that experience, and don’t let anyone tell you differently.

Then there is Phish, the reality. The very human reality of four musicians — and the staff and crew and managers and partners that support them — who perform live and without a net. They are four humans who grow and regress, who have good days and bad days. Phish is a band that has climbed virtually every mountain they faced and sometimes several times over, but that progress has not nearly always been marked by linear growth. They are a band that has pushed change relentlessly, sometimes stumbling but seemingly always coming up Millhouse in the end. Tonight at The Forum was a stumble… and that’s, OK.

Fans who came of age in the 3.0 era are often looking for “their” equivalent of the revered moments of Phish’s earlier career. In 2016, they have it, in “their own” 1996, a year of creative uncertainty and adjustment following a historical peak. It’s part of the package if you hang around long enough as a fan. It’s also a convenient time to reflect upon the true greatness that Phish exhibited in 2015. 2015 was a great year of Phish, and if 2016 seems in any way less so, relax – that’s just gravity. If you don’t like the weather, stick around – it’s likely to change, dramatically!

Phillip Zerbo is the editor of The Phish Companion. #ReadTheBook

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Comments

, comment by jdisk
jdisk Such a great post! Thanks man for the grounded yet optimistic recap.
, comment by phunky58
phunky58 Overall this tour will go down as mediocre at best imo. The exploration was minimal and thats what I go to shows for among other things such as the comraderie etc... But the main thing I go for is the music. I not saying this run was terrible. It was just that most tunes were standard and never left form. Listen to summer 2012 or fall 2013 and it's night and day compared to this tour. I not hatin because I love this band from the first time I saw em back in 99. But the facts are for me I won't be revisiting much of this tour at all except for Mansfield (Light), Wrigley (twist) and BGCA2. i missed a few other's like the moma dance and sneakin sally. I hope every1 had a blast but i gotta state the facts like i see and hear em and this run was jus average.
, comment by bushwood_a_dump
bushwood_a_dump As a reader and follower of .net off and on for years, I will say this has to be one my favorite reviews I have ever read here. Perfect for a guy who has been following this band for decades and continually (daily, during tours) assesses, and reassesses, what it all means to be a fan of this band. Thanks for the perspective.

As an aside, I couch'd set one. I hate to read into any one band member's demeanor, or physical appearance, but, man, I swear Gordon would have rather been at the dentist.

Cheers. Can't wait for tonight.
, comment by curleyfrei
curleyfrei Definitely the bronze medal show out of the three LA gigs in 3.0, but I still had fun.

Currently on the way down to Chula Vista! Given that this is the end of summer tour proper, I feel like tonight will either be a total scorcher or another "confusing" show, but either way, I AM NOW AND FOREVER THANKFUL FOR THE PHISH!!!!
, comment by EdwardGRobinson
EdwardGRobinson Thanks for a great review and much needed perspective. Couldn't agree more that ups and downs are "part of the package if you hang around long enough as a fan." Phish has toyed with audiences expectations for a long time. I can remember multiple times in the 90's that great runs had terrible final sets, that multiple shows in row bonered out completely, ripcord eleganzas of the first order, and other what-have-you that would cause complete apoplexy in 2016. This show was clearly not the best and 2016 has clearly not been the best but god bless em.... I love these guys.
, comment by mykingdomforayem
mykingdomforayem Nailed it. I'll take average phish at the forum any day over any other band at any venue ever, because the next one can be game-changing and that's what's exciting about the band - unpredictability. You can't have amazing without average to compare it against.
, comment by phishhead2110
phishhead2110 I very much enjoyed your review OP. I, like I'm sure most, went into the Forum with expectations of average/good-great. I feel like we got average good last night. I really didn't feel that they failed to carry to energy until the middle of the second set and honestly I liked those songs too. Not much in the line of exploration but they needed a break onstage. They have been raging hard for a week now. They took a break on 7/16 as well. No big thing. That's why as a Phishhead you have to work, save, prepare and make a run with the boys of at least 3-4 shows. You can't go in to a single show at the Forum and expect to get what your looking for. LA doesn't inspire...What is LA about, hiphop? Memphis, home of the blues....Nashville-music city-home of country...N'Orleans-home of jazz...LA????
, comment by wombat6889
wombat6889 great post.
, comment by MOstGhoSt
MOstGhoSt very well said in this review - cheers - i too appreciate the perspective and optimism

i was in attendance at the forum last night after attending the beautific bgca trilogy this week and what i will share is - climate control must be taken into consideration

after being in cool cool san francisco LA is in a heat wave. it is challenging physically to move from cool cool weather to hot heat. the forum was so hot on the floor, i cannot recall ever feeling so uncomfortable at a venue. when security passed through the crowd, I asked if there is any way to turn up the ac and the response was - too many people here. the ac would start and stop and was very weak while outside the venue the temperature reached 99 degrees. this is part of the reason the songs last night were more chill and why I think there were no extended jams. the energy of the crowd was definitely hampered with the heat in the room and the floor was very crowded at the opening of set two.

also, those of us who attended all bcga concerts have thrown down a lot of energy already.

i attended last night and to call it a clunker is completely fair. i have no regrets happy to be present with this band any and every time i get a chance. i can recall many interesting moments last night, yet those moments were sporadic and not sustained.

i love the phish from vermont. it doesn't matter. if your favorite team loses a game with honest effort - you go to the next game and keep rooting for the next win - something i shall do tonight attending chula vista.

- moSTgHost
, comment by thebuzzman
thebuzzman Excellent on point post.

After attending each LA area gig over the last twenty years I was really bummed at not being able to attend last night. Until midway through the show that is, when I became thankful for not having to deal with the logistics of a Forum show compounded by triple degree temperatures.

There is something I have felt for quite a while and wonder if there is concurrence. I am always ambivalent about an LA gig if it occurs in correlation with a BGCA run. If it precedes it seems they save the good stuff for BGCA. If it follows then they've just blown their wad and LA suffers. I also think Dick's can have the same effect, the last Hollywood Bowl notwithstanding. Thoughts?
, comment by User_11821_
User_11821_ Wonderful words, love this band, love this place.
, comment by phortgang
phortgang Great review. Only I highly disagree that the Marimba Lumina is "sought after" by the fans...
, comment by nickulus
nickulus Bravo - spot on.
, comment by jobeewan
jobeewan one of the best reviews of an average show I have read on this sight. kudos.
, comment by mnmonkey
mnmonkey A calm voice and a well stated message. Thank you sir.
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS @phishhead2110 said:
I very much enjoyed your review OP. I, like I'm sure most, went into the Forum with expectations of average/good-great. I feel like we got average good last night. I really didn't feel that they failed to carry to energy until the middle of the second set and honestly I liked those songs too. Not much in the line of exploration but they needed a break onstage. They have been raging hard for a week now. They took a break on 7/16 as well. No big thing. That's why as a Phishhead you have to work, save, prepare and make a run with the boys of at least 3-4 shows. You can't go in to a single show at the Forum and expect to get what your looking for. LA doesn't inspire...What is LA about, hiphop? Memphis, home of the blues....Nashville-music city-home of country...N'Orleans-home of jazz...LA????
I respect your sensitivity to the band members energy reserves, but I fail to buy the argument. They are well paid to prepare and perform for 3-4 hours on the days they actually perform, which is not everyday. I know it's music and not building cars, but I lack sympathy for them based on "energy".

Nor do I buy the notion that I have to plunk down two weeks pay to follow them through four stops on a tour in the hopes of catching a night when they're "engaged."

There's something else going on. More than likely the erstwhile reviewer nailed it. They have a new album coming out, so I doubt seriously that its a lack of interest. They don't have their footing right now.

The Fall, will be better I think.
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS @phortgang said:
Great review. Only I highly disagree that the Marimba Lumina is "sought after" by the fans...
I detected sarcasm in that comment in the review
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS excellent and balanced review with a noteworthy and respectful lecture to younger fans to maintain perspective.

I will only say that 53 is different than 23. One of these days the previous "Peak" will have been their last. It happens to everyone eventually, though I tend to agree with you that it's way premature to signal-flare the death of Phish.

There are definite signs, however, that Trey no longer relates to, or wants to carry the weight of the mantle. I suspect the band is starting to part ways in their creative process. And this is not a good thing.
, comment by lizzzards
lizzzards Nice review. 2015 was a GREAT year. I thoroughly enjoyed Trey in GD50 and the energy he brought to summer tour was fantastic. Sunday Alpine was the best show I have seen in years, probably my favorite first set since I've been able to distinguish nice from not so nice. I had high hopes for the tour opener in Saint Paul, my home town. I was disappointed that show did not carry the stream of 2015/mexico into the summer tour of 2016. Save Bill Graham, this tour seems flat. Thanks for reminding me about the gravity and all. Time to hang in for the next wave. looking forward to that.
, comment by Phishsx78
Phishsx78 Marimba Lumina needs to be retired. Period. It adds nothing to the show. Time to cut this failed experiment...
, comment by deviltone
deviltone Very enjoyable and honest review. However, I think the lack of jamming prevents a lot of people from appreciating other kinds of themes and flow in a set.

You considered Prince Caspian> Waves> Joy> The Wedge "thematically unconnected songs" but I don't see that at all. They connect in a distinctly Phishy way to me, especially lyrically. Sure, the segues weren't nailed, nor the jams drawn out, and it probably isn't the best fit for middle of set 2 for lots of people, but it definitely gives me the flow of extended meaning that I like to find in Phish's music.
, comment by Fritschi22
Fritschi22 Haha... "Coming up Milhouse." Solid
, comment by del4life
del4life Your review sucked!
, comment by ckess22
ckess22 @Fritschi22 said:
Haha... "Coming up Milhouse." Solid
If you're at a phish show, your cuffs can be bone dry; even if youre feet are soaked.

Phish is the ultimate flood pants.

Flood pants was a man...w a horrible disease.

Love the reference @pzerbo

We always need reviews w contextual aplomb
, comment by Theajweinbe
Theajweinbe Great post. Honest but optimistic and appreciative of it all. Personally on this whole run I've found the LED screens (especially the ones behind the band) terribly distracting. I'm curious if it effects the guys' ability to just let go during jams when these incredibly busy and often all-distracting (and in my opinion unecesary) LED screens are doing there thing. Perhaps it's not a conscious thing, but rather just an effect of having more visual production at band level. Would love to see these LED screens disappear for Dicks.
, comment by shaunfunk
shaunfunk Poster is a complete nutbag.
, comment by thumpasaurus
thumpasaurus @deviltone said:
Very enjoyable and honest review. However, I think the lack of jamming prevents a lot of people from appreciating other kinds of themes and flow in a set.

You considered Prince Caspian> Waves> Joy> The Wedge "thematically unconnected songs" but I don't see that at all. They connect in a distinctly Phishy way to me, especially lyrically. Sure, the segues weren't nailed, nor the jams drawn out, and it probably isn't the best fit for middle of set 2 for lots of people, but it definitely gives me the flow of extended meaning that I like to find in Phish's music.

The beauty of Phish is the multilateral levels of interpretation allowed through their music. I totally feel what you're saying brother. I get off on the multilayered lyricism supplemented with their divinely inspired musicianship. To me a Phish show is like "The Glass Bead Game" of Hermann Hesse lore. From Moma & Sample to the Golgi encore closer, there was a supreme connectivity of lyrical proofs. Some go for the Jams which I do love but what I go for is the Truth they seek to expel.
, comment by MOstGhoSt
MOstGhoSt my friend and i attended the forum and last night - chula vista

he and i both think there was something off in the balance of the sound at the forum. he noticed the sound at chula vista suddenly saying - listen to how good page sounds. and we both noted that we could hear page with such clarity at chula vista. i recall at the forum that the sound of guitar seemed to outweigh bass piano drums ( not the playing style of the guitar) but the general sound in comparison to the rest of the band.

something was off this night

after last night - chula vista - i am not too worried about the offness becoming a trend.

and my goodness - the sound at chula vista was astonishing in comparison to the forum this year
, comment by InsectEffect
InsectEffect YES. Thank you, @pzerbo.

"They plot, they plot, sleeping or afoot they never let up."
--TP, GR
, comment by TheMorticiansWife
TheMorticiansWife I can totally respect this review and can see where the OP is coming from. At the same time, I am one of the minority that loved this show. Maybe it's because I wasn't coming off of the high that was BGCA or that I am local so I didn't have to stand in the sun all day, but I had a great time. The missed cues and mistakes I noticed felt recovered well, and the audience seemed (to me) to be in a forgiving mood. Even with the number of people in the crowd, it still felt intimate to me.
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS @TheMorticiansWife said:
I can totally respect this review and can see where the OP is coming from. At the same time, I am one of the minority that loved this show. Maybe it's because I wasn't coming off of the high that was BGCA or that I am local so I didn't have to stand in the sun all day, but I had a great time. The missed cues and mistakes I noticed felt recovered well, and the audience seemed (to me) to be in a forgiving mood. Even with the number of people in the crowd, it still felt intimate to me.
"It still felt intimate to me" - says the Mortician's wife.

This is too much.
, comment by Twenty7
Twenty7 keep coming it works ;/

Great review Thanks!
, comment by TheMorticiansWife
TheMorticiansWife @FACTSAREUSELESS said:
@TheMorticiansWife said:
I can totally respect this review and can see where the OP is coming from. At the same time, I am one of the minority that loved this show. Maybe it's because I wasn't coming off of the high that was BGCA or that I am local so I didn't have to stand in the sun all day, but I had a great time. The missed cues and mistakes I noticed felt recovered well, and the audience seemed (to me) to be in a forgiving mood. Even with the number of people in the crowd, it still felt intimate to me.
"It still felt intimate to me" - says the Mortician's wife.

This is too much.
Yep, it did. I think I was really lucky to be surrounded by others who were genuinely having a good time.
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS @TheMorticiansWife said:
@FACTSAREUSELESS said:
@TheMorticiansWife said:
I can totally respect this review and can see where the OP is coming from. At the same time, I am one of the minority that loved this show. Maybe it's because I wasn't coming off of the high that was BGCA or that I am local so I didn't have to stand in the sun all day, but I had a great time. The missed cues and mistakes I noticed felt recovered well, and the audience seemed (to me) to be in a forgiving mood. Even with the number of people in the crowd, it still felt intimate to me.
"It still felt intimate to me" - says the Mortician's wife.

This is too much.
Yep, it did. I think I was really lucky to be surrounded by others who were genuinely having a good time.
awesome. Just so you know I was laughing at the irony, not laughing at your post, in case you were thinking that.
, comment by exburt
exburt I was at the Forum show, but I didn't realize until I read this learned review that I shouldn't have had the great time that I did. So many posters seem to be nodding sagely and agreeing with the learned reviewer, that I figure that I must revisit my impression that Phish played their little asses off and blew the doors off the Forum. Phish was so disengaged that they only saw fit to deliver about 3.5 hours of utter mediocrity. We should have thrown tomatoes at the stage.

Or I could give some weight to the concept that there is always somebody in our social universe determined to inform us that the wonderful experience we just had was just, well, actually crap. Kind of like the Republican convention's take on the current state of the USA. My take of the reviewer's preference is that Phish hit their peak in the mid-1990's, and have been on an irreversible decline since. Why bother going to see 'em anymore?

I am not familiar with Philip Zerbo or his credentials, but I suspect there's about 19,000+ folks who were in attendance who don't have a clue what the hell his reasons are for pooping on the wonderful show we saw. And don't give a shit. If he's really an editor of the Phish Companion, it's a great reason for not buying the book.

Hey, Mortician's Wife. I had a great time, too. Along with the folks I went with and EVERYBODY within visual range of our seats.

My credentials? I saw the Dead in 1970 in New Orleans at the Warehouse, the night they got "busted, down in New Orleans..." Take that, Zamboni. I mean, Zerbo...
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS @exburt said:
I was at the Forum show, but I didn't realize until I read this learned review that I shouldn't have had the great time that I did. So many posters seem to be nodding sagely and agreeing with the learned reviewer, that I figure that I must revisit my impression that Phish played their little asses off and blew the doors off the Forum. Phish was so disengaged that they only saw fit to deliver about 3.5 hours of utter mediocrity. We should have thrown tomatoes at the stage.

Or I could give some weight to the concept that there is always somebody in our social universe determined to inform us that the wonderful experience we just had was just, well, actually crap. Kind of like the Republican convention's take on the current state of the USA. My take of the reviewer's preference is that Phish hit their peak in the mid-1990's, and have been on an irreversible decline since. Why bother going to see 'em anymore?

I am not familiar with Philip Zerbo or his credentials, but I suspect there's about 19,000+ folks who were in attendance who don't have a clue what the hell his reasons are for pooping on the wonderful show we saw. And don't give a shit. If he's really an editor of the Phish Companion, it's a great reason for not buying the book.

Hey, Mortician's Wife. I had a great time, too. Along with the folks I went with and EVERYBODY within visual range of our seats.

My credentials? I saw the Dead in 1970 in New Orleans at the Warehouse, the night they got "busted, down in New Orleans..." Take that, Zamboni. I mean, Zerbo...
I liked the RNC's take on the state of the country. I felt it was accurate. I also liked this review's take on the state of Phish. It was also accurate.

I didn't feel either was negative, hopeless or moribund. I felt both were hopeful, realistic and honest.

Your honest assessment does not invalidate others. I respect you as an older Head, but this reviewer, no doubt, has plenty of credentials to write this review and I will be buying the book.
, comment by User_25597_
User_25597_ @FACTSAREUSELESS said:
excellent and balanced review with a noteworthy and respectful lecture to younger fans to maintain perspective.

I will only say that 53 is different than 23. One of these days the previous "Peak" will have been their last. It happens to everyone eventually, though I tend to agree with you that it's way premature to signal-flare the death of Phish.

There are definite signs, however, that Trey no longer relates to, or wants to carry the weight of the mantle. I suspect the band is starting to part ways in their creative process. And this is not a good thing.
This is so correct. I think about Phish a lot. I imagine them going up there and trying to put a fresh spin onto Golgi or Suzy or Hood. They've been playing those songs, in some cases, for 30 years! It's easy for us to imagine those four individuals as being "Phish" and, aside from an occasional side project album or tour, that's all they ever have been or ever will be. It's hard for us to reconcile that with their own imaginings of themselves, which (and this is pure speculation here) is a person first, a musician second, and a member of Phish third. Maybe they're tired of playing Phish music. Maybe, as musicians, they feel as though they've done all they can do as a creative unit. I think that would be understandable. At this point they may have, as hard as this is for us to understand or accept, musical aspirations and dreams that extend beyond being in Phish. At the halfway point of the 34th year of Phish, the only thing those four have left to prove is that they can recognize when the time has come to walk away and do so gracefully.
, comment by SweataVest4Real
SweataVest4Real Great review. A refreshingly nuanced perspective.
, comment by fluff_hen
fluff_hen Mad respect for @pzerbo and the optimism and wisdom of his finish here, but the show review is unfairly slanted. "Phish oddly limped home in the encore with tepid, sloppy versions.." is not reflected in the music. The BGCA run was huge; Phish and SF have a natural synergy, and I have never seen a bad show there.

SoCal is different.. LA draws an element of scenesters who are curious to check things out, but not hard-core phans. So they talk over the music and the vibe is different, and the band responded Friday by playing 26(!) songs, a whole marathon. There wasn't much for the tour folks to sink their teeth into, but it was strong, high energy and rocking. Fuego jam was very cool, Waves was beautifully played, and the show was a big fun party. It doesn't deserve the abuse it's getting online.
, comment by bertoletdown
bertoletdown @fluff_hen wrote:
SoCal is different.. LA draws an element of scenesters who are curious to check things out, but not hard-core phans. So they talk over the music and the vibe is different...
Yeah, this is bullshit.

On any given night at an east coast show you'll find anywhere between 5-10 Angelenos in either the front row or somewhere close to it. I live in LA and know countless people who've seen 100, 200, 300 or more shows. Bay Area crowds are routinely noisier than LA crowds, at least when it comes to Phish. The notion that the band delivered what a dilettante crowd was really looking for is abject nonsense if you possess a semblance of a clue. Stop looking for nonsensical excuses for what was patently a garbage performance.
, comment by unoclay
unoclay Great honest review. I thought it was lackluster as well, and even sat down for part of the second set (though a tour flu was trying to get me down as well).
, comment by pzerbo
pzerbo @exburt said: "I was at the Forum show, but I didn't realize until I read this learned review that I shouldn't have had the great time that I did."

So is it fair to assume you simply stopped reading when I said precisely the opposite, i.e. "If you loved that show, more power to you! Own that experience, and don’t let anyone tell you differently"? Perhaps you just nodded off for that part.

"Or I could give some weight to the concept that there is always somebody in our social universe determined to inform us that the wonderful experience we just had was just, well, actually crap."

I'll dumb this down just for you: it's not a review of your experience. It's a review of the show performed by Phish, on stage. Nobody is capable of reviewing your experience – it's yours alone.

"Kind of like the Republican convention's take on the current state of the USA."

Oh? lol...

"My take of the reviewer's preference is that Phish hit their peak in the mid-1990's, and have been on an irreversible decline since. Why bother going to see 'em anymore? "

What is the EVIDENCE for your claim? But who needs evidence when you can just pull shit out of your ass? Because there is a 898-page, 411,000-word book that definitively refutes your fact-free, middle-school-fail insult.

"I am not familiar with Philip Zerbo or his credentials, but I suspect there's about 19,000+ folks who were in attendance who don't have a clue what the hell his reasons are for pooping on the wonderful show we saw. And don't give a shit. If he's really an editor of the Phish Companion, it's a great reason for not buying the book."

The book wouldn't help you. It's intended for people who can read words and understand what they "mean."

"Hey, Mortician's Wife. I had a great time, too. Along with the folks I went with and EVERYBODY within visual range of our seats. "

So if the crowd is going wild, the music MUST be great?

"My credentials? I saw the Dead in 1970 in New Orleans at the Warehouse, the night they got "busted, down in New Orleans..." "

It's hard growing old, I know first hand. It's not a joking matter, when the mind starts failing, as it has clearly has done in your case. Congrats, you saw the Dead in 1970. Your family must be very proud, but I’m failing to see the relevance here.

"Take that, Zamboni. I mean, Zerbo..."

Ooh, an insult, based on my name. That's original. Middle school hall of fame! Nice job, buddy!

Sigh.
, comment by McHood
McHood I just have to say that myself and EVERYONE sharing my space on this night had a fantastic time! I appreciated the day off of travel, and spent the day rejuvenating myself on the beach with good Phriends, and great food/brews, literally soaking in the SoCal atmosphere. Embraced my time in the Hood, and did some kind deeds along the way for those not as fortunate to be able to experience the fun I was having. My soul was clear and pure going into this show.

We built a great circle of heads to dance with over your and found ourselves a perfect spot about 25ft from Fish, with a perfect view and sound. Shared our thoughts about the previous shows and what we could expect on this night. We had predicted several of the songs that were played.

My group was ready for a rocker. We didn't need a deep drawn out jam. This show kept us moving, singing, smiling, hugging and high five-ing! I thought it was a great time and had a ton of fun. I try to keep myself in a mindset to not expect the band to do anything, and let myself fully accept what they put on the table. This keeps me happy and satisfied with them.
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS @JMart said:
@FACTSAREUSELESS said:
excellent and balanced review with a noteworthy and respectful lecture to younger fans to maintain perspective.

I will only say that 53 is different than 23. One of these days the previous "Peak" will have been their last. It happens to everyone eventually, though I tend to agree with you that it's way premature to signal-flare the death of Phish.

There are definite signs, however, that Trey no longer relates to, or wants to carry the weight of the mantle. I suspect the band is starting to part ways in their creative process. And this is not a good thing.
This is so correct. I think about Phish a lot. I imagine them going up there and trying to put a fresh spin onto Golgi or Suzy or Hood. They've been playing those songs, in some cases, for 30 years! It's easy for us to imagine those four individuals as being "Phish" and, aside from an occasional side project album or tour, that's all they ever have been or ever will be. It's hard for us to reconcile that with their own imaginings of themselves, which (and this is pure speculation here) is a person first, a musician second, and a member of Phish third. Maybe they're tired of playing Phish music. Maybe, as musicians, they feel as though they've done all they can do as a creative unit. I think that would be understandable. At this point they may have, as hard as this is for us to understand or accept, musical aspirations and dreams that extend beyond being in Phish. At the halfway point of the 34th year of Phish, the only thing those four have left to prove is that they can recognize when the time has come to walk away and do so gracefully.
Exactly what I was implying. Well said. Thank you.

I think the greater point in that for us as fans is that we need (I should say I need; I'll keep it in first person and not presume on others here) to not only recognize what you are saying, but, just as the band must at some point realize this, we need to give them the freedom to say goodbye when the time comes.

I've been on a roller-coaster of emotions this tour. At times I've felt resentful, at times thankful, at times frustrated and at times simply languid and tired of it all. I can only imagine the genuine multiplication of these emotions which these gentlemen must deal with also.

Not only from a musical perspective, in terms of their relationship with us, but also, and perhaps more weighty, is the pressure to continue to perform in order to support the massive operation of payroll and family provision that is Traveling Phish.

This weight really became the death of Jerry Garcia and the Dead, as they literally crumbled before our eyes trying to meet the expectations of their fans and their entourage, when common sense should have dictated that they take a couple years off and let Jerry heal.

I hope it never comes to that.
, comment by Azazello
Azazello @phortgang said:
Great review. Only I highly disagree that the Marimba Lumina is "sought after" by the fans...
I'm not really sure why everybody hates on it so much. This was my first show seeing it and I have to say it was a highlight of the show. That and the vocal jam at the end of YEM, which I felt was particularly interesting. Let the boys have fun. I definitely don't see the problem here...
, comment by dont_wooin_my_reba
dont_wooin_my_reba @jdisk said:
Such a great post! Thanks man for the grounded yet optimistic recap.
Well said, I concur.
, comment by exburt
exburt I haven't revisited this site since my post. Since then, I've listened to a download of the show a number of times, and fuck, it was a fine show. The reviewer was, for whatever reason, over the top judgmental, tangled up in minutiae, and really, full of shit. I won't be buying his book. He's lost in his head.

My timeline for going to Dead concerts was 1970 to 1994. In that time, there were shows i attended that were so bad, if they were the first show I ever saw the Dead play, i would've never come back. Whereas with Phish, I have never, ever seen a bad show. Sometime they're just good, but pretty regularly transcendent. Phish always puts out!

Mr. Factsareuseless, the statement that you align with the RNC world view invalidates any opinion you may have. I suggest a fallout shelter for your back yard.

This is likely my last post on Phish.net. Most of you don't know a good thing when its heart is beating right in front of you.
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