In recent news, Phish has just released an 8-CD box set chronicling their amazing three-night stint at The Roxy Theatre in Atlanta during February of 1993. Most everyone is familiar with the famous 2.20.93 show containing the classic second set segue fest, melting tastes of many songs within a Tweezer and a Mikes Groove. With teases galore demonstrated the band’s playful direction and exuberance at the time, this one is a true relic from the analog age.
However, few are familiar with the two shows surrounding this classic. For a taste of the first night and a sampling of the sound quality on this release, Relix Magazine is sponsoring a free download of “Funky Bitch w/ Jimmy Herring” from 2.19.93. Grab it now for a SBD copy of this special guest appearance!
The Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA
Once digging deeper into the first show, one will discover a smoking “Split Open and Melt” as well as an entertaining “Forbin’s > Mockingbird” during the first set. Yet, the set highlight is certainly the closing “David Bowie,” including a “Moby Dick” jam in the intro and frighteningly tight section of grooving improv. The second set unveils an extended YEM excursion and a guest appearance from guitarist, Jimmy Herring on “Funky Bitch,” “My Sweet One,” and “Llama.”
The third show, 2.21, also includes its share of standout jams. The front-runner is the second set sequence of “Stash > Manteca > Stash” with the first set closing Antelope right behind. With a bluegrass-style “Good Times, Bad Times” encore, Phish continued their silliness before Reverend Jeff Mosier joined them on stage to close the show with a bit more bluegrass.
With crystal clear sound quality, and eight full CDs (including the 6.24.00 Atlanta Tweezer as filler!), this proper box set will not disappoint. Jump over to Relix’s download to check out the free “Funky Bitch” and decide for yourself! Expect more archival releases like this in the near future as the Phish business is having a comeback of their own.
====
SUMMER TOUR RUMORS: They keep rolling in from multiple sources. In addition to the Bonaroo and four night Red Rocks run that I previously reported, word has it that Phish will be visiting The Gorge for three nights and Shoreline for three nights this summer. These additional rumors enhance the credence of my theory that we will see a tour comprised of multiple mini-runs. If we are to believe what has been floating around, Phish is up to 11 shows this summer already, and we haven’t heard anything about the east coast yet! The excitement just keeps coming- stay tuned!
====
DOWNLOAD OF THE WEEKEND:Z
Masquerade Music Park, Atlanta
Following Phish’s legendary run at The Roxy, they next returned to Atlanta that summer on 7.31, standing on the brink of their hallowed month of August. A standout Mike’s > Leprechaun > Weekapaug provided the centerpiece of the second set. The Mike’s features prominent jamming on Led Zeppelin’s “Heartbreaker,” while Leprechaun was played for its third and final time ever. With some ripping classics like Split, “Foam,” and “Mound,” and some old school ’93 covers of “Daniel Saw the Stone” and “Highway to Hell,” this show will be a nice addition to your digital collection. Enjoy!
I: Rift, Sample in a Jar, Ya Mar, Split Open and Melt, Mound, Foam, Nellie Cane, The Divided Sky, Cavern
VIDEO OF THE WEEKEND: “Split Open and Melt” 7.31.93 Masquerade Music Park, Atlanta, GA
In recent news, Phish has just released an 8-CD box set chronicling their amazing three-night stint at The Roxy Theatre in Atlanta during February of 1993. Most everyone is familiar with the famous 2.20.93 show containing the classic second set segue fest, melting tastes of many songs within a Tweezer and a Mikes Groove. With …
Whether you hopped in the car after the show and careened down the interstate to the next city by the time the sun came up, or whether you got your sleep and left early the next day, all of us spent ridiculous amounts of time on the road during Phish tour. The open road, a metaphor for unknown adventure, seemed an appropriate place to be between mysterious inner journeys. Crossing the nation multiple times, hitting just about every interstate, your car was your home during these month long odysseys. The people you shared a car with shared your mission- all for one and one for all- but in between getting to shows on time, there were plenty of other decisions, debacles and events that had to take place on our daily commutes.
The Piss Break
The most consistent issue in a car with multiple people is the piss break. “Where do you want to stop?” ” When?” “Can you hold it?” “Didn’t you just go 50 miles ago?” These questions would fill the minimal air inside the vehicle as everyone tried to strategize the best scenario. You had your options. First, you had your no-frills highway pull-off rest areas. Never very glamorous, they had facilities, picnic tables and maybe a vending machine if you were lucky. Inevitably you’d walk by at least three cars of passed out heads who decided that the rest area was the best hotel for the night. Or, you might decide to drive to the next exit- trying to combine a pee break and refueling- efficiency, baby! Often times, if things were desperate or you were in Nevada, waiting to get off wasn’t an option. And so comes the third option and last resort- the side of the road. Choosing this course was effectively raising a neon yellow “Hey! Look at me!” sign for any passing police. Always trying to avoid this option for legal and safety reasons, sometimes you just had to go. And if you were in a state like Nevada, it was sometimes as good of a plan as any.
Mini-Marts
With the combination of excessive psychedelics, little sleep and extended road time, Phish tour often felt like one long visit to a gas station mini-mart. With the patterns of Gatorades, sodas, and bottled waters indelibly burned into your brain, you navigated those stores like the back of your hand. You generally knew exactly what you wanted, though routinely wound up staring at the shelves for minutes. On your journeys, you began to absorb valuable knowledge. You knew if all else failed, there would be a 7-11 to satiate you soon enough. You began to learn the subtle differences between an Exxon Tiger Mart and a Shell Food Mart. You soon picked up on which microwaveable products, if any, were actually edible. You learned that nothing beats a Wawa, and couldn’t wait to get to the Philly or Jersey shows to hit one up for a freshly made hoagie. You knew all the details; you were living the life.
Food
The decision you had to make the most over the course of a tour was, “Where should we eat?” Constantly a debate, the options were always somewhat limited. The most prevalent choice was fast food, but many cars didn’t play that game, so what were some of the most appealing options?
1. Cracker Barrel: One of the Phishiest places to stop and eat on the road, this down home establishment came attached to a “Old Country Store” in which you could always find a treasure. Taking on a Southern twist, Cracker Barrel was particularly good for breakfast, where you could find grits, hash brown casserole, and a tasty omelet. You were guaranteed to find some heads there, and always had the opportunity to sit in in a rocking chair outside after your meal.
2. Waffle House: A specialty once you got into the Southern half of the country, this “diner” was guaranteed to provide as much comedy as it did food. With waitresses that are characters from an SNL skit, the cleanliness of the New York subway, and a cartoon style menu, any visit to “The Golden Squares of the Open Road” was thoroughly entertaining. Or there was always Waffle House’s equally greasy bastard cousin, Huddle House. Either way, “Scattered, smothered, and covered, please.”
3. Applebees: This was a solid place for a dinner on an day off while on the road. Applebees were plentiful enough across the country that you could hold out until you found one, and it had a big enough menu that everyone could be happy, even the vegetarians. With a full bar and a feel of family fun, this chain off of seemingly every other exit never disappointed (too much.)
4. The Northeast Mega-Rest Area Plazas: Whether it was the Molly Pitcher Service Area on the Jersey Turnpike, the Maryland House a bit further down 95, or the Ludlow Service Plaza on the Mass Pike, these huge conglomerates were a place to stop when you were in a rush. Ranging from Sbarro to Bob’s Big Boy, Starbucks to Cinnabon, these plazas were traveler havens. Resembling a Phish lot along tour’s main roads, these rest areas were a mecca for fans. Offering much more than food, you could get any car gadget you needed, gas up, weigh yourself on the way to the bathroom, and find a new pimpin’ pair of shades. These places had it all.
5. Subway: Always a great idea for a light lunch before a show, Subway often came through in the clutch. Six inch or twelve, veggie or meat, hot or cold, the sandwich artists did it right. The meal deal of a foot-long, chips and a drink was a fool-proof remedy for any head’s hunger. Filling you up without weighing you down was their specialty. There were no emergency runs to the bathroom during the show with a six inch for lunch. As years passed, Subways expanded to more and more territory making Jared’s meal of choice all the more accessible as we bounced from show to show.
Driving
One of the beauties about tour was, in fact, all that time you spent in the car with friends. With nowhere to go, and all the time in the world, it was within the confines of your vehicle that some of the most memorable moments happened. Debating Phish, talking life, smoking and joking, the only boundaries were the lines on the asphalt. There was nothing like open highway as far as the eye could see, in a state you didn’t know, heading for a Phish; your very own pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Raging jams all the way- from analogs to CDs, to what will soon be iPod Tour 2009, we have advanced with the times, always making sure to have the band we love blaring as we drove on our merry way. Looking out from behind your sunglasses at the fields streamed by, having just extinguished a hoover, the drop of a Reba jam filled the fresh air as you turned up the volume- your own little moving sanctuary. Free from worry and concern, you continued on, knowing the mysteries that awaited and doing your best to solve them.
Share your favorite memories from the road in Comments below!
====
DOWNLOAD OF THE DAY:
Liberty Hall, Lawrence, KS
April Fools Day and Spring ’92- quite a Phishy combination! With Fishman sporting a black dress and a boa around his neck, and Trey introducing himself as “Tommy Dorsey’s third cousin twice removed,” this great sounding AUD is filled with classic Phish humor. Featuring a set list with tons a lot of classics, this one is a under-circulated piece of Phish history. Enjoy!
I: Golgi Apparatus, Foam, Bouncing Around the Room, Brother, All Things Reconsidered, Sparkle, Runaway Jim, I Didn’t Know, The Landlady, David Bowie, Carolina
II: Llama, You Enjoy Myself, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, Uncle Pen, Tweezer, Horn, Chalk Dust Torture, Cracklin’ Rosie, The Squirming Coil, Tweezer Reprise, Contact, Rocky Top
E: Lawn Boy, Good Times Bad Times
Whether you hopped in the car after the show and careened down the interstate to the next city by the time the sun came up, or whether you got your sleep and left early the next day, all of us spent ridiculous amounts of time on the road during Phish tour. The open road, a …
The Phish experience always reminds us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves. Uniting with thousands of others to immerse ourselves in universal spirituality can be a powerful process. Often we have left shows in awe of life, its wonders, and its possibilities- all sparked by three hours of music. It is this life-affirming quality, the glow deep down inside radiating through us, that separates a Phish show from most other events in the world. People often connect Phish and religion, citing the parallel qualities of connection to a higher power, a portal directly to the divine. While grandiose, this statement rings true for so many of us that we can not deny the overarching fact that Phish represents the universal spirit. Can this spirit be accessed in other ways? Sure, but never as routinely and consistently than at a Phish show.
Big Cypress (Robert Mayer)
Connections to the metaphysical realm often appear when stars align and things occur at Phish shows that seem too perfect to be a coincidence- but similarly impossible to control. While Phish did their best to respond to natural situations with specific songs (e.g “Drowned” during a rainstorm at Darien’00), this synchronicity between Phish, the natural world, and ourselves has at times been striking, even eerie. When we inspect these rare “coincidences” that have taken place so many times at Phish shows, one begins to wonder- “Is something else at play here?”
Big Cypress Sunrise (Mike)
Many of the significant “coincidences” throughout the band’s career have involved weather. Let’s look at some examples. Would we have witnessed that surreal uber- psychedelic sunrise in Florida if Phish hadn’t just finished the most magical journey of our lives? During the legendary 7.22.97 Raleigh show, was the band orchestrating the storm or the storm orchestrating the band? Either way, there has rarely been such a congruency between stormy conditions and equally stormy music, with the highlight of this confluence being the lightening strike at the peak of the first set “Taste.” Similarly, at Nashville ’99, the rainstorm that had been holding off all night burst wide open with the onset of the monumental YEM jam. At the IT, as Phish improvised a blissful afternoon “Reba ” and began to explore a more abstract texture, simultaneously, a cool breeze blew across the crowd in unison with the musical vibe. During the summer of ’99, a tour that featured a lot of dark music, many times Phish pulled into a new city and like clockwork, clouded darkness and inclement weather would envelop the area. An obvious parallel between the natural world and Phish was the flooded, muddy quagmire that surrounded a particularly gloomy final weekend in Coventry, VT. On the contrary, what artist painted the sky a thousand hues ranging from royal purple to majestic orange on the second night of The Went before the band and their massive crowd had a magical peak experience together? One of these incredibly surreal moments took place in Japan.
6.11.00 – Hibiya Park (John Greene)
Throughout the one outdoor daytime show in central Tokyo, the weather was gray and rainy all day long, yet as the band peaked the uplifting “Harry Hood” jam to close the set, the heavens parted giving way to a brilliant rainbow over the stage. Colors in the void. Coincidence? I’m not so sure.
8.17.97 – Great Went sunset
Transcending mere weather, another facet of Phish’s connection to the higher plane often involve our own personal experiences and thoughts. We have all experienced a time- mine was at Deer Creek ’96- when the band steered a scary, menacing jam into lighter waters just as you were about to lose your grip on reality. Did they do that just for me? It always seemed so. After a 30 minute Mike’s, in which the drum beat was speaking in tongues and the music was overtaking my sanity, “all I needed was a little Weekapaug,” my friend told me afterwards. Could the band read our minds? How did they know what we needed? And what about all those times you knew what song was coming before they played a note? Some sort of connection of consciousness was certainly present. In fact, when my brother called that they would open the last set of The Went with NICU, I corrected him saying, “They won’t open with it, but may segue into it.” Then boom- the set opens Buffalo Bill > NICU. Bizarre? I think so.
1.1.00 (Adam Foley)
These random synchronicities that involve our own lives remind us that Phish is something so much more than music. The stories go on. A friend lost her hoodie during the 4.3 show, and after searching feverishly for it, decided to “let it go” only to find it at her feet when the set break lights came on. In the days before cell phones, we would randomly meet up with our friends at the most bizarre points on the road, only to be heading to the same place. And, this post can’t conclude without a mention of my prophetic “Bohemian Rhapsody” dream. I wrote an entire post on it early on, but many of you probably never read it. It was one of the most metaphysical occurrences of my life. Check out the story right here!
We all know that Phish brings power greater than four musicians to the stage every night. Harnessing the energy of the galaxy through their minds and instruments, the band are prophets delivering the word of the universe directly to our imaginations. Privileged to be part of such mysticism, many events prove too powerful and parallel to ignore. It is these mysteries, these small synchronicities, that often remind us we are part of a greater web of life, our existence unquestionably tied to those around us. Some people call it magic, some people call it religion; we call it Phish.
What are some “Maybe So, Maybe Not” coincidences” you remember form your time with Phish? Respond in Comments below!
Let’s keep the Fall ’97 train rolling. Here we have one of my favorite shows from the tour. The second set opening segment of “Character Zero > 2001 > Cities > Yamar > Punch” rates right up there with anything from the run. A sinister trip into the dark side, this Zero evokes the spirit of Jimi as Trey guitar screams in honor. An often overlooked first set contains a chunky show-opening “Tweezer,” a thick “Gumbo” and a twisting “Split.” Enjoy this gem from the fall that never stopped giving.
I: Tweezer > Sparkle, Gumbo, My Soul, McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters, Dirt, Split Open and Melt, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, Taste
II: Character Zero > Also Sprach Zarathustra > Cities > Ya Mar > Punch You in the Eye > Prince Caspian, Poor Heart, Tweezer Reprise
E: Cavern
The Phish experience always reminds us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves. Uniting with thousands of others to immerse ourselves in universal spirituality can be a powerful process. Often we have left shows in awe of life, its wonders, and its possibilities- all sparked by three hours of music. It is …
It seems that Phish is taking v.3.0 seriously. In reports that have surfaced out of New York City, the band has been in an undisclosed rehearsal space for the past couple days rehearsing a host of material. Songs that have been run through are “Chalk Dust Torture,” “Harry Hood,” “First Tube,” certain songs off Billy Breathes and some unrecognizable songs (to the casual fan doing this reporting.) Apparently doing their own thing without much hubbub, they have been playing without recording, and it is if they will be recording anything or not. So three and a half months out, Phish is already starting to prepare. It certainly seems that they are approaching the third chapter of their career with dedication and intention. Reports from the studio have been glowing, saying that the boys sound great and are happy to be working together again. Get ready folks!! More to come…..
It seems that Phish is taking v.3.0 seriously. In reports that have surfaced out of New York City, the band has been in an undisclosed rehearsal space for the past couple days rehearsing a host of material. Songs that have been run through are “Chalk Dust Torture,” “Harry Hood,” “First Tube,” certain songs off Billy …
The encore of a Phish show is usually an afterthought to the mayhem gone down just previously in the second set. Most often a token song or two, there have been times that Phish developed something more significant to end the night. Such examples of this abound, and some include the “Vernon Downs the House> YEM” before the Lemonwheel, 12.29.98’s perfect topping of “Divided Sky,” Alpine ’99’s bust-out trio of “Camel Walk,” “Glide,” and “Alumni Blues,” or the surreal pairing of Punch > Slave at Polaris ’98. Yet, these examples all remain within the conventions of standard Phish songs. There have been occasions when encores have been one of the loftiest highlights of the show. Below are five exemplary encores that blew the roof off of the place as the bus was warming outside.
Possibly the most exciting encore ever dropped by the band, the context in which it was placed made it all the more magical. Having played right though MSG’s curfew, the band decided to extend the night a bit more since fines had already been levied. As Trey explained, they would continue playing through midnight- right into New Year’s Eve, joking that they would have two New Year’s shows. Needless to say, the energy in the Garden immediately sky-rocketed as the possibilities were endless. But in all the potentialities of what could come next, no one could have possibly imagined the reality.
A Beautiful Sight
As the band responded to the fierce anticipation, the heavy opening chords of the first U.S. Carini swiftly took advantage of the crowd’s adrenaline-fueled state, roaring from the stage with ferocity. Juicing the 20,000 in attendance, the band tore through the song that everyone wanted to hear since they got the analog of its sublime debut in Amsterdam on 2.17. As the militant textures eased, the band picked up on Mike’s heavy bass pattern, collectively entering two of the best minutes of music in history ,as the Phish metal smoothly segued into an ultra-thick and slowed down pool of dinosaur funk, morphing into “Black-Eyed Katy.” With the molasses tempo, and Fishman layering some lyrics over the top, the Moma dance was conceived, not to be heard from again until it appeared reworked in Europe on 6.30.98. As if this monstrous pairing wasn’t enough, the band took the funk instrumental and weaved it right into a “Sneaking Sally” reprise after they had opened the show with the Robert Palmer cover for its first appearance since the ’80s. Sliding through the return of the rhythmic verses, the band finally put an exclamation point on their first “New Year’s” set, with a segue into a booming “Frankenstein.” Ensuring a place atop lists of memorable encores, this segment of music was Phish at its most playful, on the eve of finishing one of the best years of their career.
—-
10.27.94 University Hall, U of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA: Slave > Icculus, Tweezer Reprise
Following a particularly zany ’94 show in which the band’s youthful absurdity was in full effect, Phish bust out perhaps the most intense encore ever played. Following a show that featured such rarities as “Forbin’s > Vibration of Life > Mockingbird,” and “Big Black Furry Creatures From Mars,” not to mention a sublime “Tweezer,” and absolutely spot on improv all night long, the band saved something special for the end.
Starting with the delicate opening notes of Slave, the encore was underway. Using characteristic ’94 tightness, intensity, and directional jamming, the band created a climactic soul-awakening piece. Playing like there was no tomorrow, Phish absolutely slaughtered this succinct piece of improv. Stunning in its beauty and passion, this Slave could have topped the show perfectly on its own, but out of the song’s peak, Trey began to thank the crowd as the band began to vamp over the changes of “Icculus.” Trey told the the crowd “some things to remember” as they went out in the world. As he continued, Trey absolutely lost his shit giving these instructions, screaming far beyond the top of his lungs, impelling the audience to “Read the Book!” in more ways than one. This version is one of legend- you have to hear it.
The only thing that could have possibly topped the intensity of “Icculus” was the “Tweezer Reprise” they dropped with Fishman screaming in the background. Jammed out beyond it usual couple minutes, the show could simply not have ended on a higher note. This encore will have plenty to say to 12.30.97’s before any championship belt is awarded.
—-
12.6.96 The Aladdin Theatre, Las Vegas, NV:Harpua > Wildwood Weed > Harpua > I Want To Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart > Harpua > Suspicious Minds > Harpua, Suzy Greenberg
photo- Scott Bernstein (?)
Needing to be on this list for pure spectacle if nothing else, the encore of the last night of Fall ’96 will always be remembered for its Vegas-esque cabaret show. Featuring a troupe of Elvis impersonators, musical guests Les Claypool and Larry LaLonde of Primus, John McCuen, and the Yodeling Cowgirls, the stage was a veritable clusterfuck as Phish plus many more created a comedic thirty-minute story out of “Harpua.” With Les Claypool’s “Wildwood Weed” rap, the Cowgirls’ song, and Fishman’s cover of “Suspicious Minds” all spliced into “Harpua,” the end of tour theatrics were ultra-special because they followed an insane Phish show, marking the band’s first visit to Sin City. Jimmy had never been on an adventure quite like this before.
Closing the famed Nassau portion of The Island Run, this encore was as fun as any. All sparked by a stage jumper in “Loving Cup” which led to the “Carini’s gonna get you” Antelope explosion, the venue was absolutely going berserk when this set ended. Granted the band had also just played a career-defining concert, but the massive surge of energy at the end of the show certainly came from this episode. Had it not been for the stage jumper, the encore most likely would have taken another route, but with the building vibrating with enthusiasm, the band came out and dropped the second ever domestic “Carini” only three shows after dropping the first on 12.30.97.
Again, the show could have ended here, but instead, soaring on an emotional crest, Phish dropped into Halley’s, which instead of a jam cut right into Tweezer Reprise. But there was never any Tweezer! Breaking out their ultimate tool of adrenaline when it was most appropriate, they would follow up the improvised Reprise with a set-opening Tweezer in Providence the next night. This Reprise would find Trey aggressively marching in circles on the stage, knowing they were about to finish one of the best nights of their career. (see video below)
—-
8.9.98 Virgina Beach, VA:Terrapin Station
For their entire career, Phish endured constant comparisons to the Grateful Dead. Only the second improvisational psychedelic rock band to constantly criss-cross the country with legions of hippies in tow, Phish spent their entire musical lives trying to distance themselves from their predecessors. Regardless of how different their music was from Jerry’s crew, they could not escape the constant associations. One result of this was that their Dead covers remained buried in their college days.
A white hot second set starred an all-time highlight “AC/DC” Bag opener, a extra potent “Antelope,” and a tremendous Summer ’98 YEM. When Phish came out for the encore on the third anniversary of Jerry’s passing, no one knew what was about to happen. The unmistakable opening chords of perhaps The Dead’s greatest opus filled the pavilion- Phish was playing Terrapin. Creating a dreamlike state, Phish worked through one of the Dead’s finest pieces. Leaving many speechless far beyond the ending of the show, this decision was colossally significant and symbolic. Finally at ease with their own identity and unique legend, Phish gave a surreal and magical nod to Garcia above. If there was ever a truly epic encore, this would most definitely be it.
What are your favorite encores? Respond in Comments below!
Last up in our outlandish week of 11.17-11.23 1997 is the Winston-Salem show. Featuring perhaps the jam of the week in the darkest half-hour “Bathtub Gin” you’ll ever hear, the first set had the best “Black-Eyed Katy” of the fall and an evil “Stash.” Great stuff all around. Grab it. Enjoy!
I: My Soul, Theme From the Bottom, Black-Eyed Katy, Sparkle, Twist, Stash > NICU, Fluffhead, Character Zero
II: Bathtub Gin > Down With Disease > Low Rider > Down With Disease, Bold as Love
E: Julius
The encore of a Phish show is usually an afterthought to the mayhem gone down just previously in the second set. Most often a token song or two, there have been times that Phish developed something more significant to end the night. Such examples of this abound, and some include the “Vernon Downs the House> …