Tonight Phish will go where many thought they never would, and play a three-hour slot from 11 pm to 2 am at Bonnaroo. Slated to play on “What Stage” after The Beasties Boys, and following David Byrne (performing on another stage), Phish is primed for one of the most unique performances of their career. Rumored to be one long set, late into the night, it will be interesting to see what materializes this evening. Will Phish play a straight show? Will they experiment under the stars? With a regular two set gig scheduled for Sunday night, there possibilities are wide open.
Fans have discussed the many sit-in opportunities that exist with virtually the entire music industry on site. But my hunch is that Phish will go it one alone and use the nation’s biggest summer stage to announce to their recent return to prominence, and show the next generation why they are the greatest band in the land. If I had to guess, these two shows will be some of the most exciting of the summer, but what musical direction they will take is anyone’s guess. If had to predict one thing, the Bonnaroo “Tweezer” will be a highlight of the festival when we walk away on Sunday night. Only time will tell.
More soon. For now I need rest.
