Second Time Around (16 years later)

I think this show is where it really hit me. Classic Amphitheater in Richmond, VA was a 10,000 seat venue. It was a small venue by today's comparisons, but I had seats up in the edge of the pavilion. So, to me, the place seemed much bigger. My first show had only been a couple of months before in an even smaller venue. This was a huge leap in scope for me. I didn't realize it at the time, but my first two shows would be the smallest venues I would see the band for 15 years. It was also the first time I had seen the band cut loose and have fun onstage. This is one of those shows that you have to listen to in it's entirety.

There are far too many highlights to mention, so I upped the entire show. The show is tracked, labeled and numbered 1-28 for an Mp3 player or your computer. The Mp3s have been encoded at 320. The download, setlist, and taping credits appear below.

6-30-94
Classic Amphitheater, Richmond,VA

Set 1: Down with Disease, Gumbo, Rift, Guelah Papyrus, Split Open and Melt, Glide, Scent of a Mule, Bouncing Around the Room, Frankenstein

Set 2: Wilson -> Maze, You Enjoy Myself -> Yerushalayim Shel Zahav -> You Enjoy Myself, Sparkle, Axilla (Part II), Harpua -> Kung -> Harpua -> Honky Tonk Women -> Harpua, Run Like an Antelope, Hold Your Head Up > Love You > Hold Your Head Up, Chalk Dust Torture

Encore: Sleeping Monkey > Poor Heart

Notes: Sean Hoppe, an audience member, was invited on stage during Harpua to sing Honky Tonk Women as Jimmy. The Antelope intro and HYHU subsequently included Harpua teases. Split Open and Melt included a vocal jam. Love You contained band intros and an unusually long vacuum solo. Both the YEM vocal jam and Sparkle had “Redrum” screeches from Trey, referencing the movie The Shining. Trey also used his megaphone during YEM. (from phish.net)

Part 1 (download)

Part 2 (download)

A Weekend at Merriweather

Considering the hype that surrounds Merriweather Post and it's parking lot, I found the  experience at the 2010 shows to be a breath of fresh air. Albeit, hot and muggy fresh air. The police presence was thick, as per usual, but folks generally were allowed to go on about their business. To have the helicopter constantly circling overhead was still somewhat intimidating.

The Phish "merch-police" were also out in full force. Surprisingly, they were ok with the Reba shirt. I personally witnessed several other shirt vendors get a pass with shirts like the Hally's Comet, and Llama standards that have been making the rounds over the last several
years. I did meet a lot of folks who had been looking for the Reba shirts. Thanks! The Alliance is always looking for qualified X-Wing pilots.

As I have mentioned many times before, you will not get any kind of song by song analytical review here, but I will say these are up there with the best shows I have attended. I thought both second sets were some of Phish's finest Type 2 moments this year, if not in recent memory. Night 1's Rock and Roll, Tweezer and Wolfman's were among my favorites of the night, not to mention a beautiful cover of Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, and a near perfect Sugar Shack. Some friends were able to get us to third row behind the pit right before my son's Tweezer was dropped right in our lap. Having Mike shake your fillings adds quite a bit to the experience.


My wife and son were originally going to skip the second night. After some discussion and an incredible offer of a pair of pavillions for them, they committed to a second evening with me. At this point I couldn't imagine them not being there with me to share in what my son called "The Best Phish Show" he had ever seen. I can't really argue with him at all. Even if the first set didn't have the energy you were looking for, you have to admit the rare covers and some old shelved standards really made it special. And what can you say about the second set? I can say this is what Phish is. This is why I go see them again and again. Pure and unadulterated hose.

MPP1 album

MPP2 album

Tweezer Madness!!

Thanks go to yetimon from Reality Tour for inspiring this propaganda-fueled lot shirt. Based on the 1938 film Reefer Madness, the design features a 2 color front print with great details. The shirts are, as usual, printed on Gildan 100% cotton pre-shrunk Ultras. The color is called 'Cardinal Red'. Sizes range from S-XXL, with 3XL available in the closest available color. Ladies sizes are from S-XXL in 'Maroon Red'. Also available in a hoodie (7.75 oz., 50% cotton/50% polyester fleece pullover) in 'Maroon Red', sizes S-XXL, with 3XL available in select colors.

Get one here.

Hartford Whalecallers Update

To those waiting for the Hartford shirts...they are currently being printed and look as good as the mock up. Depending on a few other things happening I expect these to ship to me by the middle of next week, which means you guys will start getting them in the next couple of weeks. The orders have closed and no more orders will be accepted for these. More updates to follow.

The Joy in the Journey

One of the best feelings in the world is the split second that the lights go down. In that moment there are infinite possibilities. Most people I have talked to have experienced this the same way; with great anticipation and wonder. It’s happening. You are here. You made it.

Running a close second for me would be the 'road trip'. Maybe it's just that I am used to driving long distances. Or, maybe I find comfort in  the repetitive sounds the car makes at 75MPH when you are cruising along in the right lane. I'm not sure exactly what does it, but I find as much joy in the actual trip itself as I do in arriving.

Depending on how long the drive is, and whether or not you have seen the band yet on that particular tour, there is a prolonged level of anticipation. I mentioned the lights going  down, because it's very similar to that. Except, sometimes it lasts for several hours.  Granted, the feeling may come and go, but it's always there motivating your drive.

It tends to peak for me when ever we pick up a line of cars obviously bound for the same  destination. Sticker coated vehicles are not quite as common, but there are always signs that you are not alone. It's a feeling that you are headed towards something bigger than yourself. There's nothing quite like starting up a random conversation at a gas station with "So what do you think the opener will be?" and getting a heartfelt and real response from someone who is just as excited as you are.

See you on the road.

Down With Links, Up with Tweets

You may have noticed there are no links to purchase shirts or stickers. These links have been removed so that I can manage my stock for the upcoming shows. I don't know what vending will be possible, but I don't want to over sell anything here.

The only links that will become available are pre-order links for a new shirt debuting at the end of this month. Watch the blog for that one. Other links will return after this tour leg with an add to cart feature, by request.


I will be tweeting updates from MPP this weekend whenever possible, and occasional crappy cell phone pictures. Please keep in mind that I do not own a smart phone, and will not be able to respond to Direct Messages through Twitter.

Kuroda's Latest Trick

Last night in Mansfield, during a new song debut, Chris debuted a lighting trick reminiscent of the days of the "phish Logo" gobos used up until 94. Very cool. For those that doubted the photo, the YouTube (via parkerjh)  is directly below. You'll want to see it around 5:08 or so.