If you are into the band, then you’ve spent time on an abandoned tarmac in the northeast corner of the United States. Well, Phish 3.0 has introduced us to a new and improved band. That we’ve already established.
But that’s not all. We have now been privy to quite a new way to experience the magic, especially on Halloween.
Phish’s 8 was by FAR the best festival they have ever put on. I feel like I went on a real vacation to see my favorite band.
For starters, arriving to super sunny California was an absolute pleasure: endless bluebird days followed by angelic sunsets and starry nights. No more RV or tent camping necessary! We all stayed in luxurious resorts minutes away from the site. Each morning, we awoke with such intense gratitude. Days and evenings prior to the show were spent lounging by the pool and looking at views like these:
Once it was time to head to the Empire Polo Grounds, we all gasped in delight as we took our shoes off and buried our toes in the manicured grass. No mud? No dirt? Come on, this is wonderful.
With hours before the show and tons of eye candy, it was time to go explore the site. Burning man-like artists, a vibrant castle called the “Coil,” brilliantly decorated “creatures,” delicious food from vendors, and a BIG screen TV laced with palm trees at the “Overlook” were just a few of the magnificent features to gaze upon.
And kids….lots and lots of kids. This was one of the best parts of 8…seeing all the families bring their young ones. They even came up with costumes that truly embodied a Phishead’s creativity. One day, that child will see photos from the weekend and say, “my parents outfitted me in a Fishman dress and I loved it!” [Editor’s note: One hopes].
I stopped these boys for a minute. They asked me why I wanted to take their photo. I said, “here’s the deal boys…once upon a time, before you were born, your parents saw many Phish shows. Then when you came into the world, it was harder for them to get to see the band they loved so much. Now, 8 rolls around, and it’s the ultimate opportunity to bring you to experience something that means so much to them. Plus, it’s FUN for you.”
“Oh, we get it, this is the coolest place in the world to be right now.”
Yup…you get it boys.
As each evening set in, the sunset cascaded around the site and glowed off the mountains. We were all happy, TRULY happy.
Halloween was filled with creative costumes everywhere. Combining Phish with such a fun holiday (especially having the event occur during the day time when everyone could see each other) was incredible. Here are just a FEW highlights
Now, I know I’ve been talking about, “Phish did this the best and that the best,” but what was REALLY the best……and I mean it….was getting to watch the Yankees games during set break. Hanging out with thousands of phans on Halloween, screaming at the HUGE screen TV, laughing, cheering, etc….STILL gives me perma grin. What a GREAT idea it was, but then I guess there would have been riots if they hadn’t been clever about showing the games.
Again…grown up Phish…getting to see the band and watch the game.
Clever they were….so clever that hundreds of us waited on line Sunday morning for our “8” donuts. We all took advantage of everything Phish had to offer. Not only was the site small enough to walk around the perimeters easily, but also all extracurricular activities were super fun!
This column doesn’t focus too much on the music. I hope that’s ok with all of you. The band played GREAT. My goal is to describe to you JUST how grown up Festival 8 was. There was no real sketchiness in the crowd, barely any trash, it was so kid-friendly….I could go on and on. As I dug deeper into the psyches of my phriends and others around me, we all were collectively in agreement that this was the way to see Phish.
Now, the event wasn’t crowded. We have alllll been to their festivals where 60,000+ phans pushed their way through the east coast styled event….it was always a slight struggle at some point. There was ZERO stress in California, and since only about 30,000 people showed up, an even greater freedom was felt amongst the crowd.
Although Phish would have probably liked more ticket sales, we didn’t. We kept saying this was OUR festival. It was like we all won the lottery and this was our grand prize: A Perfect Phish Event. It was a grownup event, filled with older phans who had trudged through the mud for so many years. We deserved it…the band deserved it. I can’t tell you ENOUGH how wonderful it was. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE there said the same thing.
And how EXCITING it was to be back at a Phish Halloween show! It had been years since the band pulled one off. They set the bar high with Exile on Main Street and completely nailed it. But the best part of that set was Sharon Jones: a kick-you-in-the- ass funk musician who is the spitting image of a female James Brown. She lit up the stage with her soulful voice and fit in perfectly with the band.
Later that night, Sharon and I spent time together. “Annabel,” she gasped, as she looked deep into my eyes, “What IS this? Where did THIS come from? Oh the band and the fans just made me smile so big and I couldn’t help but sing better. I haven’t felt this good after playing with someone almost ever.”
“Sharon, this is Phish and you are now home. This is the real deal.”
She got it immediately. We are a strong force of nature, band and phans alike.
Adult Phish – Grownup Phish – Phish 3.0 at it’s best….whatever you choose to call it, call it a home run.
