Phish Reunites - March - Hampton - 2009

This was an absolutely amazing trip: the music, the ambiance, the vibe, the scene; it was all too good to be true. I figured rather then tell the story a whole bunch of times, I’d create a web page to showcase some of the amazing sites and sounds from being back on the road with Phish. Not all of the photos and video below were taken by me. I was too busy dancing my face off. Enjoy!!

- Benny Mac

Night One - Fluffhead Opener - Simply refered to as FOB

So much speculation as to what they were going to play to open this incredible experience. My guess: Punch You in The Eye = high energy + high crowd participation song. The line to get into the Coliseum was over-bearing and very high energy. We managed to sneak three seats in the back with plenty of aisle room to dance. This picture above is a telling view of what we experienced Night One. The lights were incredible here. I felt the sound was slightly muffled by crowd singing along but honestly, you could have sat anywhere this night and felt the intense energy flowing throughout the building. IT was magical.

I could write a 10,000 word essay on this show really, but time permits. Let me just mention that the playing was phenomenal and everyone I have spoken to agreed that the band was back together playing solidly as a unit. Page sounded particularly “on” and right off the bat has taken more of a central role in Phish 3.0. I am curious to know if they have left the EQ levels the same since ‘03 or have they jacked up Page a bit.

The boys closed out the show with an epic You Enjoy Myself vocal jam during which new sounds (tongues imitating Chinese ground spinning fireworks) and new lights (downward spiral vortex) were introduced to the phans. It was the perfect way to end the night with a new beginning.

Night Two - Right back where we left off

I am sure many of you must wonder what it’s really like during a Phish show (if you haven’t already let your misconceptions spoil the true experience). I find that during several points of the show, the music has taken me to a place where I feel a very positive energy and this allows me to reflect on life, my dreams, my goals, my aspirations. The music moves you deep down to the very essence of your soul and gives you the urge to dnace the night away. I experienced this sensation repeatedly Night Two and the rest of the night unfolded like a classic novel, each chapter perfectly tying into the next. The playing continued to shine and the vibe had shifted from anxiety-riden the first night to more of a party vibe; everyone’s travels here were to kick back, have some fun and listen to some great music.