In our first "leg" of tour we traveled for 9 days, over 2,400 miles through ten states and 6 six Phish shows in 5 different venues. A few months later, we went out to Red Rocks, Colorado to see more shows (4 for Brad, only 3 for Erin since she has no vacation time yet!) at an absolutely gorgeous outdoor amphitheather. Then we wrapped things up with one last weekend trip to DC where we saw a final show at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland.
People think we are crazy going to so many Phish shows but I can't explain how much we LOVE going. Brad and I both love love love live music and nothing makes us happier than hanging out with good friends, enjoying the beautiful outdoors and listening to amazing music. Besides, it's not like a normal band where if you see them play more than once you literally see the same show over and over again.
I'll let Brad explain since he's the real expert here ;) ... "Many people who have not seen Phish are like why do you go see so many shows in a row, don't they just play the same show every night. Well I did a little research. In the history of Phish they have played a total of 689 unique different songs (as of mid-summer, it's a bit higher now). In the first four nights that we saw they played a total of 78 songs and only 1 song was repeated. Over the six shows that we saw they played a total of 106 songs and 15 songs were repeated once. This gives you an idea of the repertoire that this band has."
I think it's exciting to go to a lot of shows and see if you hear a new song that you've never heard before or one of the classics that you could hear over and over and never tire of. Besides, even when they repeat songs, they often sound very different - they are a "jam band" after all, so they are known for jamming out a song and improvising solos and riffs along the way.
Anyways below are pictures of the band from a few different venues (all photo credits to Brad!) - they have amazing lights at their shows so it makes for some great pics...
One of the fun things about going to Phish shows is that it's not just about the concerts themselves - everyone also goes and tailgates before the show so it becomes a full day affair.
Wherever they let folks park their cars, the crowd gathers to hang out and BBQ
People sell food in the lots (this woman happens to be making the most delish veggie burritos that I have EVER tasted!) And of course, there is quite a laid-back, hippie vibe so Brad and I are right at home :)
But Brad and I both agree that one of our favorite things about going on tour is meeting up with close friends and running into others we haven't seen in years. Brad, by the way, is the king of the random run-ins - somehow if he knows 30 people at a show with tens of thousands in attendance, he'll run in to those 30 people over the course of the day. It's kooky but super fun. And not only the people that we see at the shows, but it gives us an excuse to travel near and far and see great friends along the way - Erika (and her parents!) in Denver; Ginny and Geoff in DC; A-Rod, Robyn, Brendan & Eva, Alix & Catherine in MD and many others!
A few pics capturing some friends along the way ...
Dan & Monica and Jay & Lisa at Jones Beach, NY
Billy and Erin making the best of the pouring rain at Red Rocks, CO (it was freezing!!) and a little Duke reunion with Billy, Drew and Elyana
Erin & Alex / Brad & Todd hanging out in the lot at Camden, NJ
Erin & Brad in our seats at Red Rocks, CO; Erin & Drew outside the venue
Well, we are done with touring (for now at least!) - it was a blast and we can't wait for some more adventures to come!
