I’ve tried several times to wrote some sort of a review or narrative of the three reunion shows in Hampton and I’ve repeatedly drawn up short of words. It was a weekend about more than the featured music; the shows were a test of the resolve of a band that is attempting to revive itself in it’s third decade. They were a statement of intent to go forth and serve the music and its fans with the integrity that they each deserve. They were an apology for the failures of the past. How does one rate a rock band on these criteria?

Let’s cut out the objectivity for a moment and say these shows were fun, fun, fun. Being at the Coliseum with both old and new friends, soaking up the rare March warmth, dancing up a hot sweat to songs that I’ve enjoyed for ages and missed for nearly half a decade… How can you go wrong with these things? Well, as anyone who witnessed the 2003 Hampton run can tell you, it’s possible. Phish, however, seems to want to make clear that they have learned from their past. How do they do that? Lets start by opening with “Fluffhead”; a challenging and angular suite written in the 80’s (in the era of some of their most elaborate works,) that had not been played since 2000. In an interview last year, bassist, Mike Gordon noted that it was not played “Post-Hiatus” because it required more practice and dedication than the band was willing to apply. If playing “Fluffhead” (and playing it well) is not indicative of a reversal of those circumstances, I don’t know what is. Perhaps following it with one of their masterworks, “Divided Sky”?

Coming back to the stage with two of their most technically demanding compositions is not just a ballsy call; it’s a declaration of intent. Phish is reborn and ready to work; not just for our adulation which, truth be told, can sometimes be easily won, but also for their own self respect. From that stage, Phish tackled the monkeys upon its own back and showed that they do have the chops and mettle to stand at the top of the “jamband” heap. Continue reading →

In just two days, Phish will break nearly five years of silence with a three night run in one of their favorite venues: Hampton Coliseum. Over the past two weeks, we’ve given you a little look back at what makes Hampton Coliseum so special to Phish, their fans, and more.

Today, we look ahead.

For those who’ve followed this series, or Phish themselves, you certainly noticed that the last appearances of the band at Hampton (or anywhere else) were lackluster at best. Why then, you may ask, would anyone be excited to see them come back and possibly do the same again? In all honesty, we can’t completely rule out to possibility that Phish 3.0 won’t be any better than Post-Hiatus Phish. But there are reasons to be optimistic.

During the last Phish tour, it became painfully obvious that Trey Anastasio had a serious drug problem. Since that time he has been through jail, rehab, and a lengthy probation. Last year, he returned, cautiously, to the road and played with renewed vigor. The Fall 2008 tour of Trey & Classic TAB was met with rave reviews by many, including myself. Trey is clearly back, happy, and ready to rock.

Word from those in the know is that the band has been rehearsing heavily with the goal of coming back stronger than ever before. They have reportedly already written set lists (which I’m told are quite killer) for the Hampton shows and, as anyone who knows my taste in Phish should be able to tell you, that bodes well. In my opinion, Phish was best when they rehearsed tirelessly and wrote set lists before every show. If you doubt my assertion, you are probably hung up on that incessantly groovy cowfunk which is forgivable but not my favorite. I prefer pre-1996. Phish as a tightly wound coil, ready to strike. This is what I seek. This is what I hope to see in the coming shows. I also expect a bit of that cowfunk as well as some of that shoegazing ambient stuff from the late 90s. Phish 3.0 should be the merger of all of Phish’s finer points.

What will be missing? Certainly, we hope that the bad personal habits will be gone and that the band will be able to tour with a safe backstage environment structured to protect them from such things. Beyond that, will they continue to set aside the more youthful elements of their shows? It’s been more than ten years since Phish sang “Tela” and nearly nine since the last “Forbin > Mockingbird”. Is Gamhendge gone forever? What about “Fluffhead”?

Perhaps, they’ll swerve the other direction and re-embrace some of the older material. It’s been made clear that the absence of rehearsal brought the demise of “Fluffhead” along with the swath of technical gaffs in other tightly composed songs. Perhaps, the re-introduction of rehearsal, will bring forth a wealth of long lost nuggets. I’d love to hear a proper version of “Letter To Jimmy Page” or “Esther”. I’d be absolutely ecstatic.

Truth be told, I’m crossing my fingers and looking forward with the hope that this time, Phish plans to get it right. Win or lose, the anticipation is thrilling and nerve-wracking. Nothing will release this tension like a Phish show so, it’s a good thing that there are three on my calendar this weekend.

Check back during & after the weekend for reports from the shows.