You know what one of the most things I love about Phish is? It's their passion. You know what I love about Phish fans? You guessed it...it's our passion. We are all of the same passionate breed my friends whether or not we agree about the caliber of a particular show. We are all linked by a common energy, and and when we're at a show there are no enemies. It's pure magic. We are the greatest fans on this planet, and we all belong to the same special club. Yes, we are very passionate about "our" band, and it's hard not to be defensive if it feels as though someone is disrespecting something that we hold so dear such as a show that brought us complete satisfaction and bliss.

I feel that the reviewer echoed my thoughts regarding last night's show. I'm listening to it right now, again, for the third time. It's a fun show and I'm enjoying it again for the third time. Still, it's not "my" show even though I do enjoy listening to it. So far, on this leg of the tour, the Gorge night two was "MY" show. I absolutely love that show. Most everything about that show fit for me. From what I've read, my feelings about that show aren't shared by many. That's okay. They have shows that perhaps nestle more snugly in their own personal niche that don't quite satisfy mine to it's fullest extent. That's one important reason why we love "our" band so much. They completely satisfy us in one way or anther, at one time or another. Each show is unique, just as each of us are unique.

I fully respect and smile for anyone who felt last night's show filled them up completely. I know that feeling well, and I'm happy the passion you have for this amazing band has been reflected in a show that "did it" for you.

I live on the East, and hit three shows the first leg including Superball. Superball was amazing, and Blossom was outstanding and received much praise. However, the Darien show really spoke to me deeply on many levels for many reasons. Again, others have a different take on that show and don't prize it to the extents I do. That's okay. I know how that show made me feel, and nobody with a differing perspective can take that away from me. Even after Superball, after Bonnaroo, and after all the many brilliant, highly complimented shows I've been to since '94, that Darien show is my prized gem that I will cherish and hold close to my heart for the rest of my days despite it not being the most widely appreciated amongst others in our unique and special club. Even though nobody in our club with a differing perspective about the Darien show can take how I feel about it away from me, I also know that nobody would want to even try to take that away from me because they understand that feeling I describe so well. After all, that's why their in this club in the first place!

As I said at the beginning, it's difficult not to get defensive when it feels something that we feel so deeply connected to is being disrespected. We are a passionate bunch, and sometimes our passion overcomes us. It's all good, we all feel that. It's just another criteria for membership in this club! Let's all just keep chasing that oh so satisfying feeling of being at "the" show that is able to somehow warmly wrap itself around our soul...and keep on high fiving each other along the way! After all, we're all on the same journey!

Cheers all of my Phish club friends young and old!