I didn't really get IT until my first show in Nov. 94 (the UIC show the boys were kind enough to release officially). I'd heard Harpua on a few tapes (remember when every show wasn't available in hours?) but seeing it along with the first glow stick war followed later by Fish on vacuum during Purple Rain- it just floored me in a way listening ona stereo never could. I remember standing there on the floor, tears of laughter running down my face thinking, "I will follow these guys anywhere." 18 years later I've seen them as far south as Miami, as far north as the northern tip of Maine as far east as Jersey and as far west as CA. I've written 2 novels that take place in Phish's world, a fun interp of Gamehendge I did just to do it, and a Tour Diary novel where each chapter takes place at a show on their 2000 tour that is my 2nd best selling title. Phish is the constant companion to my writing regime and now that I'm older and can't run off for long strings of shows, their embracing of couch tour allows me to get IT from home. It's not exactly the same, but after about 80 shows, I can use my imagination and be at the show in spirit.
Here's to IT!