@Renaissance said:

Not sure if this is kismet or just coincidence, but it's extremely fitting to talk about the Dead's impact on the "legend" of Hampton Coliseum today. After all, it was 24 years ago today that they performed there as The Warlocks and performed their first "Help on the Way" since 1985, their first "Dark Star" since 1984, and the first "Attics of My Life" since 1972. There had been rumblings all summer that they were going to finally bring DS, their signature song, back into the repertoire. Attics was discussed too, but it had been so long since they performed it, who knew? After they busted out Death Don't Have No Mercy for the first time in 19 years at Shoreline the week before, the grumblings became louder, and rumors were flying. When thos that were lucky enough to go to Hampton on the 9th saw that the sign read The Warlocks, and not The Grateful Dead, people were rightfully psyching themselves up for something special. And that's exactly what happened. But it's not enough to bust out a long dormant song, you have to own it and play the hell out of it, which just like at Shoreline with Death, they definitely did. It's a hauntingly beautiful DS and the Attics and Help were exceptional as well. I was lucky to see the Death, but not lucky enough to be 16 living in VA at the time. It's a classic show and it is THE SHOW that really created the modern legend of Hampton being a very special place were special things happen.

Shit, I lost a long comment because I'm dumb. It said something like this:

Exactly. I think the lore of Hampton started with these truly epic bust-outs by the Dead, and when Phish showed up in '97, having officially taken over the 'top spot', by blowing the roof off the joint it forever put Hampton on the map. With the "Hampton Comes Alive" release right before the Holidays and '99 Hampton shows building the hype, the first runs of 2.0 and 3.0 solidified its place in the "Phishtory" books. Because even if it doesn't seem like all the best shows were played there, it sure seems like an important place for the band.

And I really like your post @TheEmu; you're a good dude. I'm glad things have gotten better for you since that run. That was my only trip to Hampton and I did the run with one of my now best friends, with whom I hadn't seen a show before 2009 (but between the two of us we'd seen > 100 in 1.0 and 2.0 -- deceiving stat of course because he'd seen about 90 and I about 10). Coincidentally, he's getting married this weekend and I'm a groomsman, so Hampton has been on my mind this week. In fact, he's been by my side at every Phish 3.0 show I've attended (~15 shows). Friends and Phish baby!