I was pretty much floored by the end of the costume set. I didn't expect it to have so much emotional weight on me. It was one of those that just builds until it reaches that point of singularity where all the elements converge into one simple point of light ("Rock and Roll Suicide"). Calling that moment the highlight of Trey's singing career is one way to put it, but another is to say Trey exposed himself through someone else's song in a way he has never been able to do (with great success) on his own ballads. And I'll never forget that moment and the energy from the crowd feeling IT.
The songs leading up to that finale were so well played, and the Moonage Daydream outro was insane. Even the guys and gals on strings were visibly floored.

The third was more than satisfying, and I agree it was a strong 3rd for 3.0 standards, The band (having lost maybe a small step winding up the final addition to a four-show masterpiece) still delivered the goods throughout with a 46>Sand that made all kinds of sense, and a quick, strange Twist with a full and often riveting drum corps. I happily got my second Meatstick, and 2001 was the centerpiece, delivering in a way that previous versions I have heard or seen from this era have not. The #line solo throught to the Slave finale was emotional overkill in the best possible way.

Overall, I was lucky to catch 7 shows this tour and all of them were spectacular. Add to that 3 shows at Mexico and Bill Graham each and I had a hell of a year seeing this band. I'm not making it to NYC, so this is a wrap for me. Thank You Phish, for another crazy, sexy, beautiful year of music.