Call me # 202
I'm 65, almost 66 and a big fan. I first listened 5-6 years ago when i got Sirius for the car. I'm a sales rep and would listen on longer drives to Jam On, then recently Phish Radio # 29.
I had never seen Phish live, having missed the past few summers in Camden. I live in PA and would consider MSG but hard to get away during the Holidays. So, i was excited to learn of the concert and the chance to win. I entered and did not win. But, the morning of the show, I scheduled 2 sales calls in Philly, booked a hotel, and thought i would at least go to the Met and check out the scene. I had a feeling that maybe someone would need a plus 1 or that there would be no-shows and Sirius would release some tickets.
Around 330 i heard about a guy with a list across the street. I went looking for someone in a Sirius jacket and an official list on a clipboard. On my 3rd trip across the street I found " the guy with the list". He was in a hat, jacket and scarf and the list was on plain white paper. We put down our name with a sharpie and the next number in order. I was 202.
For the next few hours we waited in the cold and kept asking each other if our chances looked good. My daughter lives 2 blocks away and i jumped out of line to get warm , have a coffee, and encourage her to come over. ( she was # 203). I went back at 445. No news, no movement, but the line was growing. Close to 250. Very fun, upbeat, confident crowd. Beer for sale in coolers ( too cold ). I was making fiends and having fun and kept thinking there would be tickets.
Think about it.. winners could have come from anywhere. From far away would mean a plane ticket, hotel, missing work. There had to be plenty of no shows, right?
730, still no movement but we had been directed to get single file. My daughter showed up. My new friend Scott told me #'s 1-10 had just been given wrist bands and tickets. The line was starting to move! It was happening but would they make it to 202 and 203?
Another group of 10. Then they were up to # 50. With each group of 10 going across for tickets, a huge cheer would go up. We were closer and moving faster. Now over 150 and told to be ready. It was close to 8 and everyone believed the band would start at 810.
Now it was our turn. The list guy checked our names and number, didn't ask for ID and we went across for wrist band and 2 tickets for Orchestra 9, row E, forget the seat. No one was sitting! We got in and missed " Hello My Baby" but just in time for Tweezer.
My first Phish show and it was this one! Free, in an intimate venue, with my daughter.
I loved it and knew every song. The lights and sound were awesome. The crowd was incredible. I've listened to the replay 4-5 times already. I'm going to MSG later this month. The people i met were truly thrilled for me to be at my first show. There was no edginess in the crowd, all smiles, hugs and handshakes. Thank you.
I can't compare so I'll let veterans review the show as it compared to others. For me it was the best. Thanks to Sirius, the list guy, the line leader, my new friends, and for letting me tell the story.