6/7, I saw Dr. John at The Paradise, so I missed what sounds like a great Ghost/Boogie. I figured Dr. John may be retiring soon, so I didn't want to miss him. I'm still kicking myself now...

...But see I got into Phish in 2009 during a period where I was going to concerts nonstop. If anything was the least bit interesting, I'd go see it. I went to the symphony over 10 times that year (thanks to a student discount program), I went to jazz shows, was into world music, saw a bunch of rock bands I'd been meaning to see for years. From 2000-2009, I just wasn't into live music (except dance parties if that counts), and in '09, I finally was in a place where I could go out a ton.

Manchester 10-26-10 was amazing was the first real sublime moment I experienced with Phish. The two shows I caught at DCU and the one at Great Woods were good, but I just wasn't electrified.

Looking back at it, I can't prove that this had anything to do with the band's playing (although I thought song selection and jamming was off at the Worcester shows).

Honestly, I was ready to give up.

About a minute into Free, I knew that a real resurgence was going on. Kill Devil Falls had this real nice groove to it, and I was psyched during the soloing of Roses are Free. The rest of the show was just ecstasy. I haven't listened to the MP3's, and I'd prefer to just have the memories.

I remember leaving the show and hanging around the venue in no hurry to go home. Finally climbing up the hill to our car, and feeling so psyched...I felt like The Dead were back or something. If memory serves me correctly, I bought Bader Field Tickets sometime that week after returning home.

I stopped seeing other bands due to lack of funds. Phish are the only band I will spend money on. This show marks the beginning of my true devotion.