I've been seeing Phish since 88'. Magnaball 2 was most enjoyable and profound day of live music I've ever experienced. The crowd of old timers I rolled with that weekend in Watkins Glen all felt the same. From the opening notes on that sunny afternoon to the closing instrumental whispers in the wee hours, Phish crafted an epic musical masterpiece dripping with confidence, creativity, and at several points, breathtaking improvisation. I am in agreement with those who believe this show has earned its ratings and as such its place in phistory.
Some disagree and that’s fine. Maybe you had to be there to fully get it. There was admittedly an embarrassment of riches beyond the music for those in attendance: Sun, clouds, the moon and stars each day/night; Delicious, healthy food and world renowned craft beer (Hill Farmstead AND Lawson's Finest); vortex-invoking art installations; and 30,000 ecstatic friends, soaking it all in together; and an infrastructure that could have handled twice the crowd. The vibe at camp reminded me of being at an old Grateful Dead show where happiness and kindness overflowed.
Speaking of the Dead, Trey was still riding high on the GD50 celebration afterburn. You could hear it in his tone, in his command and in all those crystal notes! What a special tour.
I would be remiss to not call out the peak in the last few minutes of the Caspian/Tweezer jam. My God. It is the most powerful musical peak I've ever experienced. Where I was, the moments immediately after were filled with tears and hugs. It was a sacred experience for many of us, including the band.
Lastly, there was the Drive in Set as the coda to it all. The All. An improvisational masterpiece, that when put into the context of the day’s music before it creates the kind of thing you can’t understand, you can only feel.
Wrap that up inside of Friday and Sunday and you’ve had yourself a Ball.