2.28.03
SET 1: Birds of a Feather: Very solid, Trey is aggressive throughout.
Destiny Unbound: Absolutely could not believe what was happening when the opening notes rang out. Even more unbelievable was the lack of reaction from so many. I mean, there was a concerted effort just 6 years ago at Hampton to get the band to play this, you would think more people would know it? This was exceptionally cool to see live! Not only this a bustout of all bustouts but they shredded the hell out of this!
Horn: Loudest cheer I have ever heard for this tune before, lol. Well played. >
Bathtub Gin: Love the Theme that Trey starts developing early in the ten-minute range and Page hops on that bus quickly. This doesn’t last that long but is enjoyable, nonetheless. Things truck along at an expedited pace and really don’t slow down much at all save for the last couple of minutes when things get intro a brief introspective space and then to the traditional wind down. Exceptional version and another all timer. The third all time Gin just from this tour alone. For the record I prefer 2.22, then 2.14 and then 2.28.
Sleep: Such a great tune with wonderful imagery.
Back on the Train: Bursting at the seams with precise playing and full steam ahead energy. This version never stops to take a breath. Awesome rager!
Bouncing Around the Room: Standard. Pretty well played.
Walls of the Cave: Completely shredded. Balls to the wall the entire time. Perfect as a set closer. Prefer the 2.14 and 2.22 versions but again, as a closer – this was great.
SET 2: Tweezer: The intro seems to catch many off guard as Trey quietly opens it up. Love all the super heavy Trey effects around the 4 minute mark. 10:45 through 11:30 is one of the segments that will always stay with me – a very polarizing moment that defines what this band is capable of, creating incredible pieces of music ON THE FLY. From here, they go onto to just shower us in some of the most beautiful hose they have ever created. Not too proud to say this, makes me want to cry every time I hear it. Trey just crushing those echoing licks at the 15 minute mark to complement the underlying groove. Page creating a masterpiece on the baby grand to support it all. 21:51 sounds like they were gearing up for a segue into Sneakin’ Sally. Instead of opting for that they just blister everyone’s behinds. The last couple of minutes things get decidedly dodgy, definitely will torque on the ol’ reality helmet given the right circumstances and substances, am I right? What a tremendous way to close out one of the best jams of their career. >
Soul Shakedown Party: Could they have played anything cooler than this after what came before. My answer is a resounding no. Mike’s solo is otherworldly, the bombs he is laying down just rocked the Coliseum to its foundation. So very good. From here things get very ethereal, super heady stuff. Incredible. ->
David Bowie: Woooooow. Those last couple of minutes from Soul Shakedown Party fit hand in glove to what you would expect out of an eerie Bowie intro. Mike and Trey riffing off of one another is super cool. Things are very standard issue for this tun until the 13 minute mark when things get decidedly murky, Fishman is extremely aggressive crashing cymbals like a madman and a ton of tension is built up. Nasty, dirty, and dark. At the 16 minute mark we finally emerge from the depths of hell and we are back on familiar ground. This eventually leads into a thrilling climax that one can expect from any great version. This Bowie SMOKES.
Round Room: Great breather. Not jammed like the Vegas version. >
Harry Hood: This is a wild version, peaked with reckless abandon and while the climax is not technically perfect – the attitude and effort sure are. Absolutely love this version, just a perfect, perfect way to end an utterly incredible show.
ENCORE: Contact: Good stuff, had to figure this coming with a ridiculous drive to get to Greensboro for tomorrow night’s tour closer.
Mexican Cousin: Nice! Love this! >
Tweezer Reprise: Bone crushing version with Mike just dominating. Faces were melted.
Replay Value/Summary: Destiny Unbound huge bustout, Gin (all timer), Back on the Train (all timer), Walls of the Cave, Tweezer (all timer), Soul Shakedown Party (all timer), David Bowie, Harry Hood. This show is what Phish dreams are made of. Complete freight train that rocked the Coliseum. Couldn’t have asked for a better show. I had an amazing show and walking out of there was wondering how in the world I was going to make the solo drive to Greensboro.
Show rating: 4.7