8/8/98 Merriweather Pavilion, Columbia, MD

What a day,  8/8/98
Merriweather Post Pavilion

Arriving in the lot at 4:19, my friends and i knew it was going to be a
great day.  Thousands of people walking around, enjoying the day,
catching
a buzz, doin their thing.  We hung in the lot until about 6:30 and
decided
to head in.  We got to the gate and made our way in to see a plithera of
phishkids havin a ball.  We had lawn seats so we searched for the best
spot.  We ended up 3/4 of the way up the lawn, dead center.  We could
see
the stage perfectly.  We immediatley sparked up conversation with the
people around us.( If Jen and her friends from Allentown PA are reading
this, thank you for a great time even though that guy on liquid acid
threw
up RIGHT behind me while I was dancin)  What a good time we were
having. 
The boys opened with the Wedge.  A favorite of mine since Rift's
release, i
knew it would be a good show. NICU came next completely throwing me off
guard- I never thought i would be able to hear it live.  And then from
there bag-o goodies came Sneakin Sally.  Well they defintely snuck that
one
thru the alley and right into Guyute.  They could have ended the show
there
and i would have gone home 100% satisfied.  Guyute sizzled, and then
things
got quiet for a new song, Ficcus.  Different but decent.  I guess the
little white barn down on the far side of the lawn influenced the next
number.  Farmhouse.  I had heard it back in december at USAir arena and
thought it to be pretty cool, but this time around i knew it was a
phatty-boom-batty Phish original.  After a great farmhouse, i
recognized a
familiar guitar riff and drum beat.  Oh, Possum!!  A unbelievable first
for
me, they never sounded better.  The set ended with a great cover of
Sweet
Jane.  During set break we shared our thoughts and nugs and tried to
predict what could be in store for us.  The house lights dimmed and a
rippin Cavern started the second set off.  Another favorite of mine, it
put
shivers up and down my body.  Cavern bled right into a sic2001 that
jammed
forever.  Those purple lights stayed with me for days(daze) Making it's
way
towards the end of the song, 2001 slowed down and Tela made a journey in
from Gamehendge,  proving that she is a beautiful woman without even
being
seen.  She  eventually crept right into an absolutley astonishing
Piper. 
What a song! Truly Phish at their finest.  I can not believe how much
of an
 impact that song had on me.  Slow at first and like a hurricane by
end. 
Just whirling around and around.  Trey then quietly made his way to the
drums and "Bob Weaver" came out for his hilarious rendition of Sexual
Healing>HYHU.  An amazing Harry Hood, glowsticks and all closed a
phantabulous second set.  But that's not all.  For 10 minutes we sat and
tried to guess as to what would be next.  Not a clue.  Nothing could top
the 2 sets we already heard.  The boys came on again.  Guitar riff here,
drum beat there.  Who knows?  Nothing could have prepared me for what
came
next.  Motherphuckin SABOTAGE!!!  And crystal clear too!  I have never
heard a louder more intense crowd then i did that night.  If you can get
this bootleg, do it! I guarantee you will not be disappointed.  I get
shivers just thinking about it.  Truly an experience...
Thank you Phish for a most ecstacic evening that i hope you enjoyed as
much
as i did and thank you to all the people i met and become phriends with,
you definetely added to my good times... see you on tour

here is my song by song ananylsis-

wedge- perfect opener.it just seemed  really well placed with the
surroundings.and they never play it, so thats a plus too.

nicu-  hell yah! nicu kicks some arse!

sneakin sally-  this was a  great version.it took itself into a wicked
funky jam, one of the longest of the nite.into---->

GUYUTE!  yes! finally. well guyute is guyute...but they extended parts
a  lil bit, and trey added a couple chops in thier. it was good.

ficus- the crowd didnt know it.it reminded me of talk, mellow and cool
downish.i wasnt too impressed.but it can grow on me

farmhouse- finally,there improvising farmhouse. it was good too

possum- as  marv albert would say, yesss.. it was standard
possum,nothing special...but damn was it good.

sweet jane-  good closer.maybe if i knew the song though...

1st set..--overall light on the jams, but lotsa  good quality rarish
songs

set 2

cavern- doh! i was callin  birds....but cavern was funky..the  crowd
(myslef included) was expecting 2001.no surpirsie when...

2001- kinda routine...intro was pretty cool...not as cool as 4-4-98
intro..wasnt too long..not more than 15 mins... both "verses"

tela- yes yes yes yes yes yes !!!

piper- ok.your thinkin piper big deal right? i dont think so.this piper
was THE jam of the nite...15 mins long...got kind of spacey.music faded
until  BOB WEAVER showed up.

sexual healings- seeing a  grown man in a  beard in a dress singing this
and swaying, was funny and some how  cool.no vac though.into  HYHU.

hood- unreal....trey mike and page each took a "fill" in the intro, with
page using some really cheezy but cool sounding keyboard.hood was
good.awesome light stick war..some where in the first set an inflatable
spiderman found its way up to the stage, sorry forgot.so hood closes.

encore- im sure you saw it by now.i cant say there was 1 person who was
expexcting.........SABATOGE!!!!(sp). oh my.this took evtyone by
surprise..trey sounded good as shit on vocals too.
peace bob



Given all the reviews of Merriweather already, I'll just throw a few extra
thoughts in.

First set didn't flow well and came across as a random collection of still
very enjoyable songs. If this is the Jukebox Tour (I think of it as the
Wish Fulfillment Tour, too), this set epitomized it. Ficus, for example,
came out of nowhere and then just stopped. This is a great bridge in
search of two songs to connect to.

Second set was yet another wish fulfillment for me, my first live 2001. I
finally got to see the instrument that's missing on all my tape versions-
those stunning lights! Maybe 2001 *is* the right name for this song the
way Chris does it, because passing through those pure waves of color was
like hurtling down the weird space-time channel or whatever at the end
of that movie.

However, the highlight of the show had to be the post-Piper jam, which
took me straight back to the pop-out-of nowhere jamming style of '97. I
was flooded with relief- after seeing the energetic, funky but otherwise
disappointing Shoreline 7/19/98, I was worried that they had tightened
back up too much this year- was the style of say, Hampton 11/97 gone
forever? Nope, it's still just one more seasoning in Reba's stew.

The Sabotage encore was different kind of highlight. Anyone familiar with
a "contact high"? I guess I was getting an effect from thousands of
people. I had no idea what the band was playing, just that it was pretty
fun(ny). But the energy whooshing out of the crowd itself- not off the
stage- was practically a visible ectoplasm shooting out of people's
upraised fingertips! Still a puzzler, though- why then, why so much?

Diana Hamilton -- hamilton@umbc.edu -- Baltimore, MD USA




this was undoubtedly the best show ever. I have read people's reviews and some
liked it but here's my thoughts. the venue itself was the only thing i didn't
care for. we were on the lawn and it seemed like the entire place was at the
same descent. i couldn't see the stage at all(thank god for the screens) and
my friend who was 6'4 had to stand on his tiptoes just to see the stage. but
other than that..look at the setlist!!! wedge was great, and although i had
seen NICU earlier in the tour, it was still fun. my friends and I had been
singing sneakin sally all week and nothin made me happier than to hear it with
them. guyute is always a favorite of mine. the first four songs were so
satisfying. anyway...sweet jane was wonderful and not too sappy like some of
the other slower ones. also..how about sexual healing? my friends and i ate at
the waffle house before the atlanta show and put on sexual healing as a little
preview for what we were hoping to hear. so seeing fish so solemnly singing
sexual healing was another great. most importantly..harry hood was fantastic
but sabotage!!! we never expected that and trey's vocals were right on. it was
a perfect evening to a great night. the lot scene had mad traffic getting in
but once we did we had a great spot and sat outside selling beer and jamming
to james brown. what was up with all the security on horseback? anyway..i hope
everyone who was there had as much fun as I did. also...EVERYONE GO TO THE
SHOW IN GREENVILLE SOUTH CAROLINA>>>ITS MY HOME TOWN AND WE JUST GOT A NEW
VENUE!!!!!  it will be fun...jennifer



Merriweather.......great show, traffic sucked, tons of people, put sweet
jane on the backburner.....that was an insult to trey's ability....standard
at best.....it actually hurt my ears....tela & sabotage....nothing else to
say but get this tape


I thought the show rocked.  Yes, traffic sucked, but not for those who
saw it coming.  It took me about 40 minutes to get to the overpacked lot
from 95.  What sucks are the people who are on tour 'cause they aint got
nothing else going on in there lives.  No tickets, no hygiene, just
hawking home fried potatoes.  Nice.

Anyway, missed most of the Wedge, which really bummed me 'cause I begged
Mike to play it in Houston and it has been on the rotation since.  Props
dude.  Great opener though.  Loved the NICU.  Sweet Jane rocked.  I
think Farmhouse is a Beattles type creative funky jam.  Love it.
Despite all the trials and tribulations, and the young guy in the lot
calling me Sir (! My fiancé now calls me Senior), the first set was
great.  I loved the second set as well.  I don't know while so many
people thought that show was sub par.

Enjoy the 'wheel.

Paul





Having not seen a Phish show in over 4 months, I was totally stoked for 
this show, my first of the summer.  This long wait was compounded with 
the fact that Phish was actually playing in my home town.  I mean, 
Merriweather.  I pass by it almost every day.  I even used to work there 
before I was fired for sneaking into a Jethro Tull Concert.  
Anyway, the scene.  We were one of the first one's there, so I got to 
watch the lot fill to a capacity I have never seen before.  Even the 
annual Jimmy Buffet Show which attracts more beer drinking frat boys 
than I care to think about never gets that full.  Before the show, the 
scene rocked. Vending and partying were in full force and it was just a 
good time.  The weather was great and I was home.

1st set - you know how you can tell, many times, how a show is going to 
be by the first note. The wedge did it for me.  I had never heard this 
live before but man was I ready for it.  It wasn't unlike the album 
version but soooo full of energy.

NICU - great tune.  haven't heard it since Hampton 96.  pretty standard 
version.
Sally - HELLL YEAH!!! I was so jealous of my friends who saw it on the 
new years run, so I'm glad I finally got my chance.
Guyute - One of my favorites.  Perfectly executed.  Everyone in the band 
was on.  Dead on.
Ficcus - never heard this before, but I had heard about it.  Very chill. 
 Awesome drum thing by fishman.  He seems to hit the ride backwards 
while he is striking.  Yeah Mike!!
Farmhouse - standard but fun
Possum - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes.  Trey blew me away.  Great jams and super 
lights (CK)
Sweet Jane - recognized as a cover but thought Cowboy Junkies did it.  
Good vocals and a fun way to end the set

Set II: - Cavern.  I used to love this song, but it doesn't really do 
anything for me anymore.  Really funky versiohn though.  Not the fast 
way I am used to from past shows

2001 - all I can say is that Chris Kuroda is the man.  

Tela - WHAT???  I had heard they were playing it, but I never expected 
to see such an elusive song.   Different from the original version. I 
loved it

Piper - always a good tune.  Not jammed out too much but still a good 
groove.

Sexual healing - Fishman is nuts!!!  So funny.  Not the best singer, as 
I'm sure you all know, but man he lit up that tiny pavillion.

Hood - I knew this one was comming and I was ready.  I see that people 
have finally given up on stopping the "Hood" shouters.  good.  It is 
fun.  Phish doesn't seem to mind.  Great jam at the end.  One of my 
favorite phish jams.

E: Sabotage - HOLY SHIZNIT!!!  this tore the roof off.  How did Trey 
sound exactly like Mike-D?  It was crazy.  Definitely the most energetic 
encore I have ever seen up to that point.  

This show was really good.  Not great, but really good.  I had a fun 
time, it was close and the boys were no fire.  The gang fight and the 
police hellicopters after the show sucked, but hey, what can you do.  
Peace to my two buds who got arrested.




O.k>  A little about myself, I haven't been to that many shows, a little over
40.  But I think I have a great ear for Phish, due to over 300 HQ hours on
tape.  Enough about me, though.  First, the venue.  This place was sooo sweet.
The smallest ampitheatre that I've seen Phish in since Red Rocks.  Way too
packed, but phat anyway. i was stoked about this show, becuase Mike had told
people that it was the 999th show and to make sure they got in.  I did.

The show started off sooo sick.  I mean Wedge, NICU, Sneakin>Guyute!!!!!   How
could you complain once about that?  I could practically go home after that!
The Wedge was sweet, standard fun NICU.  Then to the Sneakin' Sally!  What a
sick song, by far the phattest one they've played so far, much to the
consensus of others.  I love JAMS, that's what I'm all about.  And this phunk
jam was sick!  The 97 phunk did indeed become repetetive, especially Trey, but
this JAM was the getdown!  Page was incredible on the moog.  I just can't say
enough about this song, obviously, so GET THE TAPE!  Then after that sickness
we go into Guyute, YES!  I think all Guyute's ( I'm still spellin it the way I
always have!)  are great, this one too.  Ficcus was a pretty cool song, just
okay. Then to Farmhouse.  I thought this song sucked when they played it on
Conan, but the ending is rather beautiful, I think.  I used to not appreciate
anything by Phish unless it was a SICK ASS JAM, but I'm really giving the
slower songs a chance, I dug this one. Then to Possum, really stoked to hear
it, not a crazy ass version but totally solid and lots of fun and that's what
matters.  Then to Sweet Jane, didn't know it but enjoyed it!  

The second set was one of those sets that the setlist says nothing about.
Cavern opener was odd, but that's what phish is all about, change!  And until
everyone gets that through their head, they're gonna be confused.  Standard
Cavern, then to 2001.  This was a sick version, not 25 minutes long or
anything, but sooooooooo tight and downright powerful.  I LOVED IT!!  Into
Tela, nobody in the place called 2001>Tela.  They've never done that!! ( more
change )  Tela's a beautiful song and this version was great.  Then to the
highlight of the night!!  I've always just KINDA liked Piper, but this is
where the setlist says nothing.  THIS PIPER WAS SICK!!!!  They jammed it
standardly until the "top", then they jammed the shit out of it some more,
then they brought it down, and jammed the shit out of it some more.  I'm
talking TIGHT, INTENSE, ON FIRE PHISH!!  This jam is what I'm all about!
Everyone tape collector has to hear this tape!!  They took Piper into
HYHU/Sexual Healing, nice treat.  Fishman songs are always great and a good
laugh.  The Hood that followed was rather sick, I thought, ending an ultra-
high energy, tight ass set!

The encore was sooooooo surprising and soooooooo phat.  I thought the top was
gonna fly off the pavillion!  Trey sang Sabotage perfectly!  It was awesome.



Well,

I told myself I would go see them again.  I've been to about 50 shows
starting in 93, and I just haven't left show with that amazing feeling
that I used to get.  Their jams were seeming no longer new, but recycled.
I liked the groove, but it was always the same, and the space was rather
lame I felt.  I just wanted them to jam again.  But all things must change
I guess.

Something always seems to bring me back to the shows rewgardless of my
feelings.  So here I found myself at Merriweatrher Post, my old stomping
grounds, for Phish.  All the reviews said the traffic sucks.  But my car
left the long line and took some back roads and got there pretty fast.

Key Advice:  If you have any sense of direction at all, and traffic has
not moved for an hour, get on the highway and go another exit and
backtrack.

So whatever, all that bullshit before, I just wanted to tset the stage, my
expectations were VERY LOW for the show. I expected good moments, but lots
of bad somes and long drawn of recycled funk grooves.

Well anyway now I'm just rambling let's review this show:

The show started off really well with the exception of them tryting to
cram 4000 to many people in the amphitheater! 
 The Wedge is an old favorite, and it was my second one I wthink in many
shows.  There is not too much improvisation in this song, but it has such
a nice feel to it and it was played solidly, though not smoked persay.
NICU is another old favorite, I thought this, too, was solid. A kind of
strange way to open a show, but it was was very satisfying and enjoyable.
NOt hard core jammed old school Phish, but solid, fun songs that get you
going.

Sneakin Sally began and I was again happy, to hear it, but a lttle weary
of the 20 minute repitive funk groove I expected to ensue that would of
course lead into the dreaded repetior of 4 new songs I'd new heard that
were all ballads. But that never came.  Intead I rather enjoyed that
groove that thaey played and it was not drawn out.  It was pretty hot and
creative, although I just sometimes want Trey to unleash a crazy groove
Guitar solo rather then just strum on the wammy.  HE did do some creative
stuff, but not until the groove was winding down, (past its peak).  He put
on that rather annoying SPACE screaming repeat effect that I always dread,
but he didn't go into space, and soon Guyute came.

This is a really amazing song.  Since Iheard my first one in 94 I have
always dug it. It was a hot version and the crowd got really going.  I was
having a great time.
To this point in the show I felt nothing but happiness and had forgotten
the negative attitude I entered with. 

Then came the new stuff:

Ficcus was okay.  It was a pretty sweat dueling bass and guitar lick song
that Mike Sung.  It was short and okay.  I had heard it before and had to
ask of of the kids around what the hell it was. 

The problem I had with them playing it, was that it went completely
against the tremendous flow they had attained thus far.  The show could
have been amazing.  Keep the crowd going.  Put some energy into it.
Everyone was feeling great, this was rather anticlimactic.  I used to be
exhausted after Phish first sets.  Thye woould just put you through hell.
You would be so wasted and so drained from the amound of dancing you did
in the first set, that in the second, you would just spin and bug out.
Now they let the energy slip away.

Farmhouse is really cheesey.  It is an arena rock song and if it is ever
released it will be a hit.  I like it, but it has a really catchy melody
that reminds me of the 80s new wave.

I was so excited t hear possum.  It was okay, but a little low energy
again after the lull of the two previous songs. 
I thought they would end the set after this and then would bitch about it
being to short, but they played VU's Sweet Jane.  I love this song, and
Phish did it justice.  Page was awesome singing, but Trey's guitar lick's
fell a little short.  They jammed it out and I was pleased to hear this,
but I felt they could have gone crazy with it.

I was happy after the first set.  The show opened tremendously, and it was
one of the better first sets I have seen in a few years.  Not too much new
stuff.  Old favites.  Guyute.  I felt like they have definately had more
energy, but they song selection was good and with the exception of the F
songs the crowd was happy.

The second set was good too.

Cavern opener was wierd.  It was okay.  I have seen this song about 20
times, and this was was nothing special, but pretty good.

My friend Willard called 2001 before Cavern had even started and I was not
surpried to hear it.  It was good, and had some really beautiful jams
before the main theme came out.  Most notably Trey and Mike soloing.  I
liked 2001 a lot.  It was drawn out, but I really felt good abou the
groove they got on.  It was tight and smooth and Trey embelllished the
main theme for emphasis.

Tela was a wonderful surprise.  Always a beautiful song.  It was kind of
slow starting, in fact a little sloppy.  But once they got into it they
dragged out a descent Tela.  Not too much improvising, but like the Wedge
and NICU it is just a happy song.  

The moment of drea hit me when PIPER began.  I liked the song they just
droned on too long usually and I was afraid of the falloff thaat was
creeping back into me.  
This version had its ups and downs.  Trey seems to really love to play
this one and his energy rubbed off on the band this night.  Fishman was ON
FIRE, pounding the droning rythym.  I dug the initial jam that followed it
was hot and loud and the crowd was going nuts.  Somewhere along the line
the energy slowed and it seeemed to drag into a space jam, that was not
too interesting or creative and I was looking around for a sign to tell
them to play a new song.

Finally Trey went over to drums and Fishman sang sexual healing.  Mike was
so Hot on this, I swear he must have been a r & b bassist in a past life.
Reminiscent of the Duck for Booker T and the MG with his smooth flow and
impeccable timing.  I laughed at Fishman a while, but the song was fun.
When he is a ham the crowd goes nuts and I for one loved it.

I called the Hood closer, which always makes me a little teary eyed.  It
was an average hood.  I liked the glow sticks that flew all throughout the
pavillion.  It was really a trip.

The encore caught me off gaurd.
When Mike pounded the first bass =notes to Sabotage a looked around to my
friends, we all smiling and danced like a bunce of freaks.  This had more
energy thatn anything all night, with the exception of a few minutes
during Piper.  Everyone had the biggest grins on their faces, as Phish
smoked the fuck out of the song.  They played sabotage with so much energy
the Beasties themselves would have danced to it. WOW!

So it was a really fun show.  Not amazing or ridiculous but a solid show.
I had no desire to jump back on tour, but I realized that this is still a
talented band.  Though I don't always like what they do, or play I still
have fun at their shows.  With low expectations goiung in I was pleasantly
surpried.  I am not going to go se 5 to 12 shows a tour any more, but I
'll catch em here and there.  

Peace,
Dan
Ann Arbor, Michigan




 Well, by now everyone knows that traffic was insane going to this
   show.  It took us 9 hours to get there from Raleigh]]  Although,
   only about an hour to get from 95 to the venue which is ridiculous
   of course, but I heard many worse stories.  I missed The Wedge
   which really bummed me out--its such a fun song.  I walked in
   during NICU--a tune that is always good to get you going.  I was
   in a great section of the lawn where everyone was dancing their
   @$$es off.  And then, Sneaking Sally]  My personal first and I
   thought I would probably hear it in NC, MD, or VA.  It was just as
   sick as I thought it would be from some random 86 tape I have.
   Then, the distinctive notes of Guyute]  Loving life is what I was
   doing at this point.  Not the best Guyute I have heard, but it was
   definitely a nice one.  Ficus and Farmhouse were new ones for me,
   but I enjoyed them and look forward to hearing them progress in
   the shows to come.  And then, the sweet beginnings of Possum.
   Amazing]  Sweet Jane rounded it out and it was a sick set, all in
   all.  Set break found me searching desperately for a bowl (since I
   wasn't sure about security, I didn't bring one in to
   Merriweather).  It took me surprisingly long to find one, but when
   I did, the owners were only too happy to let me borrow it to load
   some dank nugs in and smoke with them.  Since my friend didn't
   make it into the show, I was doing the roaming around thing and I
   noticed something which I have noticed before, but never really
   bothered me.  So many people doing anything but listening during
   the show.  Talking etc and it is distracting.  Oh well, I moved
   around a lot whenever I found these annoyances.  Cavern to open
   the second set surprised me, but it was a nice way to get back
   into the groove.  Then, 2001]]  Not the best one I have ever
   heard, but nice nonetheless.  Tela also threw me for a loop--I
   don't think I had heard it since Deer Creek '96 so it was nice
   they busted it out again.  I really couldn't believe my ears when
   Sexual Healing came on--I knew they had played it earlier in the
   tour, but I didn't expect it again.  Let me just say, Fish's
   singing has improved A GREAT DEAL since the days of Fog that
   Surrounds.  Harry was a nice set-closer, but did anyone else think
   this was a short show?  Though I am not personally a huge Beasties
   fan, it was nice to hear them cover Sabotage and to see everyone
   getting down]  I thought this was an excellent show, although
   short, trafficky and bad sound.
 

This was my first show back after a about 6 months off.  I wasn't
disappointed.

I. The Wedge, NICU, Sneakin With Sally Through The Alley > Guyute,
Ficcus,
    Farmhouse, Possum, Sweet Jane

I really dug the first set, especially the tight Farmhouse, Possum, to
Sweet Jane finish.  I was happy to see them actually do something with
Farmhouse, which I really got into.  Possum was a logical next step, and
I'm glad they took it.  Both The Wedge and Sally were equally as
satisfying earlier on.

II. Cavern, 2001, Tela > Piper, Sexual Healing > HYHU**, Harry Hood

I thought the song choices were fantastic, though I was pretty drained
for most of this set (gotta get back in shape).  Piper was fabulous, and
I wish I coulda gotta into it more.  Sexual Healing was fun, but I
wasn't as impressed as many of the folk around me.  Hood was the
highlight of the set for me, and brought me back out of my lethargy.
Just in time, too.

E:  Sabotage*

Unbelievable!  Nothing else to say.  Unexpected and amazing.



 This was my 1st show this tour and I was mega dissapointed.  They seemed so flat the first set.  It was almost Jam free and the sound sucked.
   Out of the whole 1st set only Sally was improvised on.  Lame. Guyute(or Gyute whatever) is what it is,  it's still standard every time.
  The second set had it's plusses.  Piper was really god as Fishman went off , it included the best (only) jam of the night (besides Sally but, hey after the rest
of the 1st set I almost forgot what it sounded like to hear Phish jam).  Harry Hood was it's usual self (great).  This show would have been (insultingly enough
"standard") if nopt for the encore.  Sabatage surprised everyone.  I never realized how many B-Boys fans existed in Phishdom.  Anyway, those who think this show was
great should listen to it again.  It sucked (the 1st set so mightily I can't get over it) The next night at Va. beach was so different ( It's almost like they tried
to apologize.)  Those who think this show rocked should go to at least 2 before they decide (it was lamer(?) than Pittsburg winter of '95).




MERRIWEATHER POST-

Figuring the band would play Walfredo tonight because of the reference in the
song, but that didn't happen.  However, what did happen was the MOST INTENSE I
have ever seen a Phish crowd in my life.  My life consists of about 70-80
shows, and SABOTAGE was the SH_T!  It was perfect to a tee with Trey singing
in place of Mike Dimun.  Gordo was on the money with his bass lines and they
had Page (the keys the Beasties lack live) added the funk.  Clearly the best
cover I have ever heard, and one of the bands greatest moments.  This is
coming from someone who saw TERRAPIN STATION, and loves Van Halen.  As for
Terrapin, note for note again, but Trey's guitar and Mike's bass sound like
Trey's guitar and Mike's bass no matter how you spin it.  A steel sounding
peddle would have added a lot, but regardless, it was beautiful, emotional,
well timed, and a sight I am glad I saw and heard.  Take care and see you at
the WHEEL!!!!  Prediction: VEGAS--"A NIGHT OF COVERS"



I:  The Wedge, NICU, Sneakin With Sally Through The Alley > Guyute, 
Ficcus,
    Farmhouse, Possum, Sweet Jane*

nice opener.  sneakin sally rules!  sweet funky jam>into gayute!!!  
sweeet.  ficcus- dark tune..ok.  farmhouse- 1st time i heard this since 
they played it on letterman. it was pretty good.  had the spacey ending 
i remembered from the letterman show.  possum.  great set closer~!  oh, 
wait a minute...another tune- sweet jane. velvet underground cover.  
great jam that builds to a great crescendo to close the set...great 
cover tune.

II: Cavern, 2001, Tela > Piper, Sexual Healing > HYHU**, Harry Hood

E:  Sabotage*

****Velvet Underground cover**Fishman singing***
* sabotage- Beastie Boys cover 1st time played.

second set.  hmmm.....cavern was a great opener!!  slower than other 
versions from the past.  almost funky like the one from providence> 
2001.  great noodling of medium length. next was Tela.  page fouled up 
the opening verse, AND the second verse.  totally flubbed
the multibeast line.  ok. now the shit starts...
Tela>piper.  piper started so slow and smooth like it does.  it evolved 
into the HUGE piper jam.  trey finishes the feel good jam and fish is 
slapping on the skins.

trey puts his guitar down, goes over to the drum kit and fish heads to 
center stage.  the
the multibeast line.  ok. now the shit starts...Tela>piper.  piper 
started so slow and
smooth like it does.  it evolved into the HUGE piper jam.  trey finishes 
the feel good jam
and fish is slapping on the skins.

trey puts his guitar down, goes over to the drum kit and fish heads to 
center stage.  the tune is Marvin Gaye's(?) Sexual Healing.  gotta say 
it, fish sounded good.  and from what i've been reading, he's been out 
front regularly lately.  i thought we would get some fish nakedness, but 
thankfully it appears that he has outgrown that sort of thing!  a little 
HYHU action then a great Hood to close the set.

so now, i'm thinking...they've already pulled out the new tune with 
Sweet Jane...what's it gonna be for the encore?  i was thinking Tube or 
Camel Walk.  then Gordon does it- the hard bass line.  trey comes in 
with the furry creature type guitar.  the crowd starts going, trey 
starts screaming and the place simply EXPLODES!!!  Sabotage!  trey was 
totally vibing
off this most incredible energy!!  he hit all the verses and sounded 
AWESOME!  i don't really know how long the tune lasted, but every single 
person i could see had their hands in the air doing heavy duty 
beasty-gruven!!!

it was by far the BEST encore i have seen in my 60 plus shows!  every 
person i talked to was blown away!!  we'll see ya at the wheel..

ps: ....and then- Terrapin Station at Va Beach?!?!?!  somebody fill me 
in!



Just got back from my first two shows of the summer U.S tour and whew!!!
I guess you know what I mean - They were excellent!  I guess you guys no 
the setlist of Maryland by now so here is my short? review of:

8/8/98

Traffic of course sucked - and we were right at the correct exit too!   
I guess those who went, know what I mean!

Not really impressed by this venue.  I was actually under the pavillion 
this time!  (thanks Erik!)

Great show

WEDGE:  Always love any song off of Rift, but since this is pretty much 
a rarity, this was great to hear!  I think this song is great as a show 
opener.

NICU:  I don't think Trey flubbed any lyrics this time around (anyone 
hear the Nassau one?

SALLY:  This is such a great funky tune.  Who knows why they abandoned 
this one for so many years?  In the few times they've played it since 
what? - 88? or 89?  I have heard it 3 times!!!  Yeeee-hahhhh!

GUYUTE:  Always love this one - not much to say.

FICUS:  I didn't know what they name of this one was until I passed 
some table outside the seats that had the setlist posted.  Don't really 
recall what it sounded like, although I know it was sort of spooky or 
something.

FARMHOUSE:  Nice little ditty, with of course - weird as shit lyrics.

POSSUM:  a rockin' Possum.  I've heard better.  What's this one doing in 
the middle of the first set?  

SWEET JANE:  Loved the sound of the next tune after Possum when it 
started.  I was thinking: 'must be another new cover'  Someone near me 
said it was by the Velvet Underground.  Great song which they should put 
into rotation.


set break: pant pant pant

(was it me or was it just balls-out hot in there!)

SET 2

CAVERN:  To open a set? huh?  Great Cavern. They don't really vary as 
you hear 'em but this one seemed different.  

ASZ:  ALways love to hear this one.  Of course, I don't think one of 
these will surpass the Went version in length anytime soon!  Uh, oh, 
starting to see the start of the glowsticks!  Hmmmm, I was thinking 
maybe a Maze or YEM next, but no, like usual, they throw us a curveball:

TELA:  My first Tela!!!!!!!!  I've been waiting since the beginning of 
time to finally hear this one at a show!  This Tela seemed dead on to 
me.  Page was singing beautifully and Trey was excellent.  If you are 
reading this and were at Kansas and Merriwheather, tell me which one is 
better.  (I wasn't at the KS show).  That guitar part by Trey at the end 
that just builds and builds is so beautiful.  It's weird - it's loud as 
fucking hell, yet beautiful.  A lullaby, the breeze is whispered...

PIPER:  Love this tune, but didn't really get anything out of this 
version.  Uh-oh here comes Fishman.

SEXUAL HEALING:  My friend saw this at Shoreline or Ventura, wherever it 
was that they played it last, and took some phat pictures of Fishman 
just being Fishman.  I wish he was here to snap a few of Fishman 
swinging around that water bottle.  This is a great song.  Last time I 
heard it was when I was slow dancing at some bar at school.  what a 
contrast!!!

HARRY HOOD:  Glowsticks of course in this one with assholes hitting band 
members as usual.  But it was one of the sweetest Hoods I'VE heard.  
Very good build-up into "You can feel Good".  What a way to end a show. 
 Everyone had a smile.

encore:

I was sort of thinking that they would play another new cover for the 
encore, but I was also thinking that they might do that Jane's song 
again or the Pumpkins tune again, but no, they brought the house down 
with....


SABOTAGE:  A Beasties cover?  YOu've got to be kidding me!!!  This was 
so unexpected which made it all the more legendary.  What an encore!  
You had to be there to believe it!!!!


Very impressed with me first show of the summer.  No walfredo here in 
Merriwheather, but who cares when we got Sabotage.  SOrry for those of 
you who missed it!

thanks,
Paul B
pjbishop@bellatlantic.net




I just want to start out by saying that Phish is playing the way any 
hard-core fan would want them to play. I have not been disappointed at a 
show since the ill-fated Fall '96 run.

Second, I want to add that this was my only show of the summer (which is 
pretty sad by my standards, but what can you do).

Traffic was awful, this pavillion was not prepared for the high volume of 
fans. My friends and I sat in traffic for three hours. It was a total 
mess, but thank God I had my beers.

After a short jaunt in the lot we made it inside to a very nice 
pavillion. Security was pretty lax and the crowd seemed juiced. I was 
pretty excited...as always. 

Set I:

Wedge: A nice opener. Saw this for the first time at Centrum. Hoping they 
would jam it out a little like The Went from last year. Very nice opener 
and let me add that this was a Johnny B. Fishman show. So it was only 
proper to start out with a little drum power pounding.

NICU: I will hear this song anytime, any place. It gets things down and 
funky right off the bat. Very tight (unlike Nassau) and you gotta love 
"LEO!!"

Sneaking Sally: It seems that Sally is now the song which will be 
following me show to show...12/30/97 (twice), 4/2/98 (AWESOME!) and of 
course tonight. I thought the funkjam was incredible. Trey and Fish were 
working so well during this song. Fishman is absolutley amazing, and Trey 
ain't no slouch. Page was funkin' the synth and Mike keeps that funk 
grounded with his one-note mastery. Terrific version. It starts to fade 
out after fifteen minutes and Trey begins noodling around...

...DUN DUN DUN DUN...GUYUTE: Another song that is following me a lot 
lately and I'm not complaining. Tight, tight, tight. It seems there was 
an extended section towards the end. I had a grin from ear to ear. I just 
looked up into the crowd and saw wall to wall heads having the time of 
their life. If there is anyone who doubts Fishman's abilities, listen to 
the time changes he has to make during this song. Amazing.

Ficus (Ficcus): Never heard it before. Made a guess because I knew Mike 
had a couple new songs and this didn't sound anything like MEAT (which I 
heard was the best of the new, new stuff). It will grow with time. I do 
like the middle-eastern sound they were playing with. A primarily vocal 
tune.

Farmhouse: Wasn't even thinking about this song. I heard this at the 
Centrum (yes I missed Conan). I like the vocal arrangements of the song. 
It is catchy and there ain't anthing wrong with a little catchy Phish. 
For days after Nassau I was going around work repeating: "Birds of a 
Feather Come Flocking Outside." So I left this one singing the refrain as 
well. It is starting to jam out a little. And everyone knows Phish's new 
credo: "WE JAM EVERYTHIG!"

Possum: I have not heard a Possum since The Ball (two years ago) and they 
didn't waste anytime getting right into it. It wasn't the longest Possum 
in the world, but peak and release is the name of the Phish game. Trey 
was going off like a mad man. No complaints here.

Sweet Jane: Knew this the minute Trey started strumming. Perfect song for 
Page. One of the better Velvet Underground (Lou Reed penned) songs. I was 
psyched 'cause Phish is deffinently playing with our minds. Halloween 
will have no cover. Mark my word! I will post my theory on Andy's Message 
Board. This version was very loyal to the original; even jammed it out 
for a few minutes.


I was happy with the set. And was psyched for the second.


Set II:

Cavern: I like that Phish has not been afraid to tinker with the older 
songs. Cavern hasn't changed much, but it a lot better with the funky 
intro (e.g. 4/5/98). I also recomend listening to 6/14/97 'cause that 
Cavern has the best funk jam in the middle. Phish has really stepped off 
the Plateau and are not afraid to play with their fools (taking risks).

2001: Yeah it wasn't the best 2001, but hell who cares...I love 
ZARATHUSTRA (for the hardcorers) and any cance to hear the nasty funk, 
hell bring it on. Trey was wahing it, Mike was slapping it, Fish was 
striking his high-hat and snare and good 'ole Page was all over the 
keyboard (Page does some amazing work on this song).

Tela: Another song I haven't heard in a while. Ah, Page sings. Great 
composition. Love a little Gamehenge with my funk-happy meal. The set was 
shaping up nicely.

Piper: Here is another little Phish ditty that is following me around. I 
thought 4/3/98 was one of the greatest shows I've ever seen, that Piper 
was amazing and the people who have heard it know what I am talking 
about. The Piper from here blew that one away. Best jam of the night. The 
build just gets you so juiced, but instead of going into the refrain for 
a second time they just went off. I can remember thinking Trey was 
kicking ass. He was all over the fret board. I love Chris's work with the 
lights, but my eyes were shut for the entire fifteen minutes. It was 
amazing. Let me say this again, it was amazing.

Sexual Healing: It was only fitting that Henrietta got to sing a little. 
It really was his (er, excuse me...her) night. Sexual Healing put a nice 
cap on a fun-filled evening. I was having a good time and so was everyone 
else. I thought the best was when Fish looked like he was done and left 
the stage only to come back and give us all a little more: "Sexual 
Healing."

Hood: I told my friends before the show that if I could see one song this 
night...Hood was the one. It ended this magically short night in 
rip-roaring fashion. I just want to make one point about the glow-stick 
war. I understand how magical it was at The Went, but Hood is being 
ruined. When they headed into the JAM segment and Toph brought the lights 
down, the crowd was so loud for the first five minutes...it was 
impossible to hear what was going down on stage. I now accept the "HOOD" 
chant at the beginning (though I think this is even lamer than the 
glow-sticks), but I hope they phase out the sticks or at least not do 
it everytime they do a HOOD. Finally the ights started coming back on and 
the crowd started listening and HARRY built to a climatic punch. 
Perfection. 

Encore:

Sabotage: I was expecting a double encore. I also was not expecting 
another cover 'cause of Jane in the first set, but everyone knew what 
this was the minute they started. The place was jumpin'. It was a sight 
to see a bunch of Heads getting down to the beat of the Beasties. It was 
tight, it was faithful, there was no jam, and it was absolutley a lot of 
fun. As I said Fishman was the star of the night. BA-BUM BA-BUM, BA-BUM 
BA-BUM...SABOTAGE!!!

Overall it was a terrific show. I think everyone just needs to go with 
the flow and accept what happens in the moment. If everyone expects a 
certain thing from a Phish show then you are not going to leave 
satisfied. Phish is at the peak of their pwers and I am having the time 
of my life. Here is to the Fall, 'cause it is going to be the pinnacle of 
 this awesome, amazing, icredible, mind-blowing Phish Odyssey!

Jay Reed
Choda12@yahoo.com



After seeing many shows, many seem to run together.  This show did not
have that one epic jam that will make you remember it forever, but it
sure was fun and as always great.

The Wedge-  Great opener..Believe it or not this was my first in 31
shows.

NICU-  Nice as always...was surprised they played it two nights before,
but nonetheless always great to hear.

Sneakin Sally-  Not as great as 12/30/97, but I love this tune..

Guyute-  Very tight as always and there is nothing more to say then
thank you guys!!!

Ficus-  First time to hear this song, and was not overly impressed.

Farmhouse-  Very nice mellow jam..appears that this song will continue
to evolve.

Possum-  Great as always...Not extra special though and seemed a little
bit sure, but nonetheless I loved it and wow does Chris do an excellent
job with the lights.

Sweet Jane-  Only heard thjis song a few times, but Page made this one
of the highlights of the first set.

Overall, very good first set.  Pretty sure,but great song selections in
my opinion.

Cavern-  I liked the funked out version of this to open the set.  Much
better than the version that usually closes a set.

2001-  Predictable place for this song..very good, probably about
average length.  Crowd seemed to really enjoy.  I have seen better and I
have seen worse,

Tela-  Yes, what a nice pull.  Page is amazing in this one as always.  I
felt a little bad because my good friend loves this song, but could not
make the show, but of course I enjoyed thoroughly.

Piper-  Probably the most extended jam of the night.. I love the build
up in this song and it appears that this song will become a regular
second set jam.

Sexual Healing-  I don't always enjoy Fish's songs, but I will say that
I had a lot of fun during this one.  The crowd was really into it and it
definitely fit nicely. 

Hood-  Of course it was great, with glowsticks and all..

Encore:
Sabotage-  Trey sounded very good on vocals and wow what a pull.  Might
never be played again?

Overall, I had agreat time as always and look forward to rest of tour.



This show was awesome!!!  Fishman singing "Sexual Healing" by Marvin 
Gaye was so unexpected and spontaneos - everyone was dying laughing.  
Then when they came back out with "Sabotage" by the Beasties, the croud 
went absolutly insane.  I thoroughly enjoyed this show.

P.S. Not to mention that PHISH was in my backyard - it was amazing!!
-Jennifer Norton - soasoas@erols.com




Just got back from Maryland, a show with as many surprises as there were
predictable songs. Set 1:
The Wedge-one of my favs. glad to see it being played again. Nice to open 
with, got the crowd groovin' and flowed nicly into NICU. Allways a 
welcome treat, even if I've heard it at 4 of my last 6shows. The groove 
kept flowin' into Sneakin' Sally. with tight funk jam. I called GUYUTE as
the next song, you could hear it coming a mile away. Next up was a new 
tune, FICUS-mike sings and Trey's rift is catchy, but it is a slow 
one.Farmhouse followed, 1st time hearing it live, should be used more as 
a second set tune, the jam is spacey, and would be perfectly used after 
a long jam (i.e., Mike's>Weekapaug,Bowie,YEM). I again called Possum, as 
I thought it might end the set. the song was well jammed, but nothing out 
of the ordinary. ,the crowd was again shocked with the SWEET JANE cover. 
When trey began to play the riff, I knew it was sweet jane, but did not 
think they would play it. I again underestimated Phish, in their ability 
to wow the crowd. After tonight and a look at their recent setlists, I 
won't be so foolish again.
I enjoyed the set very much and was happy for the funk onslaught at the 
beginning of the set.
Set II
Cavern-caught most off guard, and a seldom played opener, made it all the 
more delightful to hear. 2001- very predictable. had the generic space 
intro, which always gives it away. not much jamming, kind of a let down
considering this usually psyches up the crowd,not tonight. We were once 
again surprised for the scarce TELA. A true jem, and love the odd place 
ment of it after 2001, instead of Tweezer,Dw/D, or Maze. Tela slowly 
moved into PIPER-my favorite song over the last two years. I love the 
build up in it. It is very euphoric, and a great song to dance your ass 
off to. Now Fish's turn to take center stage, doing a hysterical version
of Marvin Gaye's SEXUAL HEALING. I hope this stays in fish's 
rotation.Crowd was into this big time. Harry Hood closed out the set 
complete with glowstick war jam.
would never of guessed the encore, neither did the other 25,000 fans. 
SABOTAGE!, Phish does Beastie Boys? Why Not? This was highlight of 
evening as no one saw it comeing, but once it came, we all relished in 
it. anyway it was a stellar show plenty of funk,covers, and comedy!. The 
way a Phish show should be!



here is my song by song ananylsis-

wedge- perfect opener.it just seemed  really well placed with the
surroundings.and they never play it, so thats a plus too.

nicu-  hell yah! nicu kicks some arse!

sneakin sally-  this was a  great version.it took itself into a wicked
funky jam, one of the longest of the nite.into---->

GUYUTE!  yes! finally. well guyute is guyute...but they extended parts
a  lil bit, and trey added a couple chops in thier. it was good.

ficus- the crowd didnt know it.it reminded me of talk, mellow and cool
downish.i wasnt too impressed.but it can grow on me

farmhouse- finally,there improvising farmhouse. it was good too

possum- as  marv albert would say, yesss.. it was standard
possum,nothing special...but damn was it good.

sweet jane-  good closer.maybe if i knew the song though...

1st set..--overall light on the jams, but lotsa  good quality rarish
songs

set 2

cavern- doh! i was callin  birds....but cavern was funky..the  crowd
(myslef included) was expecting 2001.no surpirsie when...

2001- kinda routine...intro was pretty cool...not as cool as 4-4-98
intro..wasnt too long..not more than 15 mins... both "verses"

tela- yes yes yes yes yes yes !!!

piper- ok.your thinkin piper big deal right? i dont think so.this piper
was THE jam of the nite...15 mins long...got kind of spacey.music faded
until  BOB WEAVER showed up.

sexual healings- seeing a  grown man in a  beard in a dress singing this
and swaying, was funny and some how  cool.no vac though.into  HYHU.

hood- unreal....trey mike and page each took a "fill" in the intro, with
page using some really cheezy but cool sounding keyboard.hood was
good.awesome light stick war..some where in the first set an inflatable
spiderman found its way up to the stage, sorry forgot.so hood closes.

encore- im sure you saw it by now.i cant say there was 1 person who was
expexcting.........SABATOGE!!!!(sp). oh my.this took evtyone by
surprise..trey sounded good as shit on vocals too.
peace bob