12-3-99 -- Firstar Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

review submisions dws@www.phish.net or dws@gadiel.com

Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2000 00:43:14 EST
From: Tsoutsou5@aol.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: 12/3/99
 
    I'm a bit late on sending in this review, but I have recently become
motivated after reading so many phans bitter distate for a few negative
reviews about this show. I am a converted deadhead who has now seen eight
phish shows(including 12/3) and would just like to say a few things about the
show and the scene in general.
    First , I hate to be the one to break it to everyone, but Phish will
occasionally have an off night. Get over it! Phish are not gods we must
worship, but merely human musicians who can (dare I say it) make mistakes.
Deadheads were able to accept this, (and understand it) why can't phish phans?
    Which brings me to the show. This show was well below average for several
reasons. First, the sound. From where I was sitting, the band sounded
slightly muffled, with Trey being way ot high in the mix and Mike and Paige
ridiculously low.... Fish sounded alright. Possibly the worst sound of any of
the eight shows I've been to.
    As to the show itself, I'll start by saying I regretably missed the First
Tube and the Wolfman's but got their intime for a predictably boring
"Bouncin", followed by a real flat "Billy Breathes". This was dissapointing
as this tune has become one of my favorite Phish ballds. I thought Trey blew
almost every lick in the predictable jam after word. I think next came "Get
Back on the Train", which I think the only good version I 've heard was at
Osweego last summer. The "Bag" was average at best, the band just couldn't
seem to get things going. This goes into "Possum", which is probably one of
Phish's worst songs. This version starts off alright, with Mike filling in
some real good slow blugrass bass line, but as usual the jam goes on
waaaaayyyyyy too long. Why does Phish feel the need to play this song twelve
minutes every time? This would be like the Dead playing "Big River" for
twelve minutes evrery time. And is anyone else sick of Phish using Mike as a
novelty bluegrass singer on Phish's even more novelesc blugrass songs? I just
think Mike has a real good voice and would like to hear him sing more..
Slave- Just OK. My first time hearing it, so it got me a little excited, but
this version just kind of meandered around. I felt like the band was just
filling up space.
    The second set: Just average at best. Sand- real, real good new song. I
really enjoyed this at the outset, but the jam afterword got old quick.
Sooooooooooo predictable. There's only so many times you can hear Mike play a
funky bass line over and over, with Trey constantly forcing his "Ghost"
guitar fx(you all know what I'm talking about). This wasn't terrible, but it
just didn't sound like the band was challenging itself. Limb by Limb- An
average version of an average song, but what made the show for me was that
NUTZ ambient jam out of left field, and the even more spectacular light show.
I don't know if it was the psilocybin talking but it felt like the band took
me to an enirely different universe and back. Bug- not bad, wasn't really
sure what ot make of it, kind of went by me in a blur. Hood- pretty
outstanding definitey one of the of the night with agreat intor and a real
rock out ending. Rock 'n' Roll- Most of the reviews I've read just kind of
skip over this song whigh shows how ignorant some of you are. This was the
highlight of the night as far as I was concerned (Trey really kicks ass at
that little lick in the middle doesn't he?). The band really took it to
another level with an absolutely powerful, emotional ending, one of the few
times the band kicked into that extra gear. It also dissapoints that so many
phans had NO CLUE as to what song they were playing. They've covered this
song several times, including Halloween '98. Learn your band!
 To sum up, I'd just like to say let's not get al upset when a few negative
reviews come in. A band like Phish really challenges itself by touring
constantly, playing multiple sets, playing a different show every time and
improvisational jams galore, are bound to have an off night now and again.
Like the Dead, it's what makes them special. It's what makes them human. Let'
s just relax and try not to get so offended next time, OK?
 
your pal,
 
Vaughn

Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 18:21:28 -0500 From: espohn@buckeye-express.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 12/3/99 Cincy I wasn't planning on submitting anything about these first December Tour shows, and even that disclaimer is getting a little worn out, like the beginning of a Penthouse Letters story, but a lot of people are bringing a real shitty vibe and an uninvited attitude to shows these days. This is really uncalled for and it makes you negative and cynically critical hacks and neo-phans look like total assholes who should be attending the Ricky Martin/Britney Spears/MTV teenie-bopper crap-fests instead of polluting our scene with comments like, "This show sucked because 'X' song didn't sound like the jams of Spring 92," or "I didn't here my choices for the show, so I stopped paying attention and thought it sucked." In all sincerity, why are you here?! Why do you go to the shows if you don't like the new direction and sound? Phish is the tightest, most amazing group of undeniably talented musicians touring today and the performances they provide for us are the best and most positive experiences any fan of music and inspiration can even hope to witness. Everyone likes some songs more than others, but if you even attempt to deny the energy produced by the AC/DC Bag first set centerpiece, then you were not in the Firstar Center watching the same show as the rest of us. Jesus sweating christ, what the hell is wrong with some people? I attend Phish concerts for a reason. What is the point of shelling out hundreds of dollars for tickets, transportation, food, etc. if you just leave the venue bitching and whining like little spoiled grandchildren because the Wolfman's Jam was too short for you or the new material doesn't click with your interpretation of whatever. I've said it before: Go home and listen to your '92 tapes if that is what you are looking for in a show. Give your space to someone who really wants and deserves to be there. The author of the review submitted by Boundtocover@cs.com knows what is going on and what can really happen at any given show. (General aside comment to that person: I live in Athens for the majority of the year and if I had any part in your connection to the band, I am very glad. There are a lot of cool people in Athens who "know what's up" for lack of a better phrase, and the best thing to do with such knowledge is to share it. Rock and roll.) If you are a cynical bastard who has ripped the Cincy shows because of whatever personal things you have going on, do yourself and everyone else a favor and lighten up! Do you people realize how silly and futile some of the shit you say would be to the band if they ever had the unpleasent opportunity to read it? They'd probably laugh at you...just like the rest of us. The second set of Detroit was one of the craziest, most awesome and inspiring sets I have heard or seen in a while. How gigantic and amazing is the Also Sprach during the New Year's shows going to be? With Page dropping those laser beams and Cactus just laying it the funk down?! Unbelievable. The Gin->Also Sprach->YEM was insane! Just a lot of fun, plain and simple. Friday night Cincy was a terrific show with multiple levels of outstanding energy that, IMO, defies negative review. Unless you were experiencing physical pain or happened to get hit by a car walking into the venue, you can't say that THAT show was "weak." It was my 36th show and ranks up there as one of my favorites. Anyway, this is longer than I intended and I really didn't comment on the actual shows, but something needs to be said about the unnecesarily negative reviews getting posted around here. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but you know what they say about opinions....just please lighten up, alright? If that is too much to ask, STOP coming to the shows. If you can't change your attitude, stay home and listen to the Bomb Factory show over and over and over. Of course, that concert is locked in stone, but in the meantime we'll be out there neck-deep in the new, tighter, funkier, more inspiring, better, and EVOLVING experience of TODAY'S Phish. Thanks and have a great remaining century and Winter Tour. NYE in 3 weeks! Salut. gonzomelt@hotmail.com
Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 15:32:33 EST From: MGAGS@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: cinci 12/3 Just a quick note about the most incredible Limb by Limb and Piper I've ever witnessed. The power of Piper was just unbelievable. Trey had a complete liftoff into the stratosphere. A great performance that compares well with the Detroit show. Mike Gags
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 04:47:31 -0800 From: "Norman, Chris" Cnorman@theitgroup.com To: "'dws@gadiel.com'" dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12/3/99 Show After reading through the many reviews and comments on the 12/3/99 show I felt the need to contribute to the discussion. I preface my comments by saying this was my first show. While the show did not offer a mind blowing experience there were a number of points to be made which loyal phans should note: 1) Both sets were very clean (although short) with some great interplay between Trey and Page. 2) Page played his brains out on Fri night. Fishman is one of the best drummers I've seen. He has great ability to know when to accent and to know when to just lay down a basic rhythm. Seem that most reviewers focus only on what Trey did. I think this was a fault of the Dead reviewers as well - focusing on Garcia only. In many ways Phish has more to offer than the Dead - tighter musically, much better vocals, stronger backup to the lead guitar. In my opinion - based on this one show - what they are lacking compared to the Dead, is playing with feeling - or soul. Again, my personal opinion based on one data point. 3) As previously noted - these guys have a very difficult job, playing nearly every night, playing different sets every night, and trying to sound great all the time. Maybe the 12/3/99 show was not up to their usual standard, but as an outsider looking in, it was pretty darn good. 4) Looked to me like most enjoyed the show. Everyone around me was grooving. 5) I thought the bang for the buck was pretty good. How many large venue concerts can you go to for $25? I appreciate that Phish has kept the prices down and I'm sure you do too. I'm guessing those who go to Big Cypress will get there moneys worth as well. Thanks
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 21:17:57 -0500 (EST) From: David N Wagner dw001e@mail.rochester.edu To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Cincy review Two general comments: 1) I really can't understand why people continue to throw glowsticks at all, let alone at the band members. It is just plain stupid. I think Phish made the message quite clear at New Year's 98 and various reviews that they don't like it. I really hope that at some point Phish stops playing in the middle of some sick jam and says a big fuck you to the people who are throwing shit at them. I'm sure that being pummeled with a glowstick while trying to play is less than inspiring. 2) IMHO Phish has become extremely tight as a group. Their jams are not always Trey-centric and really focus on conversational playing. For those of you who are ignorant, improvisation is not solely based on one member soloing over a repeated sequences of chords. Improvisation as a group should be a collaborative effort. As far as Friday night show is concerned, I can see why some people may feel inclined to have negative feeling about it. I, however, feel as though this show and the other two I've seen on this tour(Saturday and Sunday) exemplify Phish's new sound. The jams are not as long and don't have long winded Trey solos, but focus more on tight group playing. Also, their three and four part choral singing is alot tighter. If you can't dig the new groove get the hell out of the scence. There's too many assholes on tour these days anyways(read the review where somebody's car got broken into) So for you bashers of Friday night's show who have complained about not hereing what was good about it, here it is: First Tube: great funk, tight playing, although not much room for Leo in this one Wolfman's: tight group jam, short which is good because Wolfman's jams tend to run out of steam after the ten minute mark. Bouncin: standard, haven't heard it since Columbus GBOTT: new arrangement, liked before, again tight sound Billy Breathes: one of Phish's best slow songs, well played Bag: Trey-centric at times ,but most of jam again focused on group jamming Possum: nice country feel to the jam, not the best, but better than anything I've ever heard at a DMB concert Slave: absolutely mezmerizing, spacey, slow and tight Sand,Limb by Limb: I don't think the people that bashed this show heard these songs. Phish got their groove on with Sand and then spaced the hell out of LxL Bug: not sure i Like this song yet Piper: perfect buildup not too slow, yet not too fast. Emotional high every time Harry Hood: really like what they did with the jam, however, experience was ruined by seeing Mike and Fishman hit or nearly hit with glowsticks. Rock + Roll: don't like the song although ilike to hear Leo sing. So I quess the morale of the story is if you don't like slower, spacey, introspective, group oriented jams, stay home. Dave
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 00:04:53 EST From: User138705@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: In response to this show..... Like several other shows, it was quite a trip even making it to this one, taking a math test at 9 am and jetting to Champaign to catch up with a good friend, it was a longer day than most. Every show and trip for that matter has been worth something, meaning I come back to my small town with something that i did not have when i left. That night in Ohio, in the unusally crisp December air, there was something brewing and it all came down when the lights went off. For me First Tube was made to open a concert, pulling you into a groove that takes your mind of whatever the hell was on it just sitting in that chair. The music was surrounding me overloading the senses, one of the things i love the most at a show. Let the record show that a fungi was involved here, altough only slightly. Anyway the set was almost brief and ended in what i would term as an explanation point. Sitting in my seat blown away as usual I wondered what the next stone the band would unturn. The second set was it, something happened not only to me, but the band to. It was the sand, of which my ears were virgin to, that clued me to something occuring. Limb by limb attacked me in a way that music never has. It was as if the band was explaining to me why i was supposed to be there that night. All I can say is they did it again, and after 22 shows, they have never let me down. Phish is special, and they always will be. I really feel that I and all the Phans are part of something special. Have a great holiday everyone.
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 14:44:39 EST From: Boundtocover@cs.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12/3/99 Hey music lovers. I am a 32 year old deadhead who hated Phish for years just because of all the shitty little whining bastards that I met on Spring Phish tour in 1993. Having met some very kind Phish kids in Athens, OH I gave the band a chance to move me instead of judging them by their audience. They moved me and I have seen many shows since. This letter is about Music/EGO/and Magic. The relationship is simple. If you go see live music and drop/kill/forget about yourself and your petty ego motivations then you will experience magic. The peak musical events I have experienced have all involved band and audience simultaneously letting go of their SELF and surrendering to a greater flow together. How does this relate to Friday's show? If you are complaining about what YOU wanted then there is no way you could have grasped what was going on. If Trey doesn't solo he is surrendering his ego to the music. The music is the most important thing. Music heard and played without the constraints of EGO connects us to the larger energy flowing around us at all times. The universe is made of rhythm. In a way it is all music... but only if you can get outside yourself and surrender to what is happening in the moment. Jerry Garcia has been quoted as saying "the reason I think it is important to get high is that when you are high you forget about yourself. And when you forget about yourself you see everything else. When you see everything else you can become a conscious tool for change in the universe." I am not advocating that everyone be high on drugs at every show, but an understanding of the limits one places on themselves and everyone else when ego dominates should be understood. It separates us from the amazing one-ness of all life. Including musical events. Having said this I must state that the musical magic I took part in on Friday night was nothing short of a cosmic lesson. I felt that Phish was deliberately connecting up with the crazy death type energy that caused the deaths of Who concertgoers twenty years ago. I heard many people say they wished the band would play a Who song that night. What we got was infinitely better, a real connection to that fateful event. The music WAS a little off. Just enough to twist itself into eternity. During the Sand, Limb,Bug sequence they took me to the abyss, the great void, they took me to my own funeral and back again. It was confusing to be alive and dead at the same time. The message I got while spending some time underground was that I sure as shit better live NOW because our mortality is constantly nipping at our heels. One out of one people dies you know. Piper sort of brought me closer to the surface like a new shoot trying to break the Earth's crust in spring. But I was still in eternal time so to speak. Where do you go when the lights go out? Can anyone tell me this? This is exactly what they were asking us. There is a lot of very scarey energy directed at bands like Phish. I suggest reading Tom Wolfe's Electric Koolaid Acid Test especially the part about the Pranksters going to see the Beatles. It was fanatical, selfish shit that killed those folks at the W ho show kids. In any event Friday's show was one of the finest psychedelic concerts I have ever seen, like good music should it transported me and innoculated me with the Truth of all Life....We will all die so we better get livin' right. Let go, surrender to the Phlow, drop your ego! Life is One-ness with Everything and Everyone. I feel sorry for those of you who just didn't get it.
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 10:05:27 -0500 From: raffaele.v.murdocca@us.arthurandersen.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Phish 12/3/99 cincy chow The only reviews that I have ever written have been for friends who unfortunately were unable to make it to a show. I checked this site to see how my fellow phish fans enjoyed the show. However, after reading the reviews from this show it upset me enough that I felt I needed to make an exception. Just to give you a little background: I've been to 40 something shows spanning from 12/92 to Dec. 3, 1999. Ranging from my first show at a bar in Toronto, to an unannounced show at the Flynn Theater w/ GCH to the last gamehenge show at great woods to a benefit concert for Gloria Steinem's Pro Choice movement to 2 New Years runs (93' and 94') to Halloween in 96' and eight shows this year including July 4th weekend, Oswego, the Shoreline shows, Birmingham, and Friday night in Cincy, just to name a few.... And at least for me every single show is special in its own way. Usually its a combination of the friends that I haven't seen in a while, the newly found friends that I've made before, during, and after a show and of course the music, which most of us know is that great vibe that brings everyone together. Now I know that Phish isn't for everyone. Some people just don't get it. They much rather hear a 3 minute song and be done with it and that's okay b/c their first show will be their last and everyone is happy. What upsets me are the people who continue to go to the shows and complain about them. If you don't like it or you think a show sucks because you didn't hear a tune or two, I think its about time you reevaluate & stop going to the shows. I know that I had an incredible time at the show in Cincy. From the time that I got to Cincy to the time I left. From the moment the lights went down & my friend called the show opener (first tube...love that new tune) to the cover rock and roll,,,for lack of a better word Rocks!!! To the Wolfman's brother, which even w/out Phil or GCH still got me going b/c it was so tight and grooving to the bouncin' (which i hadn't heard in years) to the Get back on the train ( which is up and fun) to the highlight of the show for me which was the BAG>Possum, Slave. Absolutely blew me away!!!! I felt like I was at a show from 93' or 94' when I used to see them a lot more often. I knew they were going to bust out into a great tune and right before they started playing it I turned to my friend and said BAG!!! BAG!!! and when trey hit those first few cords (A,C,D,C,F (for those who like to play along)) I jumped sky high & let out a huge WAHOO!!!!!!!! I belted out every word b/c i was so excited b/c I knew that incredible jam was coming, which they didn't have in 93'-94, where trey just goes on and on w/ the large build ups and the killer crescendos where you can't help yourself but let out a huge YEAH TREY!!!!! and then to follow that by a possum (which i was hoping for all week) And then after the possum i couldn't believe that they closed with slave. (not that this is why it was my highlight but did you know that Phish has never ever played those three tunes together i believe that they closed with slave. (not that this is why it was my highlight but did you know that Phish has never ever played those three tunes together in any order and have only played those three songs in the same set 5 times...last time played 12/7/95 and then before that 1987) And btw the sand (soooo good and funky), the piper - so nice to hear again and they are really speeding up the tempo ( i really liked it a lot, but i think the best piper is the one i heard out in shoreline...its pretty unreal (like at least 15 min. & up up up & if you like piper its definitely worth a listen), the limb by limb (loved the jam) and the harry hood (well it doesn't much better than that) all didn't suck either, love those tunes. Now I'm not going to lie and say I love every Phish tune (like the Billy Chokes (I think well named by a friend) and Roggae just to name a couple, don't get me fired up b/c I go to see Phish jam long and hard. But everyone has their tunes that they don't especially like, but that's why everyone's experience at a show is different. But if you think a whole show is "dog shit" (scroll down to the beginning of the reviews) or just sucked then your missing it. We are seeing, arguably, the most talented musicians of our time. Who get on stage & put together a 2 1/2 hour show for us. From the rock jams to jazz, to blues, to bluegrass, to funk. They can play each other's instruments pretty well too. And what I love about them the most is that on any given night they can play any tune they want and i mean anything...And I will continue to see Phish shows until that magic dies. See you in Hampton where i'll be sharing in the groove.... Til then - Raf
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 23:32:35 -0700 From: Christopher Robinson spacewrangler77@earthlink.net To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12.3.99- Clarification I think the biggest problem that is resulting in conflict over the performance level of the band, is that people are forgetting the the band dictates the show, and this band is phemonenal for a variety of reasons, no matter how many times you say "phish sucks". While certain nights may not strike you perfect shows, you must view each show as a masterpiece itself and imagine that the only way for that show to be put together is the way it was. That's dealing with the reality of it and that will no doubt give you the highest degree of satisfaction from evey show. Everyone has felt a little bit of dissappointment not getting to hear a particular song that they wanted to, but you look over that and enjoy the goods you got instead. It really should not be a judgement of how good or how bad, but an examination of actual music itself, and the feelings you get from the particular arrangements of songs. The examination is what should be most important, and so many selfish people are getting greedy about what they want and how they want it to sound. The band gives you what you deserve, and if you have an understanding of these things, you will get the most from the show. If you don't enjoy the show, don't go on preaching about it and cursing others that did. Ask yourself why you didn't enjoy the show, what you could do to enjoy the next one more, and get your self in order. If you're going to see more shows, you might as well enjoy them. :-) -christopher robin Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. ~ Red Auerbach
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 13:42:23 -0500 From: "PORTER, MICHAEL" MKPORTER@email.bsu.edu To: "'dws@gadiel.com'" dws@gadiel.com Subject: cinci 12-3-99 I'd like to start this review by saying that I do not normally write reviews but after reading all of the idiot's reviews that bashed this show, it couldn't be avoided. This was, in my opinion, one of the best shows I have ever seen simply for the reason that it wasn't mostly trey doing amazing solos all night. Phish-jamming isn't just trey, it's the whole band getting locked into a song and letting the music wherever it wants. I felt that the boys broke some new ground with this show (expecially the sand and LxL jams which really took me to a new level). In response to another review on this page in which the guy said something like "phish isn't about the ambience or the audience's vibes, it is simply a musical performance" WHaT? Yeah phish is a musical performance, but more importantly it is about the way the band and the audience feel during the show. I've been seeing phish regularly since 97 and have seen them play better musically but have not felt as much of a connection to the music as I did tonight. Anyway to sum this up- All of you crybabys who didn't get to hear every song you wanted to hear need to show a little respect to the boys, they are the hardest working and best playing band out today and, in my opinion, of all time. And to the guy who called this show dogshit-fuck you. Set I First Tube- I really like this song as an opener. This was my second first tube and it really got the groove going. Wolfman's- This was my third and best wolfman's. They really had a good funk going and did a nice extended jam. Bouncin'- What can you say, it's bouncin. My girlfriend and I smoked a joint during this tune, but it sounded good. Get back on the train-Yeah!! I love the vocals to this song. We had been talking about wanting to hear this song on the drive over and I was really excited when they played it. I love gordon's bass line to this. Billy Breathes-AWW!! This is one of my girlfriend's favorites so I was glad they played it. I like a good slow song to give my body a little rest from boogieing. AC/DC Bag- awesome, simply awesome. This was one of the songs those dorks bashed because Trey didn't do an amazing solo. I thought the increasing volume in the jam really heightened the energy in the room. Possum-Yeah!! This is one of my favorite tunes. I love the way this song makes me dance. This was yet another song bashed by the simpletons who know nothing about phish. I liked where they went with this jam. Slave-Beautiful as always. I especially liked watching trey during this song and Bag- He was jumping up and down and was really getting into it.Good version. Set II Sand- This was my first Sand and I loved it. This and the LxL jams were IMO the best jams of the night. I loved the way they got spacey in this. It evolved really well. LxL- Awesome-diggity dank-amazing. The intensity of this jam blew my mind. I closed my eyes and followed the music through my soul- they went really far out on this one. There is no way of describing this jam-you'll have to get the tapes. Bug- This was my first time hearing this tune. I don't remember it too well but I remember liking the jam. Piper-THis waw the best piper I have ever heard. They didn't build it for too long but that made it better. I danced my ass off to this one. I think this may have been the best piper of all time. Harry- I always love a good harry and this was no exception. Beautiful as always. Really enjoyed the "THank you Mr miner" parts. Encore Rock and roll-Not the highlight of the night, but a good song to end the show with and get me ready for another night. In conclusion I want to say that this was my first show since Rosemont in the fall and I thought it was awesome. I think the highlights of the night were Sand and LxL. They were somewhere around 30 min (From looking at my watch) I want to add one more time that all of you geeks who bashed this show are totally missing the whole point of phish.these guys are busting their asses everynight for us and their jams are really starting to head into a cool direction. Chris K was on all night-excellent work guys
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 15:51:51 -0500 From: Tony Halmos & Jennifer Weiss anthony.halmos@sympatico.ca To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: another note about 12-03-99 - although my first one wasn't posted since tourhead credentials seem really important to you folks...i am also a 32 year old deadhead. i've seen 18 phish shows since my first show at the riviera theatre in 1992. the friday night in cincinnati was definitely top four. another old-timer i was at the show with feels that it was the best he's ever seen. uh, there you have it...another opinion...everyone's got one.
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 17:21:56 -0600 From: Howell00 mwhowell@artsci.wustl.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 12/3/99 Hi all. I just wanted to respond to all of the show bashers by giving a review of my own and also voicing my opinion. First off, i like the worst Dead songs infinitely more then I would any Phish song played at its best. The reason is simple: Phish songs have lacked musical depth until recently...HOWEVER the Cincinati shows showed a much more mature group of musiciens. Just because the music is slowed down and there aren't any cutting distortion guitar licks does NOT mean the music has no energy. These two shows were some of the most energetic i have seen; the energy was put into the quality of the music and not the speed or "heavy metalness" of it. If you guys want energy, go see Metallica, if you want deep musical jams, stay on tour. Either way stop complaining. Now on to my review... Set I First Tube- Not much jamming here, but the song was still phat just because that riff blows my mind. Wolfmans- Not as great as other versions I've heard, but they still did some pretty cool funked out jamming...nice set placement too Bouncin- This was my first Bouncin in 7 shows...always welcome as long as they dont play it every 2 shows Train- I think this is where they started grooving hardcore, they had some mellow grooves here. Billy Breathes- Stopped the groove they had going, however i simply love this song. Played beautifully ACDC Bag- also like wolfmans this was not a version for the ages...but it definately put the energy back into the crowd after two slow songs Possum- Wow...didnt figure this one would come here. Not very fast, but the jam quality was high and i thoroughly enjoyed it Slave- great ender. Very spacey "out there" jam that ended the set on a slow note...made me go into the second expecting mucho jamming, which is what i got. Set II Sand- only my second time hearing it...thought it was 2001 at first until Trey busted out with the funk licks. Amazing songs with lots of great jamming in the middle... Mike was en fuego Limb By Limb- This was also jammed out hardcore, prob ended up being close to 20 minutes if not more, by now i was definately feeling the groove. Bug- Not as hard a jam as the Limb or Sand, but they still nailed this and definately had the crowd going Piper- They peaked really early here and then went into another long jam...ending consisted of several stop and starts which drove the crowd nuts...we timed this at around 22 mins. Hood- Intro was very cool with more of a slowed down groove feel. Fishman got bored on the intro and started playing with one hand...The spotlight shone on just him as he faked falling asleep on top of his set. If you are looking for a hardcore Hood this isnt for you. It consisted of lots of slow solos that were great to just close your eyes and listen to. E: Rock n' Roll- This is the only song that i didn't feel fit into the set..It was a decent version, but i was thinking something more jammable wouldve been placed here better with the way the boys were playing tonight, but i still love to hear Pages voice on this. All in all a good show. Nothing absolutely spectacular, but the second set had some great jams.. Peace out Matty
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 17:09:36 EST From: Megalomani@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 12-3-99 Review The scene before the show was erie to say the least, with talk of the Who concert and what not. As soon as they opened though, I realized that my guesses had been right and that tonight was deffinitely the night to meet with Mr. Leary or Mr. Owsley. First Tube rocked me with the raw, mind-bending energy, that I thought was only posessed by the Grateful Dead in the late sixties. Wolfman's was awesome, but not stellar, still a personal fave. G.B.O.T.T. This song clearly kicks ass, but is suprisingly traditional sounding, it definitely got the crowd moving. Billy Breathes was a much needed respite to collect my concsiousness and zone out a little bit, a great interlude. AC/DC-Possum-Slave WOW!! Boogie fest if you ask me. AC/DC ended with orgasm-like intensity, only to give way to a tight Possum which very much could have ended the set, but no, Slave closed the set out perfectly. Sand was another foreign tune to me, which was just fine, the crazy jam on it too was good, because I was in no mood for songs under ten minutes. This led to what is at least the best Limb by Limb I've ever heard. Although it seems that at one point, their synchronization was off, the jam was the best and it segued perfectly back into Fishman's mantra-like singing. It was good to finally hear Bug, although it reminds me a little of I Saw It Again, it is alot easier to handle and is quite melodic. Piper kicked ass as usual and I was glad to see them doing it the first night. Hood was a great closer, especially since it was only my buddy's second show and he really wanted to see Harry. In all, the set was a little short, but it was jam-packed. The encore, Rock 'n Roll was great. I've always loved the Velvets and it was a personal gift to get to hear that tune. Plus, it tied a lot of things together about how Rock music dosen't kill (Who concert), it actually gives life, as Phish has proven (her life was saved by rock 'n roll). Furthermore, the song set the stage for the almost pure Rock 'n Roll show the following night. In all, people like to complain. I consider myself fairly critical of the boys. But Friday was a night to let them be in charge, and let them fuck with your head a little bit. Part of being a true prankster is giving people what they don't expect. The Phish world does not revolve around the songs "we" want to hear. We should really enjoy what we get. And hey, we can always quit going to shows, yea right. Peace out!!
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 11:48:58 EST From: Trey337@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-3-cinci review 12-3-cinci After the first night at Cincinatti on Friday my friends and I headed down to the tour buses behind the arena in order to hopefully catch a glimpse of the band. There were only a handful of people there...maybe seven others besides myself and my friends Gerry and Mark. I was really amazed to see the tour buses parked on the street and not down in some secluded loading dock. There was minimal security and a few roadies running around. My friends and I hung out by this door that had a sign on it with big bright red letters that read AUTHORIZED PERSONEL ONLY...which of course basically told us to stick around!! Anyway the lone security guy got wind of what we were doing and told us to wait across the street. Ok fair enough. The street was void of traffic and across the way was the Ohio River with a perferct view of the AUTHORIZED PERSONEL ONLY door. Anyway we hung around with a few other people for about 10 minutes and some dude came over from across the street to talk to us. He said "alright guys...I've got good news and I've got bad news. The bad news is that I am going to have to ask you to leave...but the good news is that i have been authorized to tell you where the band is staying. They are staying at the Weston downtown and will be there in about 45 minutes." So everyone slowly started walking away and as soon as the guy was out of sight everyone was back in position. I mean...if they were going to be at the Weston in 45 minutes...and the guy was trying to clear us out, that meant that they would be coming through the AUTHORIZED PERSONEL ONLY doors...right? At least that was what i was thinking. So we all stood around for 10 minutes and watched different people walk in and out of the doors. Finally at one point the door opened and out walked a short guy all by himself with a suitcase without any body guards. I squinted and it looked like Trey. I couldn't tell though because I was across the street. Then my friend said it was Trey and then the guy who we thought was Trey waved at us. Anyway all 10 of us who were waiting proceeded to head his way very fast. The security guy started going balistic yelling at us ( our mellow mob of 10) to stay back and then Trey told the guy not to worry. It was Trey and I walked right up to him. He was so cool!! He totally took the time to talk to everyone. I had to ask a question...I have read tons of interviews with Phish and Trey and I wanted to ask him something that I wanted to know that I had never heard him asked before. I didn't want to ask what he thought of Europe 72 or if he would play Stash tomorrow night or how he liked being famous. So I thought I would ask him about my other favorite guitar player that he has never once mentioned. I said as he was signing my ticket stub..."Trey I have always wanted to ask you what you thought of Johnny Marr". He looked at me and paused for a split second as if having to summon his mental rolodex to pull out the Johnny Marr card. I could seee him reading the card in his head...//Johnny Marr, Guitar player for famed 80's brit-pop group the Smiths. Also worked on Landmark albums by The The and albums by Electronic and the Pretenders. Last seen or heard of...a while ago//. He then passionately blurted out..."GREAT Guitar player...GREAT guitar player I haven't heard much that he has done recently but I really think he is..." then he got distracted by other people who wanted a little of his time. My friend's Mark and Gerry shook his hand got his autograph and then he stepped on the bus and was super cool about it. He was so nice and took the time to talk to everyone. It totally made for a great nightcap on the night.
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 02:35:52 -0500 From: Scott Benson woodvalley1@home.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12/3/99 Review I feel so sorry for most of you people. Friday night was my 49th show in 7 years, and it was one of the best Phish shows I have ever seen in my life. For all of you who really appreciate Phish's diversity, you will love this show because of the number of risks and chances Phish took throughout the night. The flubs that occurred happened because the band was taking part in an ultimate improvisational show. A lot of you snotty ass, statistically minded dorks who don't have many real friends anyway keep saying that "Trey didn't solo", or "there was no climax so Phish sucks" are totally missing the point. Trey has stated many times that he is utilizing a new technique called "layering" in which the jams and climaxes are lead by the entire band and not just Trey. Possum, Slave, AC/DC, and Hood were all cases in point. Totally different jams than usual, very interesting and I felt they broke some real ground tonight or at least experimented with new styles of jamming. Trey didn't not suck it up, he chose to jam that way on purpose, and I thought the wall of sound he helped developed in those jams were very impressive and enjoyable. This show is a mellow one, but if you like really spacey, ambient jamming and way out there versions of usually basic sounding Phish songs, you will absolutely love this show. True, this was a wierd show that left a lot of questions unanswered, but that is what made it so unique. A show like this will never happen again. Strange shows like this need to happen in order for the band to find more room to grow. I must remind you folks that one day this phenomenon will all be over. At Christmas, do you say to your Mom,"Hey, I like this present, but it doesn't compare to last year's"? There is always something to compare it to. How about observing what the band is doing and then writing an intelligent response, not just bashing shows because you didn't get the songs you wanted to hear. Frankly, nobody gives a shit what you want to hear, especially the band. Phish plays for themselves and they're glad we want to be a part of it. You fuckin' geeks need to get your own lives in order. Ever notice how most of the negative reviewers talk too much in real life? There usually ugly, too. Maybe that has a lot to do with it. If you want the same shit every night, go see Widespread Panic: they'll give it to you. But if you want to be taken offguard everynight, Phish is for you. A lot of you negative pussies need to realize that most people don't want you here. We don't like you. The band definitely doesn't like you (read Tom Marhsall's interview), and you're getting in the way of progress. I understand that most of you don't have much else to do, plus what else are you going to do with all that unearned money? How about buying a plane ticket and never coming anywhere near a Phish show again. Those of us who truly care about the band themselves and not some stupid setlist will be glad to see you go. So fuck off. If you are truly moved by Phish in one way or another, seek this show out. The best part will be knowing how good it really is, and also getting a kick out of how pissy it made all the loudmouth geeks. It will also make you feel better that most of the people I talked to AT the show thought it was excellent. In other words, if you really enjoy a show, never read about it the next day on the net. Some depressed, dysfunctional cock will ruin it for you. Scott Benson
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 15:30:43 -0500 From: JIM JOHNSON JOHNSONJIM@prodigy.net To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 12-3-99 I've seen complaints in the reviews. Shame on you people. I wasn't there, but I read the setlist and I am in a serious state of depression because I didn't go. I live in Detroit and should have went. I went to the palace show but for some reason I didn't go to the Ohio shows like usual, and I am living in some major regret right now. All I have to say is AC/DC bag possum slave piper hood. enough said. anyone that complains about a show where those five songs were played in the same night just really doesn't understand at all. and sure slave, hood and piper get played constantly, but for you people who bitch when you don't get an entire set of off the wall, rare songs, all I can say is...grow up. I will never take phish for granted and complain when they don't give me exactly what I want. Sure It'd be cool to hear "I didn't know" or "camel walk", but if they give me bouncin' then I'll smile and be happy with my bouncin'
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 19:18:13 -0600 From: Tory tory@apex.net To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 12-3-99 Review Cincinnati December the Third 1999 First Tube-first time I've heard this one. I liked it much. Wolfman's Brother-pretty good version Bouncing Around The Room-my first bouncing. I loved it. Get Back On The Train-good groove Billy Breathes-nice version,SOFT, SWEET AC/DC Bag-good AC/DC Bag; who am I kidding, it was very good Possum-my first;very nice Slave To The Traffic Light-quite fine Sand-My first;It made me wonder then it made me smile. Limb By Limb-BEST version I've ever heard. L O N G . Bug-first for me.so-so. Piper-very energetic; go Fishman Harry Hood-my first, I feel good about this Hood Rock and Roll-my first; had me ready for 2nd night This was my 7th Phish show. The 1st set was one of the best sets I've seen. CK5 deserves the most credit of the bunch. He had the lights doing wonders all night. Many first time songs for me. I had a wonderful time.
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 12:22:11 -0500 From: Eric_Boyer@abercrombie.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 12/3/99 Firststar Center This show was great. Bottom line. Did anybody happen to see how much fun the band was having on this night? This translated into a night full of new and vital directions for the band's music. How about the second set? Sand was unreal - this was my first one in 23 shows and it did not disappoint. That groove is outrageous. Limb by Limb was full of energy and melted into such a surreal jam none like I've heard before. The Piper was by far the best I have ever heard anywhere - live, c.d., tape - anywhere. After reading a lot of these reviews, I think people are taking this music for granted and getting way to critical. If you can do better, start up your band and prove it. Remember, Phish's worst night on stage is better than anybody elses best night.
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 15:20:14 -0800 From: donna thacker dthacker@seidata.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 12/3/99 Everyone who this really matters to, Due to my prorities at school on Friday night and it being sold-out on Friday, I was unable to attend Phish in my hometown of Cincinatti...but I am reading the reviews and I am getting upset...A lot of stuff can factor in to a bad show....PHISH IS THE HARDEST WORKING BAND OUT THERE....they've had limited time off, and when they are, Trey and the boys are working to make this wonderful group even better...These guys don't get a Christmas break, birthdays, anniversaries...so to day it was a bad show...bad compared to WHAT?? A lot can factor in to a bad show, these guys need more time off than anyone I can think of...I pray Trey isn't getting a JGD (Jerry Garcia Disease) which is a popular rumour I think is garbage their tired and the newbies getting into their music scares me...to quote Matt who sent an e-mail "Bouncin' was the best I've heard it since a Live One.." HEY DIPSHIT THAT SONG NEVER CHANGES!!!! Maybe, you go and you want to hear a Mike's Groove, or Antelope, or Prep School Hippie...whatever...enjoy yourself because I am sure its hard coming up with fresh jams every night...if you want one standard set list, then you'd bitch about "They always play Guyute..." or "I am getting really sick of "Mike's>??????>Weekapaug" If your so good at breaking down shows and thinking of setlist, why hasn't Trey or Page called you yet?? I was pissed a missed both nights and pissed that people where they're not wanting to be or wanting to hear a Live One or Hampton Comes Alive in its entirety...these guys aren't everyday..rock stars.....THEY'RE PHISH I would love to hear positive and negative feedback...you can email me at antelope32@hotmail.com
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 05:33:36 EST From: Zshanna@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: be Nice I was not expecting FRIDAY to be the strongest of the three shows this weekend. Whatever little thing friday night's show was lacking, i dont know what, but after the AWESOME FUCKING TIME I had tonight Ill forgive them anything. zshanna, for now
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 08:51:57 PST From: Cort Smith phish4hookah@hotmail.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Review for 12-3-99 12-3-99 This was my 12th show, and even though it was not my favorite, I"m not gonna say this show sucked. Some people just must not realize what we are witnessing here. This is one of the greatest rock bands of all time, and people are knocking them because they didn't have a amazing night. SO WHAT!!!!!!! You got to see the show, thats more than a lot of people can say, that probably would of loved to go regardless of what they played or how it sounded. These guys are great and special at that. I hate to hear people knock them just because they didn't play what you wanted to hear. Grow up. Now that I'm done complaining I thought the show was decent and I'm not gonna stop touring just because they didn't have a great night. First tube was good, solid jam. Wolfman was pretty tight Bouncin' kind of a suprise but welcomed Back on the train don't remember much about it Billy breathes always good AC/DC bag awesome, love this song Possum one of my favs, didn't jam as hard as they could have SLave was great, I knew there was a Hood coming after I heard slave set 2 Sand nice Limb by Limb awesome space bug 1st time ever heard pretty cool Piper I love that song wasn't as long as expected HOOD I knew it what did I tell ya Rock N ROll good, I was hoping for something else after that but I was satisfied Overall good show!!!!!!
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 21:03:41 PST From: Jon Welch poopwelch@hotmail.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: review What a show! This was number eleven for me and how great it was. I heard complaints about the show but and must say that people just do not know what they're missing, and should have waited for the Ricky Marting show on the 5th. Bouncin and Wolfman's Brother allowed me to believe that the show was going to be easy going. However, AC/DC Bag was the best I've seen, and into Possum? Slave to the Traffic Light was also on and amazing. I didn't think the second set would be able to reach the first, but it was nice. Sand was there, and LxL was the best I've ever heard, competing with the first set's AC/DC Bag. Bug impressed and oh my, they jammed it out with a stellar Harry Hood. Rock and Roll was nice but the encore was too short for my taste. They were on. I am a music student and this is some of the best Phish jamming I've ever seen. Jonathan Welch poopwelch@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 22:40:08 -0600 From: Kent Roesslein kcr777@skywizard.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: cincinatti, friday, 12-3-99 I've seen lots of shows, and I'm glad I saw Friday's show!!! Me and 3 friends drove from Chicago, and were not disappointed!! The FirstStar Arena was nice, no huge lines, cool security... Musically, the show was different from the usual soul trip, but sounded great!!! The band played as a whole, and not just as a solo(Trey) act. The grooves were always there, and overall it was super fun rockin' PARTY, which is what a Phish show should be...!!! See ya'll in Florida
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 17:25:00 -0500 From: Chris walstib@ntr.net To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-3-99 Phish review... Second time at this venue w/ Phish. Was hopeing for a repeat of last years Fall show here.....amazeing energy w/ the band that night!
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 17:38:32 EST From: Alwysgrovn@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-3-99 Here's all I have to say about this show... That was the best PIPER ever played, period. If you don't think so, you are wrong. Just thought you'd like to know... peace
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 23:48:49 -0500 (EST) From: Paul Daniel Mccann pmccann@indiana.edu To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Dec 3 Well, I must be honest, last night's show was one of the worst Phish shows I have ever seen. Now don't get me wrong, the band started out with a good First Tube, but stretched it out beyond limits.. boring. Wolfman's Brother was nice and the rhythm jam was very cool. Then Bouncin' Around the Room. Please, nice try. Let's just turn on a CD. A feeble attempt to get the crowd into the show. The same with Billy Breathes. Lacked any energy and the studio sounded much better. Now AD/DC Bag was good. Definitely a highlight of the show. Next a very poor Possum and Slave, absolutely no energy or climax. Second Set: Limb by Limb was a cool jam. Nice to see improvisation. Piper peaked quicker than any I have heard and really didn't do a whole lot except get louder. Hood is one of my favorites, but not last night's. Very weak and again anti-climactic. Encore: Trying to express the band's opinion of the show with "It's alright" lyrics was still boasting. I am not sure it even reached that level. Overall: Is there a lead guitar? From my previous 11 shows I was under the impression that Phish really related with the crowd.....uh huh...yeah. Well I can only wish you had a better experience than I.
Date: Sat, 04 Dec 1999 20:28:50 PST From: Matt Hollo muredhawk@excite.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: firstarcenter12-03-99 This is my first time writing about a show (this is only my second show I've seen live), but I have noticed a large trend in the reviews i see here. Many people are very negative about what they see at the shows sometimes. It seems like everyone compares the show they were at to the best show that Phish has ever played, and it cant always compare to it. My feeling is, if you go to the show, have a good time with good friends, and share in the groove, then that is all that really matters. IMO, if a certain song isn't as good as the one they played in a previous show, no big deal. Does that make the entire show suck? My feeling is, any Phish show beats the hell out of just about any other show, barring a double act of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd in their heyday. That said, I had a great time. This could be because they played the three songs I really wanted to hear, that is Bouncin' around the room, Piper, and Harry Hood. All of these, of course, I thought were excellent. I was 10 rows from the stage on the left side, and I could see Trey very clearly during the whole show. I felt Piper was awesome, and I could see the intensity on Trey's face. It jammed. Bouncin' was good, just about the best version I've heard since A Live One. I also liked Harry Hood alot, although I was very concerned about the glowsticks being thrown at the stage. That was my only rub about the show, other than that, I thought it was incredible and I cant wait to see them again. They really looked like they were on tonight, I guess a month off does a body good.
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 10:11:10 -0500 From: Dennis dennisw@fuse.net To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 12/3/99 In response to Matt Hollo's review of his evening.... Matt, I think that perhaps you are missing the point of reviewing the shows. When we read the reviews, we are interested in the calibre of the band's performance, period. What you did that night, whether you hit the zone, or if you and your friends had a good time is not what shoudl be reviewed. We're not reviewing the ambiance, just the performance. As shocking as a concept as this seems to be to many, Phish is there to perform musically, not host a party. So given the fact that the band is in fact human, there are bound to be great shows, mediocre shows, and shows that simply suck. That needs to be accurately communicated in the review, so that those that didn't go will know what went on, know whether the tapes are worth getting, etc. I'd much rather see a musically aware fan honestly say that a show sucked, than have someone tell me that they had a great time and not really comment in any depth on the performance. BTW, I'm glad you had a great time at what others are summing up as a sub-par performance.
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 20:14:52 -0500 From: David Keith docstar@mindspring.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-3-99 That was one of the worst shows in my life. I cannot imagine what was wrong with Trey, he strummed through most of the solos. This guy is the greatest rock guitarist alive, but last night I had to wonder if he is contracting the dreaded Jerry Garcia disease, I think most of you know what I mean. He kept looking over at Page all night, as if to see if he would bail him out. Chris even jumped in on the lights to try and save some of the moments where Trey just seemed to vanish. First Tube was cool, but then it doesn't require a lot, just a mean two chord groove. After that it pretty much sucked; i hope Trey was just sick or something. Possum had no guitar solo at all, Slave was lame, shit it was all lame! I took a date for her first show and I was really embarrased for the band. I have been giving this girl CDs of shows for over a year, then she finally goes to a show to hear a big truckload of dogshit. I had floor seats for tonight, 20th row center, but I gave them away to friends and came on home. I was disgusted.
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 19:49:06 EST From: Eggemeier@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: (no subject) I concur with the previous review that this show was definitely lacking in anything spectacular. As one of the people I was with said " this is the worst show I have ever seen, and I have seen Van Halen!" Maybe this is overstated, but this was definitely the worst Phish show that I have seen, and I have seen around 15. Musically it was a sub par rock show. Trey was inactive and the best number of the night, AC/DC Bag was no more than a pumped up rock'n'roll solo, which consisited of increasing the volume until the crowd flipped out. I have come to the conclusion that most phish fans are going to shows for the emotional highs that they recieve from them and not the musical merit of the band. The band did nothing interesting from an improvasitory viewpoint, essentially it was a poor rock show. I have come to excpect more out of a Phish show then lights and an energetic crowd, and unfortunately last evening that is all I recieved.---ME
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 15:15:37 EST From: BJClimber@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-3-99 Review This was the most medicore Phish show I have ever heard. I'm not normally a critical fan and they could play whatever for all I care, but the level of playing last night was terrible. AC DC Bag never went anywhere, Possum fell flat and Slave lacked any energy whatsoever. Sand was cool followed by a mellow Limb by Limb. Piper was the most rushed I'd ever heard. Hood was pathetic. It didn't build up at all, just some weird effects and then the ending. After a show like that, the encore seemed a waste. They just never got anything going throughtout the show. Hopefully tonite will be a more enjoyable experience. -B.J.
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 09:21:25 -0800 (PST) From: Tim Rowland rowlante@yahoo.com Reply-To: rowlante@flyernet.udayton.edu To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Firststar highlights Here are the highlights of the 12/3/99 show at the Firstar Center. A really extended jam on Wolfman's. Really funky groove. Pretty fast GBOTT - you could tell the energy was building. SUPER INTENSE Bag!! Man, you need to get the tapes of this show just for this song. Towards the end, Trey was doing this Eddie Van Halen-esque tap solo that just kept building and building...and didn't stop. It was so sweet. The end of slave where trey took off his guitar and was pointing it at people and making it sound like a light saber. It was pretty funny. At the end he just held it high above his head which made his look like LUke Skywalker in the Star Wars posters. Sand! Phat groove. Most gradually building Piper I've ever heard. Very cool. LxL - The jam here has been called "spacey." Page was playing a lot here with a lot of effects from Trey on his small keyboard and stuff. 3 of the people I was with thought Page was playing "Icicle" by Tori Amos at this point. It didn't sound like that to me, but you get the idea of what was going on. A very good jam. My first Bug, so I don't have much to compare it too. Hood was precise. They had a lot of energy in this one. Overall a great show.
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 13:22:09 EST From: RRNPhish@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: PHiSH Review 12/03/99 The show last nite at Firstar Center in Cincinnati, Ohio was my first PHiSH show. I have been waiting for over a year to see them live. I think they had a great show, and they played my favorite song, Harry Hood. The whole second half of the show, I was 3 rows to the left of Trey. It was so cool to see him play the guitar. As I said before, Harry Hood was my favorite song, and I loved how everyone was throwing the glow sticks around. I think one person hit the drums, and another hit Mike Gordon in the head with a glowstick. When Trey was waving the guitar around, it was really cool. I also liked how everyone lit their lighters for the Encore. I think that Limb By Limb was also well played and was a very good song. Slave to the Traffic Light was very good as well. I was upset that they didn't play Wilson or David Bowie. Well, I was there, I had so much fun, I bought 2 of the December Tour '99 t-shirts, and I hope to see them this summer! -Ryan Nill
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 10:49:13 EST From: Yemgarcia@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: firststarcrwnriverfront center the show started out great...... then they palyed slave........... thats when it all sort of went wrong... good moments but the life was just sort of sucked out of it....should have been great they were heading into that mythic territory there for a while, but took the other route.... oh well, wish I was going tonight......its gonna be great...they are playing awesome (started seeing shows in 90)
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 17:29:54 -0500 From: Chris walstib@ntr.net To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-3-99 review My friend and myself felt like it was an Ok show but nothing
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 18:07:14 EST From: Horagallindo@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-3 Cinci This was my first show back since summer tour so I was pretty excited. First Tube got things started right. The AC/DC Bag was jamming and Slave was beautiful, as usual. This was the first time I heard Sand. I think this is a great song, I think it could really go places. OH my god Limb by Limb was soo wonderful. I was mesmerized and then comes Piper. Beautiful!! Did anyone catch what they were saying near the end. Hood was great as always. Then Rock n Roll was cool but I like the Jane's Addiction version over the VU and Phish. This show wasn't the best in the world but I had a rocking time and I danced my ass off. What more could I ask for?
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 17:43:19 -0500 From: Chris walstib@ntr.net To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-3-99 Review My friend and I have followed the boys for the last five years (catch about 4-6 shows a year) and we honestly felt the show was just mediocre...nothing bad but yet nothing that really stood out. This is not a bad thing. It guaranteed a better show the following night. We did feel that they played well but that the song selection and layout of the sequence was different...didn't feel right. Still very Happy to have been there!! ....hey if anyone has a copy of last years Fall show (11-14-98) I'd love to work out a trade!!! Thanks Chris...
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 18:00:10 EST From: AOCO116@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: review of first nite in cinci wow, phish has derailed. that was my 29th, i have never complained, but wow, that performance stunk it up. boring and monotonous, with exceptions like tube and ac./dc bag. thank god sat nite was great. you take the bad and the good with phish. its just scary because i said to a friend i would only stop seeing them if they ever sounded the same as a show before, or the jams got boring, and they sure did. but oh well, sat nite made up for it. thats my two cents. art
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 01:39:42 -0500 From: ned gorges eggorges@CC.OWU.EDU To: dws@archive.phish.net I have only seen one other Phish show (Oswego 99) but i have many bootlegs and i think i can say sincerly that this was one of their worse shows ever perfomed. ACDC bag was very good. Possum was also very good. The second set however was rather pothetic, it seemed as if the guys just didn't even care!! A very poor encore (Rock n' Roll). Hopefully new years in florida will be much better.
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 10:27:39 -0500 From: Chris Bruce cbruce@fuse.net To: dws@gadiel.com I'm ashamed to say that last night was only the second time that I've ever seen Phish. I'm hooked. These guys are really jamming! I'm a little past all the parking lot stuff, 21 Dead Shows will do that if nothing else to you, maybe I've moved on in life, but the music is still real and it is from the heart, improvisional and creative. I wish that I had a ticket for tonight. Phish is doing so much in a show, musically there is so much happening. I was only really familiar with about half of the tunes last night, makes me want to keep downloading shows I tell ya. Bouncing Around the Room a day later.... cb

below are reviews of the above reviews, reviewers or the opinions expressed by the authors
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 22:17:31 -0800 (PST) From: Jillian Brandt poet-ica@rocketmail.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12/3 cincy hi there...i am an enthusiastic individual by nature...and reading the reviews of this...one of my favorite shows...and seeing how critical people are of the performances...FREAKS me out! hardcore. now i can understand what a bad show could be like...but i can't quite relate because i haven't had one yet. i am always so grateful to see phish...usually i am peeing my pants i am so excited. and i feel that i should personally apologize to everyone who had a shitty time...like it is my fault or something whatever...that is how i feel. i was with my good friend annie...who had her first show this night...if you all could have seen the smile on her face and the light in her eyes!! these 4 doods...plus chris and paul...really really touch people! it is incredible how i feel during, before and after a show! i forget everything...any problem and homework anything...and just feel the music and the AWESOME crowd surrounding me! i don't analyze shows...i mean...i'll say yes that was the phattest limb by limb that i have ever seen...i felt like i was flying...but i won't say...damn...trey needs to stop this or do this...or where was the bass tonight... because it is more than that...right? right? i don't know....i am so incredibly psyched for nye...i thought i would share my overexuberance...i would do anything for a phish show..and for the amazing people that i meet there. i'll be the girl at nye giving out tons of free hugs and lovin'. hehe :-) ===== Whatever you do...take care of your shoes.
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 15:51:01 -0500 From: David Smitherman dsmither@altavista.net To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: The Cincinatti Shows Obviously, the Cincinatti fans just don't get it. Their must be something about the midwest. Bottle throwing riots???? Sounds like the way things fell apart in the Dead scene towards the end (if Jerry hadn't have died Chicago would have ruined that for us). Looks like Ohio may get by-passed on future tours. It not worth risking the reputation on the whole Phish scene to play for a bunch of ingrates. We'll just keep the band over here on the east coast where they belong. No problem with you guys in the West. We like your vibe. Borrow the band anytime you wish....we'll come out and join you.
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 12:16:15 -0500 From: Danielle Smithwick dsmithwick@prodigy.net To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Cincinnatti shows I must say that this was one of the best weekends that I have had. I walked out of the show with four good friends with the biggest grin on my face and told them that was one of the best shows that I have ever had. Up until Nassau in the Fall I had not seen Phish for a year. The second night in Cinci reminded me of the old pish a little - the energy was just amazing and Chris did an awesome job with the lights. The arena was a great set up and the band was completely playing off the audience. Seeing Guyute and LxL in the same weekend was a treat, that Limb was very spacey - but seeing Slave and Harry (two very similar songs) in the same show was incredible. I thought the Melt was the best I have ever heard. The Loving Cup got the crowd pumped and driving up from North Carolina my boyfriend would not shut up about how he wantedt o hear that song so...glad that he got it. I must say that I had been hoping for a Reba and/or a Mango song - but I still have Raleigh and Hampton. All in all, no complaints can be heard from me. The Sand was an amazing song, and the same with bug - I like that song more and more each time I hear it. Enjoy the shows y'all. PEACE
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 15:03:45 -0500 From: Jun Zhang zhangju2@pilot.msu.edu To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: cincinnati 12-3-99 What the hell are all these complaints about? I don't mean to drag this on, but...what the hell do you complainers want from these four guys? Can you do any better?, NO I think this show was probably the best show i've ever seen, period.
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 10:10:53 -0500 From: Jon Brysh jbrysh@kent.edu To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 12-3-99 show phish fans- i have read pretty much all of the reviews for this show that have been posted thus far and i am pretty dissapointed. In just abuot everyone somebody is complaining about how the show sucked and how it was the worst one they have ever seen and this and that. well to start, i read in one of them that some guy thought trey was all fucked up during one of the sets..i am sorry but i sincerely doubt that, i have seen plenty of video footage of them backstage from Bittersweet Motel, and Phish doesnt fuck around with drugs..a lot..but they do take a couple shots, but thats it. i for one loved the show. i dont get to see phish all that often cause i have priorites to take care of that come first, but when i do get to see them, i am grateful for it. i think what everybody was complainin abuot was the spacey jams, and the actual jamming itself. what a lot of people dont understand is jammin is NOT when trey goes off and solos, it is when the band is in tune witheacother and just improv and get in the minds of the other band members...that is NOT trey soloing which is what a lot of people think. so phish did a lot of spacey jammin..escpecially in in LXL which i loved. almost sounded like old school Floyd back in the late 60's. just acid-funk-rock, it was great. i thought it was a great show..i didnt like the crowd to much..saturday's crowd was much better. and for the Phish boys, sorry bout some of the idiots that write in, they dont understand that bands EVOLVE and CHANGE in time or else itd get boring as shit. later jon Phish Kicks Ass
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 21:46:35 EST From: Eggemeier@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-3-99 I have been sorely dissapointed by the responses on this forum. I am sorry to say that Phish has been raised to cult status and consequently the majority of their fans think that they can do no wrong. I don't understand why it cannot be simply accepted that Phish is a human band and will have off nights. Phish may very well be doing new things with their music, however novelty does not imply success. They failed miserably on Friday night in acheiving any sort of cohesive improvasitional playing. It was really sad to see, and now even sadder to see that Phish fans cannot bear the truth that the show lacked anything impressive or even good. Unfortunately when a band is raised to cult status, as Phish has apparently been, the fans lose the objectivity needed to assess what is good and bad. The band could get up their and play anything and there would still be a following and still be people reviewing shows and saying incorrectly, as done here, that the show was incredible. I think a point of confusion that is arising is the distinction between how good of a time you had and how good the band actually played. These are two seperate and distinct entities not to be confused with one another. Case in point is David Levine's failure to respond to the challenge posed by Wags to articulate what exactly was so good about the show outside of the fact that he had a good time at it. David simply replied with "the show rocked." That is insightful, however it is not the point of a show review. The point of a review page is to assess how good the show was, not to constantly praise and worship whatever Phish throws at us. My assessment, and apparently many others, says that the show on Friday was horrible. Therefore this viewpoint must not be readily dismissed. Some are trying to truly explicate what the merit of the show was, and are being bashed for it. What would be the point of a review page if there were not some criticisms??? Should we change the name to "praise page"? The cult status of Phish has blinded many to the true nature of the musical experience. Phish has the potential to be good, but let us face the reality of the situation when it is presented to us. Phish, musically, was really bad on Friday. This is coming from an individual whose viewpoint is unclouded by the cult status. Phish can do wrong, and they did on Friday evening.
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 18:27:04 EST From: HeathYMike@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-3-99 Well, I really do hate to add to all the negativity listed below, however, I must vent a little (o.k. a lot) of frustration concerning our experience on Friday night. First of all, I apologize that this isn't more about the music. I'm not going to say how many shows I've been to, as it does not make the least bit of difference. I thought the first set was very enjoyable. I didn't get into the second set as much. What happened after the show pretty much wipes out all of my feelings about the show itself. We returned to our car to discover that it had been broken into. All of our stuff was thrown around the car. They went thru literally every nook and cranny, pulled out every piece of clothing, and dumped it all everywhere. They took all of my money. They took our nice fluffy sack. They took our tickets to Saturday's show. They took my boyfriend's address book (we still can't figure out why) - which contained names, addresses, and phone numbers of everyone he knew around the country - and can NOT be replaced. They broke the driver's seat. Needless to say, we hit the road and headed home, stopping along the way to cancel our hotel reservations, our calling card, and my credit and bank card. I take all of this very personally, and it literally makes my heart physically hurt. I am tired of all the selfish little punk-ass kids acting like the world somehow owes them something!!!! Believe me, it does not!!! If you don't have money for tour, tickets, or pot - either get a job, or go the fuck home! So, with all this said, I say goodbye. I am not supporting anymore junkies or selfish little brats. There is no feeling of family anymore, and for me, the love is gone.
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 12:54:02 EST From: Wags151979@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-3-99 Firststar David "Green" Levine, I appreciate your response to the previous reviews. Your unsubstantiated bashing of other reviews was very articulate. However, the point stands as is....why was the phish show so good???? You bash a previous reviewer for speaking of his girlfriend's first show...however you, in turn, use your girlfriend as a substantiator of the quality of the show. And this is her second show???? (By the way I am glad she was sober...so was I) I am sure she enjoyed it experientially from the perspective of its ambiance and energy. However, this does not mean that musically the show had any merit at all. The previous reviewers never stated that they were looking for particular tunes, such as Mike's, DWD, etc. All they were asserting is that the songs that were played lacked any kind of improvisational worth. Thus, rather than hearing your angry bashing, I would instead enjoy hearing why you thought that this show had such a high degree of musical quality. I think that most would agree that Trey was out of it. And his playing was definitley below his potential. This point is indisputable. What I want to know is what tunes did you find him doing something unique or exceptional on. And why??? I would simply appreciate a logical explanation of why Phish was so good on Friday, rather than your senseless emotional pleas to continue to worship their sub par performances. I am analyzing Phish from a musical perspective (it is given that the music is inextricably bound up in the ambiance) however when the music is seriously lacking, consequently so to is the experience. Therefore, I would appreciate and welcome a response that addresses the show from a musical perspective. Thank you. ---SW
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 12:40:44 -0500 From: Levine jodav@home.com To: "'dws@gadiel.com'" dws@gadiel.com Subject: response to response (why am I doing this?)-12-3-99 MR. Wags or SW, et all, NO thanks, I think saying the show rocked is good enough for me. Your response : sad, very sad. Why doesn't everyone realise how simple the whole phish thing is by now? Go when you can, then , stand , stare, drool, jump up and down, blow yer load, repeat, repeat, repeat, etc. That's it. Whether the show is a 7/10 or an 11, to know phish is to understand their cycle, not to deify them ( as you suggest I have done). As for the newbie and his girl: I can pretty much assure you that his reaction to the show had a lot to do with the lack of hers. And oh yeah I forgot, I never said the show was good because my girlfriend thought so (as you suggested as well). Thank you Wags, for the opportunity to clarify. I will not be sandwiched out of context. David "green" Levine, Toronto Angry Mob
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 04:35:09 -0500 From: Levine jodav@home.com To: "'dws@gadiel.com'" dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-3-99 Alright I'm gonna make this quick because my blood is boiling. There is overall, far too much ignorant bashing on this page. Who are these morons who show the unsubstantiated audacity (if these retards retain the meaning of the phrase) to call any phish show DOGSHIT ??!! You have got to be kidding me. What were you doing in the building at all? The invalid making this claim has seen 15 shows if my memory serves. Gee, I feel really bad for you that you took your woman to a show and you were so badly praying for you second or third Mike's Song ( or tweezer, or dwd or insert classic tune name here) that you could not show her a good time. I've seen way over 100 shows and last night was my girlfriend's second (Detroit was her first - and both shows blew her sober mind). The show rocked. Anyone who says differently has no clue what they're looking at when the boys take the stage. You're just not gonna get one of Mike's, Yem, Disease, or Tweezer every night anymore; it's that simple - there's way too much great new stuff. If you snotty holier than thou newbies (- the idiots Know who they are) can't handle the whole phish cannon and the waiting for the truly glorious musical treats, then they should go huddle up with Hampton Comes Alive (not to diss this masterpiece - I was there - but I have a sneaking suspicion that these nimrods really enjoy it ) while I go put another 80 000 miles on my old Jeep in pursuit of, at worst, the crappiest piece of DOGSHIT Phish show that I have ever seen. Thank you for your attention in these matters. David "Green" Levine, Toronto Angry Mob
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 22:21:19 EST From: Feldmoney@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-3-99 Firststar Center I have been reading these reviews and I have two comments to make: 1) David "Green" Levine is a fucking idiot. 2) Jerry's dead. Phish sucks. Get over it!
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 15:28:29 -0500 From: Levine jodav@home.com To: "'dws@www.phish.net'" dws@archive.phish.net Subject: down and dirty Feldmoney, Well now, get a load of this fucking guy. Good morning little schoolgirl. You're right Jerry has in fact passed on, and thinking back even the eighties were fun. Let the Grand Wizard of all fucking idiots ask you something, Why read the reviews if Phish sucks? I rarely review, and would never call anyone's gig DOGSHIT. I attended the Rochester show with a friend named Rory who attended over 280 Grateful Dead concerts. The Dead aswell were my first love,. But what the fuck are you going to do about your most serious problem. We've moved on. If you want Phish to suck - fine - they always will in your eyes. However, do not even attempt to ever relive your youth ( and I'm pretty sure I can speak for all of us ) at OUR party. Enjoy all of your most precious memories. David "Green" Levine
Date: Fri, 3 Dec 1999 23:42:18 -0600 From: Lesley Adamec ladamec@futuresouth.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: cinnci get over it Phuck Fish
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 16:14:16 -0600 From: Matt Meehleder matt_m@inetmail.att.net To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12/3/99 Show I found a few of the reviews for this show a bit cruel. Some peoples need for selfish fulfillment can cloud their judgement. Seeing Phish is a two way street. I have seen many more shows than most (67), and think it was neither great or shitty. Just an average show with some beautiful moments as usual. Which equates to 100 times better than anything else out there. I was in the 3rd row (Trey side). I would also have liked to have seen a little more squealing from Trey, but hey, thats how it goes. Sometime they try to "spotlight" other band members a little more. It appeared to me that Trey was looking at Page saying "rip it up brother, have fun," not "bail me out, I'm drowning." Please refrain from personally attacking any of the boys. Yes, they were more mellow than usual, but some of the comments made were without thought or class. If they are that bad - please stay home. Save yourself the pain and disappointment. matt_m@inetmail.att.net
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 14:09:23 -0500 From: Tony Halmos & Jennifer Weiss anthony.halmos@sympatico.ca To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 12-03-99 Firstar Centre On a similar, though far less hostile note, I'd like to concur with Michael Porter. Along with Toronto last summer, the Firstar Centre was one of the best Phish shows I've had the opportunity to see since 1991. Maybe I just think they burn brightest when they play short seconds sets. Anyways, like the Molson Amphitheatre show, several fans have slagged the show. All I can say in response to the idea that the first night at Firstar was weak is that you are really missing something.
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