Halfway There Becomes Three-Quarters
Story by:
Justin Ward
We’ve been hearing about Utica for weeks.
Trey’s been counting down, Mike threw subtle hints into his vocals at the Irving Plaza show and the message boards were abuzz all week with unsubstantiated rumors and claims like “My friend knows this guy who fluffs Trey’s pubes and he says…”.
Would Utica live up to the hype? Following Tuesday’s “Halfway There” show, anything was possible. The boards on Friday teemed with fans glued to their screens in search of the latest updates. And reports from the show make one thing clear: Whoever believed the hype and put together last minute plans to travel to the show made the right call. This show looks magical on paper.
As of post-time, the setlist has yet to be confirmed by either Phish.com or Trey’s From the Road section of his website. But all accounts rolling in say the show started with the PA playing Europe’s “The Final Countdown,” followed by 70 Volt Parade kicking off the first set to a big balloon drop with Mr. Completely and a promise of a “special night” with “special guests.”
After Mr. Completely came Spin, Drifting, Dark and Down, Night Speaks, Shine, Money Love and Change, Push On Til the Day, and Come As Melody.
Trey then introduced Cactus for the start of his acoustic set, and Mike came out for Access Me, a number I thought would really be well-received at Phish shows had they played it more. The boys went into Divided Sky, and Fishman came out and to play the cymbal hit before prancing off stage to thunderous applause.
Back on the Train followed, then Heavy Things and ol’ favorites Bathtub Gin and Ghost. Finally Trey, Fishman and Mike (and I’m guessing 70VP) finished the night with Boogie On Reggae Woman, which could only have been amazing. I can’t wait to hear this.
We may never know why they chose Utica (maybe because Fishman lives close to the city?), or why Trey says he wants to separate himself from Phish and then figuratively sleeps with his ex, but I’ll take these shows any day. Any day. I don’t care if the message boards seethe with anger at the blue balls they were left with, or if people think Trey is contradicting himself, or if this causes the world to explode (I don’t care if the world explodes…).
This is fun. This is great. These are musicians with whom mostly all of us had deep, intense relationships. So who cares if they’re teasing us, or if they’re going back on their word, how could you say no to music that makes you say to your friends, “I know it’s Friday, but I gotta be near a computer right now.”
Gotta love the Phish.
Multimedia Update:
Download the torrent from Friday’s show here. Man, that’s some quick turnaround.
Some short YouSendIt videos (Quicktime or WMV): Divided Sky; the pause in Divided, pre-Fishman cymbal tap; Fishman tapping the cymbal in Divided; Ghost; Access Me; Drifting .
Some YouSendIt audio (hopefully these are still working whenever you click on it): Access Me, Divided Sky, Get Back on the Train, Heavy Things, Bathtub Gin > Ghost, Boogie On Reggae Woman. Warning, at 14 minutes, they kick into high gear of that Boogie On and tear it to pieces. Dear Lord.
And here are some great photos from Mike Wren over at State of Mind Music. The one below is my fave…
Thanks to the People of the Boards for making these vids happen. Pic of Trey, Fish and Milke courtesy of TreyAnastasio.com.
Sorry, I don't share your excitement about this. Seems to me like ticket sales are low for Trey and this is his way of boosting sales. To me it is more than sleeping with his ex. It is taking advantage of your willing ex for personal gain.
The reason he choose Utica is because what happened at the earlier show 10-25-2002 in Utica if you don’t have it, it is a must to your collection. Trey started it with Mr. Completely but what he was doing was finishing off where he had to stop. Please read the review it is very interesting. http://www.flyingkarma.homestead.com/review_trey_utica.html
I was on up on the balcony for that show I thought we were going to fall the way it was going up and down. Anyways my point is that Trey loves Utica and to be honest I went on that show alone I didn’t even know there was a count down or that page meet up with trey or that cactus was hyping it up the show from 2002 in utica was not finished he had to stop, and there was so much energy.
The reason he choose Utica is because what happened at the earlier show 10-25-2002 in Utica if you don’t have it, it is a must to your collection. Trey started it with Mr. Completely but what he was doing was finishing off where he had to stop. Please read the review it is very interesting. http://www.flyingkarma.homestead.com/review_trey_utica.html
I was on up on the balcony for that show I thought we were going to fall the way it was going up and down. Anyways my point is that Trey loves Utica and to be honest I went on that show alone I didn’t even know there was a count down or that page meet up with trey or that cactus was hyping it up the show from 2002 in utica was not finished he had to stop, and there was so much energy.
“and how dictator-like Trey can be”
If Trey didn’t lead to the extent he did you would have no blog now, as Phish rode the back of his work ethic.
Notice how few songs Fishman, Gordon, and McConnell contributed? All hiatus long he begged those guys (in interviews) to contribute more, yet they came back with barely anything.
Did any song written during the hiatus by Mike or Fish or Page get played more than 4 times post-hiatus?
Therein lied the problem.
“and how dictator-like Trey can be”
If Trey didn’t lead to the extent he did you would have no blog now, as Phish rode the back of his work ethic.
Notice how few songs Fishman, Gordon, and McConnell contributed? All hiatus long he begged those guys (in interviews) to contribute more, yet they came back with barely anything.
Did any song written during the hiatus by Mike or Fish or Page get played more than 4 times post-hiatus?
Therein lied the problem.
Well, think about this…
Phish can no longer shake me to the core.
They used to be able to…but knowing what I know now and how little practicing they do and how dictator-like Trey can be, whatever it is, in its current stage, it just can’t do it for me anymore.
Can we agree that (even in their own words) their level of effort dropped significantly over their last few years?
That being said, WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT THEM TO RECREATE SOMETHING HALF-ASSED?
If you can answer that question without responding with something like “well, it’s better than nothing…” I’m all ears.
Well, think about this…
Phish can no longer shake me to the core.
They used to be able to…but knowing what I know now and how little practicing they do and how dictator-like Trey can be, whatever it is, in its current stage, it just can’t do it for me anymore.
Can we agree that (even in their own words) their level of effort dropped significantly over their last few years?
That being said, WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT THEM TO RECREATE SOMETHING HALF-ASSED?
If you can answer that question without responding with something like “well, it’s better than nothing…” I’m all ears.
I’m still giggling over the Michael Jordan reference. Remember the “Air Jerry” t-shirts?
I’m still giggling over the Michael Jordan reference. Remember the “Air Jerry” t-shirts?
Ha, that’s funny stuff J. And katie, I totally hear ya…I don’t think anyone’s married to their opinion here, but it’s fun to debate this because we have nothing else to debate.
Here’s my one point of contention with ya, Justin…you said: “I go to shows to get blown away. Musically. Emotionally. I literally almost starting crying at STS9 when they opened with Square & Cubes. It filled me with intense and immediate joy.”
I know you were talkin abotu Trey, but you don’t think that first Phish show would bring out the tears. You would be blown away, most of all emotionally, then musically. And that’s why we all want the reunion, because it has the potential to shake us to the core. And what other band can do that?!
Ha, that’s funny stuff J. And katie, I totally hear ya…I don’t think anyone’s married to their opinion here, but it’s fun to debate this because we have nothing else to debate.
Here’s my one point of contention with ya, Justin…you said: “I go to shows to get blown away. Musically. Emotionally. I literally almost starting crying at STS9 when they opened with Square & Cubes. It filled me with intense and immediate joy.”
I know you were talkin abotu Trey, but you don’t think that first Phish show would bring out the tears. You would be blown away, most of all emotionally, then musically. And that’s why we all want the reunion, because it has the potential to shake us to the core. And what other band can do that?!
I go to shows to get blown away. Musically. Emotionally. I literally almost starting crying at STS9 when they opened with Square & Cubes. It filled me with intense and immediate joy.
Personally and very honestly, I think any sort of Phish reunion would completely cheapen the legacy that they left and as they intended it to remain. I can relate it to Michael Jordan. I can relate it to The Dead. I can say that I think that would be irrelevant as well.
If you feel that the reunion aspect would be a “better than nothing” sortof situation, maybe you’re right. I choose to think that Trey truly wanted to preserve Phish as a powerhouse.
That being said, I would only blow like one dude (maybe two) for another show (maybe two).
I go to shows to get blown away. Musically. Emotionally. I literally almost starting crying at STS9 when they opened with Square & Cubes. It filled me with intense and immediate joy.
Personally and very honestly, I think any sort of Phish reunion would completely cheapen the legacy that they left and as they intended it to remain. I can relate it to Michael Jordan. I can relate it to The Dead. I can say that I think that would be irrelevant as well.
If you feel that the reunion aspect would be a “better than nothing” sortof situation, maybe you’re right. I choose to think that Trey truly wanted to preserve Phish as a powerhouse.
That being said, I would only blow like one dude (maybe two) for another show (maybe two).
There’s really only one issue here, I think. Music is music, and this is fresh, spontaneous, and it is good, real good. We can all have all the emotions we want (happiness, sadness, bitterness, resentment…), and it won’t change the fact that 3/4 of Phish appeared on stage simultaneously with smiles and good vibes and gave the fans something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
We have to stop taking this so personally and sit back and enjoy the next 20 years -in whatever form it comes…Let them in and they’ll bring it. Have they ever not?
3/4 0R 1/2 of Phish will always be better than no Phish at all. Word.
There’s really only one issue here, I think. Music is music, and this is fresh, spontaneous, and it is good, real good. We can all have all the emotions we want (happiness, sadness, bitterness, resentment…), and it won’t change the fact that 3/4 of Phish appeared on stage simultaneously with smiles and good vibes and gave the fans something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
We have to stop taking this so personally and sit back and enjoy the next 20 years -in whatever form it comes…Let them in and they’ll bring it. Have they ever not?
3/4 0R 1/2 of Phish will always be better than no Phish at all. Word.
the only point i’m trying to make here is that, to me, it makes perfect sense when i hear people say those things. i don’t necessarily agree with it 100%, but i definitely understand it.
let’s face it. phish is done. even if they do make some sort of comeback, it won’t ever be the same as it once was. in light of that, i think some would prefer to leave well enough alone. maybe people aren’t too eager to set themselves up for (more) disappointment. personally, i don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.
remember when michael jordan came out of retirement to play for the washington wizards? people got all excited and the wizards sold out lots of games, but in the end, they didn’t even make the playoffs. whether or not it was still worth it to see michael play is just a matter of opinion. but i see both sides. as a hard-core jordan fan, i say, “i saw him play in the glory days…and that comeback was a joke.” but for others, seeing jordan play again was the chance of a lifetime…even if he was limping up and down the court.
ok – maybe not a perfect analogy, but i think you get the point.
secondly, i will be the first to admit that i am largely underwhelmed by trey’s solo project(s). trey is not phish. he was an important part of the whole (debateably the MOST important part), but trey solo will NEVER be what the band was. so even if someone was a huge phish fan, that doesn’t necessarily translate into being a huge trey fan.
for me, it’s not a question of talent or a quality performance. trey and his band are very talented and the performance i saw was very well done. the problem is, the music just doesn’t do IT for me. that magic ingredient just isn’t there. and i don’t think that trey should be entitled to anything in his solo career just because he was in a band called phish once. now that he’s solo, he has to earn his new fanbase all over again.
but hey, if sting can do it…so can trey =]
the only point i’m trying to make here is that, to me, it makes perfect sense when i hear people say those things. i don’t necessarily agree with it 100%, but i definitely understand it.
let’s face it. phish is done. even if they do make some sort of comeback, it won’t ever be the same as it once was. in light of that, i think some would prefer to leave well enough alone. maybe people aren’t too eager to set themselves up for (more) disappointment. personally, i don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.
remember when michael jordan came out of retirement to play for the washington wizards? people got all excited and the wizards sold out lots of games, but in the end, they didn’t even make the playoffs. whether or not it was still worth it to see michael play is just a matter of opinion. but i see both sides. as a hard-core jordan fan, i say, “i saw him play in the glory days…and that comeback was a joke.” but for others, seeing jordan play again was the chance of a lifetime…even if he was limping up and down the court.
ok – maybe not a perfect analogy, but i think you get the point.
secondly, i will be the first to admit that i am largely underwhelmed by trey’s solo project(s). trey is not phish. he was an important part of the whole (debateably the MOST important part), but trey solo will NEVER be what the band was. so even if someone was a huge phish fan, that doesn’t necessarily translate into being a huge trey fan.
for me, it’s not a question of talent or a quality performance. trey and his band are very talented and the performance i saw was very well done. the problem is, the music just doesn’t do IT for me. that magic ingredient just isn’t there. and i don’t think that trey should be entitled to anything in his solo career just because he was in a band called phish once. now that he’s solo, he has to earn his new fanbase all over again.
but hey, if sting can do it…so can trey =]
Katie, I agree that not everyone out there is a blind hater. But why on Earth would you criticize something that you know you would want to see?! That’s what I don’t get here. Why are people saying, “I wouldn’t want Phish back” or “F-in Trey shouldn’t be teasing us like that” when in reality they’re thinking “I would blow four dudes and kill my mother for another tour”?
Everyone has a right to their own opinion, and I totally respect that. But I say hate the music if you want…just don’t hate the decision-making.
And truth be told, Phish aside, after the Roseland show I saw, I don’t see how you could hate the music. Trey’s band is REALLY stepping it up. I’m seriously impressed. Some tunes are weak, and some jams are a bit too heavy for me, but for the most part, heeeee’s back.
Katie, I agree that not everyone out there is a blind hater. But why on Earth would you criticize something that you know you would want to see?! That’s what I don’t get here. Why are people saying, “I wouldn’t want Phish back” or “F-in Trey shouldn’t be teasing us like that” when in reality they’re thinking “I would blow four dudes and kill my mother for another tour”?
Everyone has a right to their own opinion, and I totally respect that. But I say hate the music if you want…just don’t hate the decision-making.
And truth be told, Phish aside, after the Roseland show I saw, I don’t see how you could hate the music. Trey’s band is REALLY stepping it up. I’m seriously impressed. Some tunes are weak, and some jams are a bit too heavy for me, but for the most part, heeeee’s back.
“People have a right to feel a bit antsy and peeved if 3/4ths of them show up to a show that was comically and tauntingly hyped from the Mike and Trey camps.”
That’s exactly it, it wasn’t much of a surprise that Mike and Jon were coming to Utica. They each gave everyone a heads up in their own way.
Wouldn’t it have been worse if no warning was given, and all of the sudden Mike and Fish came out at a random show in upstate New York? All signs pointed to epicness.
Multiple members of Phish have sat in with Trey on nearly all of his solo tours.
Everyone has a right to state their opinions, I just wish we’d get more than the usual “Trey is a hypocrite,” and “I’m hurt that Trey broke up Phish.” Now Shine sucking, that I can’t argue with ;)
He’s actually playing some amazing guitar these days, and I haven’t heard from too many people who went to see a show and left hating it.
“People have a right to feel a bit antsy and peeved if 3/4ths of them show up to a show that was comically and tauntingly hyped from the Mike and Trey camps.”
That’s exactly it, it wasn’t much of a surprise that Mike and Jon were coming to Utica. They each gave everyone a heads up in their own way.
Wouldn’t it have been worse if no warning was given, and all of the sudden Mike and Fish came out at a random show in upstate New York? All signs pointed to epicness.
Multiple members of Phish have sat in with Trey on nearly all of his solo tours.
Everyone has a right to state their opinions, I just wish we’d get more than the usual “Trey is a hypocrite,” and “I’m hurt that Trey broke up Phish.” Now Shine sucking, that I can’t argue with ;)
He’s actually playing some amazing guitar these days, and I haven’t heard from too many people who went to see a show and left hating it.
I agree with Katie on this one; all of the positive and negative speculation and buzz that has surfaced as a result of Utica all stems from a deep love of the band. People have a right to feel a bit antsy and peeved if 3/4ths of them show up to a show that was comically and tauntingly hyped from the Mike and Trey camps.
I agree with Katie on this one; all of the positive and negative speculation and buzz that has surfaced as a result of Utica all stems from a deep love of the band. People have a right to feel a bit antsy and peeved if 3/4ths of them show up to a show that was comically and tauntingly hyped from the Mike and Trey camps.
fair enough scotty. but do you really think trey worries about whether or not his actions make people mad on the internet? puhlease. believe me, we’re not robbing him of anything by stating our opinions.
trey has the right to do whatever he wants…just like i have the right to judge everything he does :)
don’t get me wrong. i would have loved to see this little reunion too. i mean, c’mon…no one here can say they wouldn’t have wanted to be there. all i’m saying is that i understand why some people might not be too thrilled with it. and i don’t think it’s fair to call those people haters.
fair enough scotty. but do you really think trey worries about whether or not his actions make people mad on the internet? puhlease. believe me, we’re not robbing him of anything by stating our opinions.
trey has the right to do whatever he wants…just like i have the right to judge everything he does :)
don’t get me wrong. i would have loved to see this little reunion too. i mean, c’mon…no one here can say they wouldn’t have wanted to be there. all i’m saying is that i understand why some people might not be too thrilled with it. and i don’t think it’s fair to call those people haters.
It’s not that Trey isn’t given the chance; I think Katie was just trying to pinpoint the fact that it’s okay to be resistant to this. I’m not hatin’ on Trey’s stuff just to be an ass; I’m resistant to it.
It’s not how I’d make it sound…
Notice the emphasis. I realize that I have different expectations for the Trey tour or the Trey acoustic set or the Trey special guests. It’s me. I’m resistant to Trey breaking up Phish and telling everyone that it’s over and then turning around and playing with the guys on the stage a year later.
Maybe that is what needs to happen to help all the fans get over it and I’ll have a hard time not comparing everything Trey does to Phish. That’s my problem, though.
The new album by Trey doesn’t excite me and I’m sure it would excite me more if I saw him close–in the flesh–and saw his s***-eating grin go ear to ear when he sings “Shine.” Maybe that will excite me soon. I’ll let you know.
It’s not that Trey isn’t given the chance; I think Katie was just trying to pinpoint the fact that it’s okay to be resistant to this. I’m not hatin’ on Trey’s stuff just to be an ass; I’m resistant to it.
It’s not how I’d make it sound…
Notice the emphasis. I realize that I have different expectations for the Trey tour or the Trey acoustic set or the Trey special guests. It’s me. I’m resistant to Trey breaking up Phish and telling everyone that it’s over and then turning around and playing with the guys on the stage a year later.
Maybe that is what needs to happen to help all the fans get over it and I’ll have a hard time not comparing everything Trey does to Phish. That’s my problem, though.
The new album by Trey doesn’t excite me and I’m sure it would excite me more if I saw him close–in the flesh–and saw his s***-eating grin go ear to ear when he sings “Shine.” Maybe that will excite me soon. I’ll let you know.
i went to the show in utica and all i have to say is that it was the greatest show, i have lost my words to say, that good!
i went to the show in utica and all i have to say is that it was the greatest show, i have lost my words to say, that good!
Amen to what Ace and Zaptor said
Sorry Katie, it’s not about our emotions its about the music. Trey gave his heart and soul to Phish, he deserves the chance to do whatever he wants without thinking of what would make people mad on the internet.
Amen to what Ace and Zaptor said
Sorry Katie, it’s not about our emotions its about the music. Trey gave his heart and soul to Phish, he deserves the chance to do whatever he wants without thinking of what would make people mad on the internet.
That interview is really great (thanks for posting, zzyz) and completely lends to my feeling that Trey is not driven entirely by malicious or egotistical intentions. He’s really just trying to make it all work without the industry + scene pitfalls that the Dead succumbed to.
That interview is really great (thanks for posting, zzyz) and completely lends to my feeling that Trey is not driven entirely by malicious or egotistical intentions. He’s really just trying to make it all work without the industry + scene pitfalls that the Dead succumbed to.
unconditional hate? i don’t see that at all. i think it’s perfectly natural for people to be a little resistant to this. it’s not hate, it’s people trying to keep their excitement at bay. we all remember what trey said…he left NO indication whatsoever that he would ever want to reunite the band. but now he seems to be hinting at it left and right. i can’t really blame people who feel like that just plays with our emotions. i’m sure the show in utica was badass, but it was also a reminder of what no longer exists.
unconditional hate? i don’t see that at all. i think it’s perfectly natural for people to be a little resistant to this. it’s not hate, it’s people trying to keep their excitement at bay. we all remember what trey said…he left NO indication whatsoever that he would ever want to reunite the band. but now he seems to be hinting at it left and right. i can’t really blame people who feel like that just plays with our emotions. i’m sure the show in utica was badass, but it was also a reminder of what no longer exists.
This has nothing to do with 70VP. It’s about the upcoming Trey/Mike project that Trey talks about here:
http://24.104.40.88/kfog/102905Trey_Vegoose.mp3
It’s on!
This has nothing to do with 70VP. It’s about the upcoming Trey/Mike project that Trey talks about here:
http://24.104.40.88/kfog/102905Trey_Vegoose.mp3
It’s on!
Sometimes I feel like people just won’t be happy with anything…
Trey, damned if he does, damned is he doesn’t. Since he clearly can’t please all the people all the time, I hope he goes out and does what makes him happy. If that’s playing mainly with 70VP and enjoy the occasionally Phish member cameo, so be it. It’s fun.
Don’t think about why s***’s goin down, think about how good the music is. You’d turn down an opportunity to hear some of your favorite songs by two of your favorite musicians all because you think Trey wants to sell tickets? That’s laughable. Sit back and enjoy, don’t hate it for petty reasons, fellas.
And I say that as someone who couldn’t care less if you go to shows or not…I just don’t understand the unconditional hate.
Sometimes I feel like people just won’t be happy with anything…
Trey, damned if he does, damned is he doesn’t. Since he clearly can’t please all the people all the time, I hope he goes out and does what makes him happy. If that’s playing mainly with 70VP and enjoy the occasionally Phish member cameo, so be it. It’s fun.
Don’t think about why s***’s goin down, think about how good the music is. You’d turn down an opportunity to hear some of your favorite songs by two of your favorite musicians all because you think Trey wants to sell tickets? That’s laughable. Sit back and enjoy, don’t hate it for petty reasons, fellas.
And I say that as someone who couldn’t care less if you go to shows or not…I just don’t understand the unconditional hate.
Paul: I think I’m close to agreeing with you on that. I’m not saying much as to really allow it to soak in, but I just don’t know how I feel about it either.
Paul: I think I’m close to agreeing with you on that. I’m not saying much as to really allow it to soak in, but I just don’t know how I feel about it either.
Paul: I think I’m close to agreeing with you on that. I’m not saying much as to really allow it to soak in, but I just don’t know how I feel about it either.
Sorry, I don’t share your excitement about this. Seems to me like ticket sales are low for Trey and this is his way of boosting sales. To me it is more than sleeping with his ex. It is taking advantage of your willing ex for personal gain.
Tyler: I posted the download above. Check it out if you get a chance–I think that’s about as official as needed.
Tyler: I posted the download above. Check it out if you get a chance–I think that’s about as official as needed.
Tyler: I posted the download above. Check it out if you get a chance–I think that’s about as official as needed.
Does anybody have any official info on this yet?
Does anybody have any official info on this yet?
Does anybody have any official info on this yet?