March 6th 2009 - Free Times

I wanted to re-post the following entry I found on the livephish.com message board regarding last night's concert in Hampton, VA.

Andrew in Ct.  (3/7/2009 4:59:45 AM) I'm in the process of downloading this first show back since Coventry and I just would like to extend a heartfelt thanks and love to Phish and their management. The idea to give these downloads not only softens the blow of not being able to attend, but it is a true measure of how much this band has always and will continue to love its' fans. For those of us who hiked 20+ miles to Coventry, Fishman stated it there, but it was a show of our love for the band and her music for all those great many years, and the gesture of these free downloads is a beautiful way to share the love back. It proves to me further, with a concrete example how this band and we as fans have a mutual respect based on the MUSIC. Unlike any other band in the world, Phish understands that being kind to your fans will keep them coming back to support you. At a time when the (pop) music industry is in trouble due to high ticket costs, which most other fans of "those" bands are unwilling to pay, especially because the music will be "pirateable" in days, Phish and her phans are different because we will pay. For the music. We support livephish.com, we support DryGoods, we support Phish live around the country. And all because of the feeling that you get, from the band being on stage, to the friends we meet in the lots, and because of things like this, free, crispy downloads the next day. Thank you, Phish, for this. Thank you for 20 years of my life (give or take a summer or four!) See you in Pittsburgh! Pretty much sums it up for a lot of people.  I am kinda glad I get to hear the music almost instantly (from the soundboard to the safety of my computer terminal - I don't think I'd mix well with the Hampton wooks and trusti's) for download fo-free from the band themselves. That IS very kind. As far as the product itself... Phish is back.  Way back.  Thankfully, only a smatttering of post-Farmhouse roughage.  I'm writing this having just heard the first two-thirds of the first set, but who can argue with such a well-performed/played/thought-out and executed first set "back"?   Shoot!  The entire tour schedule is SOLD OUT!  These suckers must be doing something right, right?  Economic slump?  Vote Phish?!?  It is time to rethink our lives and get this show on the road, people! Fire up the Land Rover, Chewie, we're headed for the Hampton-System! Oh, yeah and The Watchmen movie was released - whoopie! Peace.