Phish Skywrites Summer Tour Announcement (Jay-Z video inside)

Much like they did with their reunion announcement, Phish non-challantly posted the above video featuring skywriting over the live favorite “Punch You in The Eye” this morning, to inform fans of their intentions for their 2009 Summer Tour.  You will notice that there are no West Coast show dates as of yet but, we expect them to hit up this side of the country in the fall.  “Why?” you ask.  Because it makes sense based on their history and track records.  That and because I don’t have it in me to travel the distances that I used to and risk being incarcerated.

The following photo and information is taken directly from Phish.com:

“Phish will perform ten concerts this coming June. The shows kick off with a two night stand at Jones Beach in Wantagh, NY June 4-5 and wrap up at Alpine Valley in East Troy, WI on June 20-21. Stops along the way include a return to the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis on June 16 and the band’s first show at the Asheville Civic Center in Asheville, NC on June 9.

A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com . The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end on Saturday, January 17th at 11:59AM EST.

Tickets go on sale to the public beginning Friday, January 30th at 10AM EST. For full show and ticketing information, please visit the Tourdates page.“

I don’t regret walking the 15 or so  miles to get into what was claimed to be their final performance at Coventry, only to hear that they would reunite in 2009.  I expected as much, and the boys from Vermont knew that they would have fans loyal enough to check their website daily for news of their return and be there to see a simple video posted to let them know that their hopes were warranted.  Each time they return, however, the scene is always a little bit different.

Those who have read some of my posts on the site may have noticed that my approach to writing often falls within the realm of what some folks may classify as “agro” but, if I’m going to post something about Phish, I’m aware of the risk that I may come across sounding too “hippie” or “earthy“.  Personally, I feel that the hardcore and legitimate “phans” are aware that there is no contradiction between the two and fuck it anyway;  I’m not too concerned with either interpretion.    Phish tour is embeded in a lot of people and it becomes a part of their being as much as living in the projects or being raised in Laguna Beach can be for those priveleged young drama queens from “The Hills“.  You’ve heard it before but, it’s not just the band or music but, rather, the specific individuals that were attracted to the scene and who’ve I have become friends with over the years.  Not everyone but, my group of friends and the adventures and travels that we had personally will always be invaluable to me as an individual.  Trying to find unity with everyone that likes a particular band is like trying to find a connection between everyone that enjoys green curry.  It’s fucking ridiculous.

I had a great time on their last tour, regardless of what the bootlegs may represent but, I may have been one of the few that thought that a hiatus was necessary.  If I were to say that some adjusted better to the breakup than others, I would be referring to both the band members as well as their fans.  Although most of the shows on that last tour fell short of what many had desired, there were still some surprising aspects demonstrated by Phish which showed that they still had a few tricks up their sleeves.  I don’t want to deal with any of the drama but, I have strong plans to attend at least one show in 2009.  This is both due to my confidence that the group has more to offer, as well as, in tribute to the friends of mine who have passed since the last shows that we attended.

Probably the most astonishing surprise that PHISH pulled out of their arsenal towards the end came at a Brooklyn show on June 18th of 2004.  The Brooklyn shows were 2 of the first shows that the group performed after announcing their plans to disband.  This caused ticket prices to skyrocket beyond normal and so we sneaked into both of them.  The first night was broadcasted live, via-satelite, to sold out movie theaters across the country but, on the second night, the group surprised everyone by bringing out Brooklyn native Jay-Z to perform with them on stage.  While searching out footage of that performance on Youtube, I was surprised find a video posted by a friend of mine who may, in fact, start writing for the site.  I am, however, posting it in memory of my 3 dead homies who won’t be around to witness the reunion: Eric (aka Kid), “Greasy Rob“, and “Fast Eddie” from the ATL.  I love those guys and, I know it sounds cliche but, all three of those guys had the most positive energy and always had smiles on their faces.

Was that kind, conscious, and hippie enough for you?  Good, then watch the video and go fuck yourselves.

–Dead C