AC/DC/August 31,2015/Montreal,Quebec

My friend Alan accompanied me to the massive Olympic Stadium for this show. The event was not sold out,so the Stadium nicely upgraded our 3rd level seats down to the 2nd level. Even though we were toward the back,we still had a full view of the stage.

"Rock or Bust" was the opening song. They quickly followed it with one of my favorites by AC/DC: "Shoot to Thrill". The set leaned heavily on the classics. Toward the end of the show came Angus Young's showpiece: "Let There Be Rock". After the regular part of the song,Angus played a 10+ minute unaccompanied guitar solo which saw him walking on top of his tall row of amps. Quite the spectacle. And the encore was "Highway to Hell" featuring a fireworks display.

The only complaint I have is that the Olympic Stadium had poor acoustics for this show. The volume was jacked up so loudly that a lot of distortion came through to us in the audience. But this was not the band's fault. These guys are true professionals,and they put on a crowd-pleasing show.

Official AC/DC site: http://www.acdc.com/

Here's a clip of AC/DC at this show:

Setlist link for this show: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/acdc/2015/stade-olympique-montreal-qc-canada-7bf712f4.html

Below are 3 shots I took at the show:

Phish/August 21-23,2015/Watkins Glen,NY

Back to the site of the crazy Super Ball IX of 2011. Only this time I would be entirely sober. And a great weekend it was. Once again,my old friend Adam went with me.

Many things remained the same this time around at Watkins Glen International Speedway. Phish played 7 full sets of music plus a *Secret Set* which I missed again. Once again,all manner of vendors and interactive art installations were spread throughout the site.

The 1st set of the first night ended with a raging "Bathtub Gin". It sounded like no "Gin" I'd ever heard,and I knew the Guys were there to play. The second day peaked with a "Tweezer" and "Prince Caspian" that knocked us all for a loop. Mike Gordon's synthesized bass made the ground shake beneath our feet! The final set of the third day was framed by "Martian Monster" with lots of craziness in between. After the encore,we were treated to a good,long fireworks display. I found all 3 days to be a success,and I'm glad I can remember it all.

Here is the "Tweezer"/"Prince Caspian" mentioned above from August 22nd:

Day #1 setlist link: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2015-08-21
Day #2 setlist link: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2015-08-22
Day#3 setlist link: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2015-08-23

Here are 3 shots I took over that weekend:

Primus/October 26,2014/Burlington,VT

In mid-June of 2014 I got in trouble for arriving at work very drunk. My alcohol-abusing lifestyle had caught up with me. So I cleaned up and decided to pursue a sober life. During this early sobriety I noticed that Primus was coming to play in Burlington. "Let's try Primus", I thought. I knew that Les Claypool is considered one of the greatest bassists around. And I knew Primus would be promoting their twisted take on the "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" soundtrack. It sounded perfect.

The 1st set that night was a *standard* Primus set. They started with "Too Many Puppies" and raged through "My Name is Mud" and "Wynona's Big Brown Beaver",among others. After the set break,the Chocolate Factory emerged. The band and the stage were costumed as a twisted version of Roald Dahl's fantasy story. A video screen above the band showed visually altered (tripped out) clips of the original film. There were giant mushrooms onstage and a couple Oompa-Loompas (with giant heads) who made multiple appearances. Primus was accompanied by an additional percussionist and a cello player,as I recall. The whole experience was visually and aurally almost overwhelming. I had been familiar with the soundtrack to the film since I was very young. And this dark,twisted take on it was tremendously entertaining.

And that wasn't the end of the show. Primus came back and treated us to a multi-song encore. This was a great night at The Flynn Theatre,and I can remember it all.

Official Primus site: http://www.primusville.com/

A video of Primus performing the Chocolate Factory set on October 30,2014:

Setlist link for this show: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/primus/2014/flynn-center-for-the-performing-arts-burlington-vt-6bcc3e86.html

Below are 3 shots I took at the show:

Phish/October 25-26,2013/Worcester,MA

This was my first time in Worcester,MA. My brother's friends Andrew and Molly very nicely let me stay at their home for these 2 shows.

The partying scene around the DCU Center was wild on both nights. And I was 100% caught up in all of it. There were *lollipops*, *brownies* and all manner of party favors being sold in the chilly air. So my memories of both shows are scattered.

I recall a long version of The Who's "Drowned" opening one of the sets. "Waves" made an appearance in one of the 2nd sets. And there was an odd moment during an encore when Jon Fishman (drums) handed over his kit to a guy with long dreadlocks during "Boogie On Reggae Woman". The only complaint I have would be the LONG delay getting into both shows. Security seemed to be checking each person thoroughly. This is understandable,but it kept some of us from seeing the beginnings of the 1st sets. But it was a fun time overall in the very cool city of Worcester. Thanks again Andrew and Molly!

Phish in Worcester on October 25,2013:

Setlist link for Oct. 25th: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2013-10-25
Setlist link for Oct. 26th: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2013-10-26

Phish/July 5-7,2013/Saratoga Springs,NY

This was a repeat of the previous year's Phish extravaganza. Again I stayed at Lee's Park with my friend Adam. And again I have precious few memories of the 3 day party.

The music was wonderful,but I have no specific memories of the songs played. My partying had become that heavy at this point. I can only listen to the recordings and watch the videos to refresh my memories now. By day #3,I recall feeling VERY worn out and almost unable to walk. In retrospect I was very likely sleep deprived and dehydrated. Just another wild weekend.

Phish on July 6,2013 in Saratoga:

Day #1 setlist link: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2013-07-05
Day #2 setlist link: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2013-07-06
Day #3 setlist link: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2013-07-07

Brit Floyd/March 27,2013/Burlington,VT

Brit Floyd is a class act. Not only do they sound like the mighty Floyd,but they also have a very sophisticated light show.

Apparently I look like one of the members of the band. While I had a meal before the show,someone tapped me on the shoulder and asked if they could buy me a drink. They thought I was the guitarist from Brit Floyd.

After the show,the members sat at a table in the Flynn Theatre lobby and signed autographs and talked to anyone who wanted to talk. Being the fanboy that I am,I thanked them all for the show and got a few autographs. In all honesty,I had a crush on one of the female backup singers. It was a fun night.

Brit Floyd in action in 2011:

Setlist link (with incorrect date): http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/brit-floyd/2013/flynn-center-for-the-performing-arts-burlington-vt-3d88d8b.html

Official Brit Floyd site: http://www.britfloyd.com/

Jacquie Williams,backup singer. She *inspired* me to meet the band after the show.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse/October 11,2012/Chicago,IL

Another great Chicago show with my friend Ibrahim. Ten years before,we attended a superb concert by The Who in The Windy City. This time it was Neil Young & Crazy Horse.

Los Lobos was the opener,and they played well enough. The sound quality was poor in our seating area. I do recall them playing a cover of The Grateful Dead's "Bertha". Ibrahim suggested we move to a better spot for the main event. So we wandered to a balcony section which afforded us a dead center view of the stage. We stayed put,and no one gave us a problem.

Neil and the guys played like young men. They raged through classics and a number of new songs from the upcoming "Psychedelic Pill" album. There was plenty of feedback and stinging guitar solos. Neil also inserted a mellow acoustic set in the middle of the show. Crazy Horse's "Tonight's the Night" encore sent us out into the Chicago night.

Neil Young official site: http://neilyoung.com/?frontpage=true

Setlist link for this show: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/neil-young-and-crazy-horse/2012/united-center-chicago-il-7bdd26b0.html

Neil Young & Crazy Horse in Chicago 2012:

Phish/July 6-8,2012/Saratoga Springs,NY

Thank goodness for Lee's Park. Lee's is situated not too far from Saratoga Performing Arts Center. For Phish's 3 day run at SPAC,they chose to open their campground for all of us fans. They provided us with a nice campground plus a Stewart's store and a liquor store within walking distance. Lee's also provided us with a shuttle bus to and from all 3 shows. Great job,guys.

So my pal Adam and I headed to this VERY party-friendly environment on July 6th. We set up our tent at Lee's and headed to the 1st show. I would love to say I remember this 3 day run in vivid detail,but that would be a lie. I can recall a very good version of "Tube" which neatly segued into "Psycho Killer" by The Talking Heads. And that's about all I can recall for sure. My drinking and partying have destroyed most of my memories from that weekend.

Official Lee's Park site: http://www.leespark.com/

7-6-12 setlist: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2012-07-06
7-7-12 setlist: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2012-07-07
7-8-12 setlist: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2012-07-08


Here is Phish playing "You Enjoy Myself" on the final night at SPAC:

The Soft Parade/December 9,2011/New York,NY

In December of 2011 I took a week long vacation in New York City. It's been one of my favorite cities since I was a kid. Despite NYC's reputation,people are always nice to me when I go there.

On this trip I chose to go to the B.B. King Blues Club to see a Doors tribute band called The Soft Parade. It's an intimate and classy place to see a show. The guys in the band actually dressed themselves to appear like The Doors. And they had the classic Doors sound down to a science. They even had a genuine celebrity join them on stage. It was the original guitar player from The Young Rascals. He played with the band on a Doors-ish cover of "Good Lovin'". It was a fun night,and I recommend any Doors fan to check out The Soft Parade.

Here is The Soft Parade at B.B. King's in 2009:

Official site for The Soft Parade: http://www.thesoftparade.com/

Phish/July 1-3,2011/Watkins Glen,NY

A three day Phish extravaganza with my old friend Adam. And a return to my partying behavior of the 1990s. It suffices to say that I was entirely *off the wagon* at this point in my life. So this 3 day event is a bit blurry.

"Super Ball IX" was very well-organized. Camping was set up next to the Watkins Glen International Speedway. A relatively short walk brought you to the concert site. Along the way was a myriad of food and beverage vendors as well as many interactive art installations. It's kind of like a big circus for Phish fans.

The concert itself was in a big field with the stage at one end. And the band sure gave us a great time. I recall 7 full sets of music being played over the 3 days. (Not including the "Secret Set" that I missed.) Among Phish originals were covers of "Life on Mars?", "Monkey Man", "Peaches En Regalia" and "Big Balls". The band was in great shape,and the weather cooperated almost the entire time. Each day they played,Phish managed to improve on the previous show. A complete success.

Phish playing "What's the Use?" on day 3 of Super Ball IX:

Day #1 setlist link: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2011-07-01
Day #2 setlist link: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2011-07-02
Day #3 setlist link: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2011-07-03

Below are a few photos I took over the 3 days:

Phish/May 28,2011/Bethel,NY

Bethel is a small town in upstate New York. It is best known for hosting the legendary 1969 Woodstock Festival. Upon hearing that Phish would be playing there,I got online and bought 2 tickets. My friend was supposed to go with me,but she cancelled out on me 2 days before. So I drove to Bethel alone and sold the ticket under face value at the show.

It was very cool to be in the vicinity of the original Woodstock Festival site. Nearby was a Woodstock museum which I did not have time to see. But Bethel is a beautiful place to see a show.
I stayed fairly sober at this show. I had some beer and a frozen margarita. (Very Woodstock-ish indeed,right?)

There are a few parts that stand out for me at this show. While playing "Makisupa Policeman",the band broke into a heavy funk section led by Page on clavinet. Soon after,the Boys played a lovely "Harry Hood". And perhaps as a nod to the 1960s vibe of Bethel,the band elected to encore with "A Day in the Life". Phish does not have the vocal strengths of The Beatles,but they can play the hell out of that song. Quite a fun night.

Below are a few shots I took that day in Bethel.

Phish playing "Cities" by The Talking Heads on 5-28-11 in Bethel:

Setlist link for this show: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2011-05-28

Johnny Winter/January 22,2011/White River Junction,VT

This was my last time seeing Johnny in concert. It took place at the small Tupelo Music Hall in White River Junction,VT. There were really no bad seats in the place,and I was in the 3rd row.

It would be great to report that this was a killer show. But it wasn't. Johnny's backing band was top-notch,but there was something *off* with Johnny. I'm not sure if he had trouble hearing himself play or what,but a decent chunk of his solos sounded off key. Maybe he had arthritis,and he had difficulty playing for that reason. When he was on,it was great. But something was just not right.

Anyhow,I was thrilled to see Johnny in such close quarters. And it was especially cool when he chose to cover Hendrix's "Red House". Thanks,Johnny.

After the show a few of us fans hung out near Johnny's van in hopes of getting autographs. His bass player nicely talked to us all and collected our pieces of paper for Johnny to sign. He returned shortly with all of our stuff. Below I have shared 2 photos I took at the show plus my signed ticket stub. R.I.P. Johnny Winter.

Directly below is a clip of Johnny playing that night in White River Junction.

Phish/November 28,2009/Albany,NY

This show left me speechless. And I was 100% sober at this show. Phish has the ability to knock your socks off even when you think they've already peaked. It has happened again and again in the years I've followed them. I thought Saratoga '09 was a big improvement over Fenway Park '09. Then this show in Albany comes along and knocks them both out of the water.

Before the show,I saw Page McConnell (keyboards) walking near the stage looking at the amps. He seemed a bit surprised when I waved to him,but he politely waved back. That made my night.

Now on to the show. The 1st set was solid but unremarkable. The 2nd set started off with 40+ minutes of massive jamming on the two songs "Seven Below" and "Ghost". This deep musical exploration caught me completely off guard. I just closed my eyes and went with the band. Wow! The crowd gave a major ovation at the conclusion of this trip. Next up they played "Cool it Down" by the Velvet Underground. A "cooling down" is exactly what we all needed at that point. Later in the set came a very nice "Wolfman's Brother" and a beautiful encore of "You Enjoy Myself".

Walking out into the chilly night,all I could do was shake my head. Words were not enough. Thanks,Phish.

And here is the above-mentioned "Seven Below" and "Ghost".

Setlist link for this show: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2009-11-28

Phish/August 16,2009/Saratoga Springs,NY

My old friend Adam (veteran of the crazy Great Went weekend in Limestone,ME 1997) accompanied me to this one. I had to work the next day,so we drove down and back all in one day. That's about 8 hours of driving,but this IS one of my favorite bands.

We had lawn seats,but we managed to get right up to the railing of the lawn for most of the show. Many people were sneaking over the railing into the covered pavilion area,but I did not want to get kicked out for such behavior. The band played better at this show than they did at the Fenway Park show from back in May. It's not unusual for Phish to improve as the tour progresses.

This show had a raging "Chalk Dust Torture" and a cool "Harpua" with narration by Trey. Inside this version of "Harpua",the band played (unbelievably) "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry. Occasionally Phish will insert wild song choices in their sets just to throw off the fans. This excellent night was capped with a cover of "Highway to Hell".

Phish playing "Possum" on this fine evening in Saratoga.

Setlist link for this night: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2009-08-16

Phish/May 31,2009/Boston,MA

In early 2009 it was announced that Phish was getting back together. This was big news to us fans who wanted a chance to see them again. The *final* shows in Coventry,VT left a bad taste in our mouths.

So I happily drove down to Boston to see the Boys at Fenway Park. It was drizzling before the show,but it changed once the music started. During the opening song,"Sample in a Jar",the rain stopped and the Sun came out. Some people also reported seeing a double rainbow,but I can't vouch for that.

I can say that I saw 3 Phish debuts that fine day. "Ocelot","Time Turns Elastic" and "Light" were all played for the first time on May 31st. They also played a major rarity called "Destiny Unbound" which made us all happy. With 6 years of hindsight I can say it was a very good show. It was not excellent,but I was pleased that the Boys were back to play.

Here is Phish kicking off the festivities that day with "The Star Spangled Banner".

Setlist for this show: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2009-05-31

Gov't Mule/October 30,2008/Burlington,VT

As of this day in 2015,this is the last Mule show I've seen. It was a fun night. It would have been great to see them the next night when they played a bunch of Pink Floyd covers,but you can't win them all.

This was a special show as it was Jorgen Carlsson's (bass) first public appearance with the band. I recall covers of "Catfish Blues" and "Stay with Me" mixed in with a bunch of Mule classics. There was an especially manic version of "Thorazine Shuffle".

This show took place shortly before the Presidential elections. Someone in the audience said something like "Warren for President!". He responded with "I respectfully decline". Another fun night at the Flynn Theatre.

Here is a brief clip of the above-mentioned "Thorazine Shuffle" from this show.

Setlist link for this show: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/govt-mule/2008/flynn-center-for-the-performing-arts-burlington-vt-13d38961.html

Gov't Mule/September 15,2007/Burlington,VT

This is yet another of my *dabbling in the party scene* shows. I was not a full-blown lunatic at this time,but I was making some poor choices.

I recall sitting in the bleachers to the right of the stage and feeling wonderful as the Mule broke into a reggae version of "Soulshine". The stage was bathed in green,red and yellow lights. What a great start to the show! Well,as the night continued,I felt less and less great. In fact,I felt so crappy that I did something I rarely do. I walked out early. What a letdown. It started so well,and my bad choices led me to an early departure.

Here is a clip of Gov't Mule on German TV in 2007.

Selist link for the 9-15-07 show: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/govt-mule/2007/memorial-auditorium-burlington-vt-13dc75f1.html

Rhythm Devils/August 16,2006/South Burlington,VT

The core of the Rhythm Devils is the drum duo of Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. For this show they collaborated with Mike Gordon (bass-Phish) and Steve Kimock (guitar).

I recall very little of this show. There were definitely some Dead cover songs and lots of improvisation. It was very cool to see 2 of my favorite drummers in a small place like Higher Ground in South Burlington.

A clip of the Rhythm Devils:

Setlist link for this show: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/rhythm-devils/2006/higher-ground-music-hall-south-burlington-vt-73ce127d.html

Allman Brothers Band/August 28,2005/Essex Junction,VT

This fine ticket was a birthday gift from my parents. Thanks Mom and Dad! I turned 32 years old the day before this show.

38 Special did a respectable job as the opener. I don't recall each song,but they certainly played their two radio hits.

Then out came the Allmans. For this show,Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks traded lead guitar duties. Dickey Betts had been relieved of his lead guitar job a few years before. This was an all-around great show. The weather was beautiful,the playing was stunning, and Trey Anastasio (Phish) came out to play on "Mountain Jam". It had been a year since Phish had called it quits,so I was happy to see Trey alive and well.

Here was a first for me: After the show,I paid to get a professionally recorded 3 cd set of the show,complete with packaging! What a cool souvenir. Another great night with the Allman Brothers Band.

My copy of the show that I purchased right after the conclusion.

Setlist for this show: http://allmanbrothersband.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Calendar&file=showCalendarMonth&type=viewevent&tapers=1&eid=6463&day=28&month=08&year=2005

Phish/August 14-15,2004/Coventry,VT

In 2004,it was announced that Phish was coming to an end,and Coventry would be their last show. So I decided I had to go. Just like the Limestone 2003 trip,this was a solo journey. Somehow my trusty 1997 Honda Civic and I missed the worst part of the legendary traffic jam. And some people were told to turn around and go home due to massive rains at the concert site. It was slowly turning into a mudfest. But I made it to Coventry with minimal problems.

I tried getting into the music on the first day,but many people around me seemed too busy talking LOUDLY for me to enjoy it. It seemed everywhere I stood people were gabbing away at length or rudely bumping into me. So I chose to sit in my car and listen to the live broadcast of the show on my radio for a while.  I have few memories of Day #1.

Day #2. I have never seen so many drugs being openly (and loudly) sold at any concert before. One guy was yelling "Cocaine!" as I headed to the show. To be clear,I did overindulge at this show. Someone had even managed to sneak a nitrous tank into the concert field!  The part that sticks with me is during their final set when keyboardist Page McConnell broke down crying during "Wading in the Velvet Sea". A little later in the set,guitarist Trey Anastasio completely broke down while thanking the crowd for years of support.  Lots of people (including me) decided to stay up all night discussing The End of Phish with other fans. I may have managed to sneak in a bit of sleep before heading home,tired and dirty.

Below: My 1997 Honda Civic in the mud pit known as Coventry. Below that is a shot of the crowd at Coventry.

This is the highly emotional "Wading in the Velvet Sea" from Coventry:

August 14th setlist: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2004-08-14
August 15th setlist: http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2004-08-15

Phish/August 2,2003/Limestone,ME

Another trip to northern Maine to see one of my favorite bands. This time it was a solo journey. I stayed only for the Saturday show as I had to work Monday. Bad planning on my part.

Knowing I'd be here only one day,I planned to make the most of it. So I managed to fit in about 3 days of partying into that one Saturday. After *preparing* myself for the 1st set,I headed into the concert field. The Sun was out,and the band played a beautifully long set with lots of improvisation. But I was getting edgy and nervous due to overindulging. So I walked back to my car to mellow out a bit. This worked out perfectly as I could hear the 2nd set quite clearly from the parking lot. Feeling far better,I managed to make it back to the field for the 3rd set. Much of the fog had cleared from my brain,and the band played superbly.

Now it was time to head back to my 1997 Honda Civic and try to rest up for my long drive the next day. I drove back the next day wishing I had used a bit more common sense at the show.

Official site for LivePhish: http://www.livephish.com/

The setlist for 8-2-03:  http://phish.net/setlists/?d=2003-08-02

Phish in Limestone 8-2-03:

Gov't Mule/February 21,2003/Burlington,VT

Another show from the un-sober period. This line-up of the Mule included original members Warren Haynes (guitar) and Matt Abts (drums). Also included were Danny Louis (keyboards), Andy Hess (bass) and special guest Karl Denson (saxophone).

I recall a couple things about this show. First,it was general admission,so I managed to watch a good chunk of it from the lip of the stage. Also,the Mule chose to cover one of my favorite Zeppelin songs,"Trampled Underfoot". Aside from that,I recall some cool musical exchanges between Warren's guitar and Karl's saxophone. But,due to my condition at the time,that's all I've got.

This night's setlist link: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/govt-mule/2003/memorial-auditorium-burlington-vt-33dd6811.html

And here is a clip of the Mule in action in 2003.

Dark Star Orchestra/December 13,2002/Winooski,VT

This marks the beginnings of my un-sobriety. I had recently taken a vacation to Germany and had allowed myself to drink alcohol. After that point, things began to get shaky. That is why I have no memories of this show.

Anyhow,the Dark Star Orchestra is a Grateful Dead cover band. They are unique in that they play a specific Dead show from history,song for song. They don't make an attempt to LOOK like the members of the Grateful Dead,but they sure sound like them. I wish I had more to report about this show.

The setlist link for this show: http://dsoforums.net/starbase/dso_shows.php?operation=view&pk0=4302

Here is a clip of the band in action in 2003.

Official Dark Star Orchestra site: http://www.darkstarorchestra.net/

The Who/August 24,2002/Chicago,IL

This is a show to remember. Robert Plant opening for The Who! I had flown to Chicago for the weekend specifically to see this show with my friend Ibrahim.

Robert Plant's opening set was very good but WAY too loud. It was the type of piercing loudness that makes your ears hurt. Thankfully the volume levels were adjusted soon enough. Plant was promoting his recent album "Dreamland",but he still managed to fit in some Zeppelin tunes. I remember him coming out for the "Whole Lotta Love" encore with a bottle of Red Stripe in his hand.

As for The Who,this was my only time seeing them. Their longtime bassist John Entwistle had died about 2 months before this show,so I was just thankful that there was a concert at all. The crowd went nuts between each song. At one point Roger Daltrey noted that we (the audience) were making more noise than they were.

The setlist was 100% oldies as the band had nothing new to promote in 2002. They even repeated "Love Reign O'er Me" in its entirety because Roger flubbed some lyrics. He insisted that the band do it again so he could get the words right. And he did! Even as older men,these guys could rock Chicago's brains out. A superb night.

Official site of The Who: http://thewho.com/

The setlist link: http://www.thewholive.net/concert/index.php?GroupID=1&id=652&Jahr=2002

Here is a clip of The Who in 2002.