bring your riot gear !!

and watch out for the bogus paper !!!

Can't wait for this one. Just saw Phil at PNC Banks Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ and it was HOT!! Celebration and Night of 1000 Stars were my two favorite songs off the new album and I got to hear em both. However, I don't think that the new tunes should be used as encores. Hoping to hear Unbroken Chain, Box of Rain and/or The Weight ( I don't know if they ever did this one before but it would be great to hear). The new tunes are great, but for an encore I'd love to hear some classic Dead stuff. Thanks for the great vibes and for keeping the music alive. See ya on Saturday.

Rob, is it a pretty hardcore scene in Camden? Are the cops really inflexible? What's the security like inside . . anyone? (I've been to PNC, but never to the Tweeter). Any info is appreciated . . .

Mr. Bassgreat The venue at Camden is cool, keep your wits and avoid the po po. There will be alot of people and it is easy to blend in to the craziness. Everything you may need will be in supply and there will be 1,000,000 nitrous tanks spewing. Peace in Camden . See U tHeRe.

Word of warning about Camden. Last year at the Phil and Jorma show they checked every cigarette in my pack and found what they were looking for at the very bottom. I got pretty hassled and the security guard said that if they found anything else on me I would be in big trouble. luckily, my friend had the rest. So please be careful and don't hide anything in your cigarette pack.

was there for furthur 2 years ago and security was a nightmare. came thru the lot with horses, motorcycles and all cops in riot gear complete with shields. im partyin at the hotel and goin straight inside when i get there, security way too hot for my tastes. be careful.

last years Camden show was a bad scene for the lot...undercover cops all over the place..they'll be hunting for N2O everywhere, be very aware of that...if you drink, bring a plastic cup, cause i got busted there for drinking from an open container and has to spill out the rest of my beer...when the cops busted people for N2O last year, they almost caused a riot, no one knew what was going on. the next morning on the local news they reported that there was a riot at the WILLIE NELSON (who opened fro PLQ) concert..NO MENTION OF PHIL OR ANY OF HIS MAGICAL FRIENDS!!! it was and continues to be a funny line..
they'll search you when you walk in so be stealth about it. And they won't let you smoke anything (cigs/pipes/etc) if you have a seat in the venue...best thing if you make it in and want to smoke...go up to the lawn. it's huge and plenty of big screens to see the show...get there early too. parking is a BITCH

Yes they were writing tickets for anyone who was drinking a beer. Also, you could not leave the lot proper with as much as a bottle of water. Which is really funny considering I was at Jimmy Buffett a few weeks ago and you could pretty much do whatever you want.. walk down the middle of the street double fisting beers and carrying a cooler. But not at Phil. Also, was at Rush last night and walked right in past the security checkpoint because the person before me tried to bring in a blanket and was told they couldn't while other security people were letting blankets in. The workers argued amongst themselves over whether blankets were allowed now or not - the line i was in the person took off and she told me to wait and for the other workers to hold the line.. i waited for about 30 seconds before deciding to just walk in. horrible, horrible place.. they don't even know what their own ridiculous policies are. every person entering last year also had to take off their shoes from what i saw.. just in case you had something there.

I had ZERO problems at Camden last year
and actually enjoyed the venue.

They oversold me booze.
I like that.


Funny how all of our observations are so subjective both regarding shows and venues..it brings a good light to things and keeps everyone in the know.

Any zoners stayin at the Comfort Inn in Philly? Will gladly buy a zoner a pint of Yeungling at the bar in the lobby!

mmm, Yeungling...the only beer that can ALMOST make me forget about fat tires

uhg......you west coasters are killing me...
SOME TRADE ME A CASE OF FAT TIRES ALREADY!!!!!

Hey, maybe someone in the Zone can help me.

Does anyone know where these seats are in the Tweeter Center?

Sec 100 Row AA

The only seating charts I can find for this place have no Row AA. They could be upfront or in the parking lot. I don't know.

Peace...Mark

folks, thanks for all the helpful info regarding Tweeter Center. Sounds like a good place to be on the down-low.

F-the nitrous mafia! Dont support these fools!

And use a cup!

Mark page-- your right up front-- first row--Lucky You!!

Mark-- that could actually be first row behind the pit-- still lucky-- that would be 9th row!

text version weatherfore'caster

CRYPTICAL!!!!!!

are you heading down for this one? Email me.

Mark, you're over to the side and up close, I think you're on the left side as you face the stage. They're not bad seats, I've had them twice, but you are off at an angle close up. The sound will be loud, left stack right over your head, and you'll have security right in front of you. The good news is that they'll keep the aisle in front of you clear and the bathrooms will be 30 seconds away. In 2000 I scammed a seat in the center section about 10 rows back, it's easy to do from there and being a bit farther back and centered is an improvment sound wise and visually. I'm front row of 102, the center section that will be to your right. I look like Phil, say hi if you see me.

I've been to every Phil and OO's show at this place, plus a few others, and I've never had any sort of trouble at all. Don't go looking for trouble and you won't find it.

PHILLIES/BRAVES AT THE VET AT 1:00 PM ON SATURDAY BEFORE THE SHOW-- RASTA - YOU WANNA CATCH A FEW INNINGS AND THEN HEAD OVER THE WALT WHITMAN BRIDGE TO THE SHOW?? -- ANYONE ELSE WANT TO COME???

Nope
Just Hartford..
Saving my shekels for cheese in Wisconsin..

Anyone know the band order and possible times???? DO NOT want to miss any of this. Never saw trichromes and after Hunter at the Beacon I cant miss him either.

~BRICK~be there, dammit: I wanna see that brickly mug o' yours this summer dammit!!!

(2 dammits, I must be serious)

Anyone driving to (or past) Syrcause after this show? I need to catch a ride home, don't wanna miss the show, if I can help it . . send me an email if you can help me out. I'll gladly pay my way for gas & tolls, etc. Thanks!

shut up shut up shut up!!!!!!!!!

rastafari, what's the problem?

Pete!

smoke a bowl...do some chanting....MELLL--LOWWWWWW

hey bass...
long, long story...

alright rastafari, long as it's nothing personal . . .

last year:

Set 1: Jam> Wheel> Jam> Watchtower> He's Gone Jam> Doin' That Rag, *Uncloudy Day> *GDTRFB

Set 2: Intrada Jam> Saturn Jam> Jam> Dear Mr. Fantasy> Jam> Mason's Children> Dark Star> Days Between> Dark Star> She Said> Other One> Shakedown Street

E: Passenger
*with Willie Nelson

My guess is that Hunter trumps Trichromes, so Trichromes will be up first at 4:30 followed by Hunter at 6:00, but that's just a guess. I'm assuming Jorma trumps Hunter at Hershy, so Hunter will be first there. It'll be interesting to see how it goes.

This is only a guess, but I don't think it's as much of a "Hunter trumps Trichomes" as it is how much equipment has to be moved. So I would think that it would be Hunter in the middle. Trichromes equipment is turned over while Hunter walks around in his black vest and plays his guitar... Much easier to move Hunter's stuff ...

Camden was assigned 100 extra State Police Officers for the summer to help keep the peace, and they've been trying to make themselves useful. Typically, though, you won't be bothered unless you do something stupid. Last year, there were a couple of incidents, including one where someone threw a bottle at a cop, which resulted in some enthusiastic arrests.

every Mon. - Thurs., 3 blocks from the Tweeter Center, I (public defender's office) spend 4 hours interviewing, arraigning, etc. everyone who gets arrested in Camden County, and haggling with the prosecutor to downgrade their charges (this process begins about a week after the arrests).

So please be discrete, because I don't want to see any more dancing bear tattoos after I get back from Merriweather. I think there are only 3 people still in jail from Ozz Fest last week. hopefully, we can do better than that.

I agree, lets do better: Lets have all 300 nitrous mafia vendors in jail for 3 years after the gig. Oh, I forgot, it's Phila., so the cops are too busy fencing goods that "fell off the back of a truck". . .

Hey BassGreat, no worries, those "shut up's" were directed the "Evan" way -- Blood is thicker than water Rasta, and we're blood. Can we try to work this out??

David, since the equipment for the Hershey show is a non-issue as far as the opening acts go (they're both acoustic, Jorma uses a normal amp and everyone else is miked) we'll see if my theory holds out. I suspect that status does have something to do with who goes on first and the TriChromes are definately the low status band on this tour. If Billy wasn't in them they wouldn't even be here. Jorma has been performing a lot longer and a lot more then Hunter, so that's why my guess is Hunter goes first in Hershey. Likewise, Hunter's been around longer then the TriChromes, so at Camden and Merriweather Hunter goes second. Just a theory, but since I'd like to hang in the lot for a while I hope I'm right because I'll be seeing Hunter three times this weekend so missing a bit of his show friday wouldn't bother me much (and you can actually hear the music great from the parking lot in Hershey if you're right behind the arena so it's a moot point) and missing the TriChromes saturday and sunday wouldn't bother me at all, I've been underwhelmed by what I've heard of them, a good bar band at best.

really though, you technically have 5 hours to put on 3 different bands. It by no means is a status thing. Jorma-Hunter are good middle men cause the crew can cut out and work on stage while they are playing. it has always been this way.

I wouldn't be so sure about it not being a staus thing, and I'm not using the term in a perjorative sense. I'm not referring to ego here. I simply mean that the higher profile act usually gets higher billing. Jorma has a richer pedigree then Hunter as a performer, likewise Hunter vs. TriChromes. "Staus" might not be the best term to use, I'm just at a loss for a better one at the moment. Anyway, it's just a theory that I'll be interested to test out, certainly no big deal except I would rather have it work out that way for the reasons I stated above.

I have an extra ticket available -- back of section 102 (center section, lower level). Face value + overnight postage (negotiable). Please e-mail me privately at rmikkelsen@aol.com if you are interested.

Normaly acoustic music goes first. I say Hunter will go on first, then Trichomes, then Phil. Either way, it should be a great show like last years.

Perhaps, but Derek (electric) opened first at PNC followed by Jorma (acoustic), agreeing with my "senority gets top billing" theory. We'll see.

How much equipment had to be change after Derek's set vs. after Jorma's set?

"PHILLIES/BRAVES AT THE VET AT 1:00 PM ON SATURDAY BEFORE THE SHOW-- RASTA - YOU WANNA CATCH A FEW INNINGS AND THEN HEAD OVER THE WALT WHITMAN BRIDGE TO THE SHOW?? -- ANYONE ELSE WANT TO COME??? "


will definately be at THAT game as the lifelong Braves fan that I am. Gotta love day baseball and an evening Phil and Friends show..

Agreed Rev.-- baseball and Phil -with some goodies to help me chill - are perfect ingredients for a wonderful saturday in the Delaware Valley. If Rasta ever forgives me it will be a perfect day!!! Maybe Atlantic City late night???

just alittle word about scene at camden this year, was atr the dave matthews show on thursday july 18, they do it a little different at camden this year for everyone is is use to parking in the lot next to ballpark near ben franklin bridge is in for rude awaking, they fill all lots around tweeter center before they open that one at all so the scene was very mellow. but i did not see any booze releated problems since eveyone that i saw was using a cup.. just a little update about tweeter ctr. now phil could be different but i guess we'll see have a good and take care everyone have safe tour

>will definately be at THAT game as the lifelong Braves fan that I am. Gotta love day baseball and an evening Phil and Friends show..<

the Braves are bustin' out the old powder blue unis' this weekend..hope they play better now in them than they did in the 80's

love those powder blues -- is glen hubbard showing up too??

>is glen hubbard showing up too??<

1st base coach now

Woohooo Weekends finally here and its cheesesteaks, yeungling and plenty o'phil. After PNC I can't wait to see what he pulls out of his bag of tricks. Gonna be a scorcher.

If your lookin' for it... theres darkness to be found anywhere.... BUT, same with the love. Me, Myself and I, We're lovin' the tour so far..... Just keeps getting better and better every year and every show.

TIME FOR A ROW JIMMY!!!!!

Mr.Herring can do this justice............
Coming back to the PHILadelphia area......
Can't wait to see ya'll there. Much Love for all at Camden.


"Thats the way it's been in town.... Ever since they tore the jukebox down."

counting down the hours....

For those planning on parking at the ballpark, I think allen iverson is having a celebrity/charity baseball game at campbell field, i don't know what time, so parking there may be a problem. It will also be his first public appearance since his criminal problems, so expect media/news vans out the wazoo

last year was a very spacey show. i'm hoping to need my dancing shoes tonight. CUMBERLAND, NEW SPEEDWAY, HEY POCKEY WAY, DEAL, JACK-A-ROE, MIGHTY QUINN, BIG RAILROAD, MAMA TRIED etc. Any and all of these tunes are more than welcome to me.

show day show day...all I gotta do is pack the car. safe travels everyone, hope to see some of you guys and gals there!

how about a nice fat cryp>other one>cryp to go with my cheesesteak?!?!?!

Jorma opened, then Hunter in Hershey. I thinks Billy's band may open.
During the "organ donor rap" last night, Phil said that there was going to be "a lot of fun" in Camden.
So take that however.

Have a great time, and folks, don't miss Hunter.

Sittin here in San Diego I cannot take any more of this every night show not being there...
Does anyone have a Live Show from this run to send a lazy old man sittin on his tired old ass in the zone ? Gdad needs a fix...

I hear yaa Dad !!!!!!
It`s painful.......I guess we will have to wait til NYE.........

There better be sumthin on westcoast b4 NYE>>>>
Leg 3 has only 3 shows...I'm sure Phil will want to be "home" for a while.......Like I said..I don't like going East of Vegas, but Northbound trains are no problem...Carl and all LEFTIES...see you in Bay Area...Gdad needs PLQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

phil
set 1: * w/billy k
jam>
brown-eyed women
no more do i>
jsm(ds tease)>space>
doin' that rag
*st stephen>
*not fade away>
*st stephen....
*caseyjones
nite of 1000 stars ((what i will call 1st set encore))

set 2: whole set w/greg osby
milestones>
jam>
midnight train>
space>
leave me out of this
shakedown street> (((((HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jendee)))))
spacy jam.....
unbroken chain>
jam>
midnight hour>
spacy jam>
strawberry fields forever>
midnight hour.....
golden road

donor rap/intros
cosmic charlie

trichromes:
dice with the universe
fire on the mountain
iowa soldier
track six
>> billy k speaks to crowd <<
casey jones
simply nowhere
sugaree
gods face

hunter:
so many roads
new speedway boogie
shelter from the storm
the wind blows high
one thing to try
days between
the song remains
deal
into the blue>
promitory rider

Philly show rocked tonight:
Definitely up there on top 3 shows I have seen Phil play. The first set with Billy K. was worth the price of admission. A great Brown eyed women to open got the smiles rolling: The No More Do I, and Doin that rag were extremely instrumental and Warren did the No More Do I justice. St. Stephen into not fade away was just awesome, back into st. stephen then Casey Jones >> CLassic Dead tunes at their best: That defintely was the dose of tunes we were all looking for. Then to cap it off after Billy K. left, Warren did night of 1000 stars > Great new song with a lot of energy.
>>Second set, just jams to open, and then continued with more jamming that definitely put you out in a zone. Midnight Train was decent, but the Leave me out of this definitely more interesting. Then, all hell broke loose with an awesome Shakedown, Right on Phil, this town has heart, and this is my hometown, well not Camden, but philly ! Jamming into Unbroken Chain, love this song as we watched Phil belt this one out from the lawn and the video was projected against the side of overhang: The middle video above the tapers was better tham the small TV screens to watch: Well then Phil was ending this,and I said to myself, what about a Beatles tune, and there you have the beginning notes of Strawberry fields. Jimmy was wearing a Beatles / Abbey road shirt, you can see it on the screen. Then it was picked up with Midnight hour, my friend loved this one, then more fun with the Party, every day >> hey, hey, join the party, every day !!!! to the Golden Road: Then Phil introduced Greg Osby, who did sax the entire second set, great addition to the talent.

To encore with Cosmic Charlie, was great, love this tune, especially since I'm home visiting my mother for the past week!!!

Well this was great tonight, lawn seats were awesome here for me, great cool breeze tonight, a nice view of Center City Philly, and the Ben Franklin Bridge do the venue justice. Definitely glad I went :

Hope everyone had fun !!!!
Late!

What a sweet show! I dont know how they can top that at Merriweather. Guess we'll have to see!

could possibly be the best played second set ive ever heard...it was incredible from beginning to end..sizzling throughout they jammed soo well tonight..so tight..... milestones and the jam after that rocked...and that freaking jam in the middle of leave me out of this was INSANE!!!....
ughhh and how about jimmy and warren battling during midnight hour....this show was sick

>>Jimmy was wearing a Beatles / Abbey road shirt, you can see it on the screen

Who can post a picture of that?!?!?! Would LOVE to see it!

peace...

i was sure we were gonna get a shakedown opener, there was a lot of funky noise during the first set tuning but we got a great jam>B.E. Women instead (no complaints) the whole first set was solid (what else would you expect from Mr. Lesh?)
but the highlight was the St. Stephen>NFA>St. Stephen with Billy K sitting in. This version was a bit slower and chunkier than previous PLQ versions but good. and the NFA in the middle seems to be the drummers' favorite (since they play it every time a Dead drummer guests) This sequence had me thinking of 5/8/77 and I thought perhaps they'd take it into Morning Dew (but in hindsight I'm glad they didn't since I think vocally, Phil's version is pretty weak.) Casey Jones was good and chunky too thuogh there seemed to be a split moment of drummer confusion in the transition from St. Stephen but they got the groove going and I was surprised Billy did the accelerondo with the band. He left and then Phil coaxed the boys to do Night of 1000 Stars though Jimmy had already taken his guitar off and was ready for the break.

between sets, I met up with my fellow Wharf Rat friends and we sang a verse of Black Peter at the table arm in arm with all the clean and sober wonderful people.

second set was amazing! Thanks Greg Osby! he took some sweet solos and definitely added energy to the band. I was really in the mood for jazz tonight and I got it. Before I left for the show I listened to an old Anthony Braxton (avant garde sax player) lp. Interesting coincidence. I was jumping for joy when they played Milestones. I've been waiting for it for a long time. this was the first time they've played it since 2/18/01. I love hearing a song by my favorite trumpet player performed by my favorite bass player. It flowed right into Midnight Train which was a perfect choice to come next (though I sensed the crowd wanted an old school rocker) and Osby took some good solos. They jammed into Leave Me Out of This by playing the middle/end jam before the start of the song. This was a stellar version too and a great choice (though I'm sure some folks in the crowd were grumbling since it was new song>new song) But I think both versions were the best I've heard so far. Shakedown was good as always but it seemed a bit slow and lacked Jimmy's funky rhythm work. Osby took another good solo during this song though. I always wish they'd keep the groove going longer on this song like the Dead would but the less funky jam that followed the vocal improvs was great nonetheless.
Unbroken Chain's middle jam was hot and Osby was right on the money but Phil seemed to be stretching out the vocal lines too much (he did it during the ladyfinger section of St. Stephen too) He's been doing this a lot lately and I don't really like it. Well, a hot midnight hour split by Strawberry Fields followed with Jimmy and Warren trading insane licks. The set ending Golden Road was great too. since the straight-up, compact version I saw at the Vibes, this song seems to be fast developing into a jam tune and not just a dance party. Some soloing snd jamming took place before the final phrase and it all made me very happy. the encore was Cosmic Charlie, a solid version as usual. they play it great every time but there's not really much jam to it because of its structure. still a great cap on the music. I was hoping it would segue into Blue Sky (the loose curfew and double encores of the Vibes have spoiled me) oh well. that's it for the tour for me. now up to Boston to spend some time with the sweet Wharf Rat lady I met at the Vibes <3

for those continuing on tour, enjoy the trip down south y'all

The Camden Curse was broken. Great time ...

Nobody seems to have had much to say about Hunter, so let me -- Friday at Hershey was the best we had heard him play, until Saturday at Camden. Hard to describe how into it Hunter was. And it showed in a solid, energized performance, without even any sound problems. Finally, first for us since Electric Factory Easter '98, rolled out The Song Remains (expanded from a melody that Garcia had given him that laid around for over 20 years, until he put lyrics to it, "Our final collaboration," he's said.) In itself, worth the 112-mile trip to the brutally overpriced E-Center.

They seldom had spotlight on Billy, after he really drove the beginning of St. Stephen, with Molo watching him closely and playing amazingly compatibly.

Hard to see how Phil's first set could be better and Milestones beginning to second set was otherworldly, but to our ears the playing got pretty dense -- and occasionally cacophonic -- for the next half hour or so, until Shakedown sorted everything back out for the rest of the set. Greg Osby plays like a band member, not simply a featured guest, and sounded more effective than a couple of years ago at the nearby Tower.

Onward to Merriweather for Hunter's last gig of tour, and who knows what new tricks/guests Phil has in store.

where's the beef?

a good show, but it seemed like there should have been a little more. no doubt, it was hotter'n hell under the roof, and I can certainly empathize with the desire for short sets, but I felt like both sets could have used a little extra sumpin sumpin. especially when they didn't seem to be clicking all that much on Golden Road, and not clicking at all on Cosmic Charlie.

these are but small gripes, of course. Rob was the man tonight!

Phil has decided to stop playing first sets.

Now the band just plays two second sets.

Hmm what can go in the BIG RIVER/MAMA TRIED slot.......I know how about ST. STEPHEN>NFA>ST. STEPHEN?.....Yeeaaaaaaaah I guess that will work

Works for me.

Awesome show last night. And *most*excellent* to hang in the zone with some of you fine folks :-) I'm a grinnin' fool on this morning-after & even the sadness of seeing my last show of this stint cannot damper the love I feel in my soul right now for this band, my friends, the folks I've been meeting because of the music, Cotter - the FAMILY. This is magic and we are so blessed to be sharing in it together. How'd we get so lucky??

* ~ Onward ~ *

Camden, NJ 7/20/02

Do quick spin through the parking lot looking for something to eat. Come across a miracle seeker offering up some cdr's: Beacon '00, Alpine Valley. I got some of the Beacon already, and with out being able to hear them, it's too chancy. Find a good fajitas operation. Grilled chicken and all the fixin's...yellow and green peppers, two cheeses, a dollop of sour cream and hot sauce...tasty. A notch below the souvlaki guy you often see at the shows, but still first-rate. Also tried some french bread pizza w/pineapple from a guy who used to live in Tahoe. Not bad. Turns out there's some decent food inside, a cheesesteak and S+P stand, but we forgot that and by now we're full anyway.

Head to the seats. We're in the third row but way to the right, so we assume a spot about twelve rows back in front of Warren. Nobody comes for them the entire the night. We're right level with the stage. One of the great things about Holmdel was that the first few rows were on the same plane as the band. Here, like most places, if you're in the first 5 rows, you're craning your neck up the entire show. So we're in the perfect spot, with perfect sound. Roof really helps contain the music, unlike JB which always sounds wind-blown. No billboards, friendly security. I'm really starting to like Camden as a venue.

They come on and start a tight power jam, sounding very together. Warren switches to slide and tosses off some T.O.C. riffs...then they settle into B.E.W., Rob singing. Rob and Phil were really the stars of the show, but more about that later. Phil sings the final line, "and it looks like the old man is gettin' on." Poignant. Stop. Then they start No More Do I. Very faithful to the album - rollicking, not too fast, great leads. A nice little first set version. Jam out of it contains the first Dark Star tease of the night. Then Doin' That Rag. Well played and during the fast jam at the end, Warren starts rocking back and forth, contorting his face, playing killer leads. Lately, it seems, he's been reserving that behavior for the big solo in the end-of-set closer, so I take this "early rocking" as a good sign. He's pumped up.

Then Billy K. comes out. Hadn't seen him sit in yet with these guys. It's a little strange to see this 30-year veteran on a makeshift drum kit way in the back, but he doesn't seem to care. He's having fun. They do St. Stephen>NFA. Don't really mind it here, as opposed to the centerpiece of the second set. Been seeing it a lot. It's solid. Billy really rocks out on Fade. Rob sticks his figure in the air, Weir-style, before the 'my love is bigger than a Cadillac' line. They start to jam. Herring plays some quick flurries of triple-speed notes. This guy has some musical timing, like a machine. Warren's using the shimmering tone. They throw in a hint of the "UJB jam" that used to appear in Dark Star and China Cat/Rider during the seventies. Didn't play it all the way through, then back into St. Stephen, and into Casey Jones. Billy splits, and they do 1K Stars, but this one's quite different. That part where they slow it down and the piano comes in is much longer than usual. Rob is all over the place and going nuts. As I said, Rob really shines tonight.

During the break we take a walk up to the top of the lawn to check out the Philly skyline and the B.F. Bridge. Nice and breezy up there. Beautiful. If anyone's been to the Greek Theater, you know how if you stay low you just see the stage, but if you go to the top of the lawn you see the whole S.F. panorama. Kinda like that here. Grab a Red Hook. Beer and cocktails are flowing. Full bars everywhere. Camden's becoming one of my favorite places.

They return to the stage and who's there but Greg Osby...Thinking maybe D.S. or Birdsong but that's old school. He can contribute to anything they do. They open with a long Milestones, which to me is also very reminiscent of Van Morrison's Moondance live. Anyone who's collected any of his stuff knows what I mean. This whole second set was very exploratory. They took chances, mostly succeeding but perhaps losing the crowd (not the hardcore) at times in an effort to be improvisational. They sound just like a jazz combo in Milestones, each taking defined solos, Osby shining. Phil's clearly happy and HE'S LOUD, taking a lot of solos himself. There's a big Cosmic Charlie tease then they drop into Midnight Train. Jimmy's showing Osby what to do and it turns out it's a good song for some tasty sax fills. Big jam at the end - Warren's rocking back and forth again - and it becomes... Leave Me Out Of This. Would it be stupid to say this was a highlight of the show? Let's put it this way: you've never heard anything like the meltdown middle part. SO FAR out there. Rob pounding the keys with his elbows. Phil going animal. A short trip to the outer reaches of the universe.

Then a big ole Philly Shakedown. Crowd loves it after all the improv stuff. Pristine Warren vocals. If there's one thing in the whole Dead canon that never fails to give me goosebumps it's the middle jam of Shakedown. I'm waiting for it....what's happening?......Osby's playing it! Warren and Jimmy are playing rhythm, grinning, as Osby nails it. My hairs did stand up. Unbroken was next and it was nicely-played before they went into the big jam. Great Osby sax solo here. They noodled around a bit before launching into another crowd pleaser, Midnight Hour. There was a moment when Warren and Jimmy started to do little harmonic dual leads, it got kinda quiet and slow, when Molo said "the hell with this!" and just kicked it up 10 notches or so. Then Strawberry Fields. I'd been dying to hear it. To be honest, it's not quite what I expected. It's arranged a little differently. Still a huge treat. I'd say Lucy and TNK work a little better, and haven't seen Walrus, but as sandwich fillings go, not bad. The $12/lb. rare roast beef is still Low Spark.

Heavy jam out of it. We thought the second half of Midnight Hour would surely close, but nope, here comes Golden Road. All the great ones end with it, so they just had to. Not a knock-off version either. Very stretched out with Osby featured prominently. The long-awaited Cosmic Charlie was the encore.

Yet another epic show. Where does it fit in? Let's say the state of New Jersey was especially blessed on this tour.

Popped in 12/10/91, with Branford , for the ride home. After listening to all this P&F the last few months, it was nice to hear some Dead. And the Dead don't get any better than that.

Back to Camden for another round. Boy has this city made improvement (albeit very slow) over the last 5 or 6 years. Looks like city officials decided they are better off just paving everything over to make way for parking lots on the developing and expanding waterfront. Who can blame them, certainly better than burnt out buildings. That being said, thought a Shakedown opener would be appropriate, but Phil decided to save that for mid second set just as the boyz had last year. More on that later. 1st set opened with a jam that had Warren throwing in a couple of Tears of a Clown riffs for good measure. Segue into a nice Brown Eyed Women. Not a huge platform for jamming, but very danceable and got the crowd on its feet. Next came No More Do I. One of my favorites on the new album. First time seeing this one live and it didn't disappoint. Good little jam in the middle and solid lyrics. Then came what I labled as a "spacey jam." Hints of twilight zone/close encounters that morphed into a bit of an arabian theme. Doin that Rag followed and it became clear that Rob would be on display tonight. Again, not a huge tune to jam - well done nevertheless. Knew Billy K. would make an appearance and boy did he ever. 1st set St. Stephen>NFA>St. Stephen. HUGE. The power of two drummers made this the highlight of the 1st set and that power carried thru the rest of the set. Someone mentioned Barton Hall above and this may be PLQ, but it was reminiscent of that well known show. Casey Jones next with the now familiar building climax to finish the tune. Lots of energy here. Phil thanked Kreutzmann and then Phil visibly held his finger up to the rest of the band and motioned for one more. 1000 Stars was its normal upbeat self and a good way to close out an energized set.

Set II:

We were on the lawn for this one and even from this vantage point an unknown saxophonist was visible on stage. The screens would reveal it to be Greg Osby. Nothing like PLQ with a horn. Pretty sure a jazzy set would follow. The philzone setlist has Milestones to open the set. Miles Davis stew seems closer to what followed. Rob did a short Seven Steps From Heaven tuning. Eventually So What emerged. Most developed I've heard PLQ do this one. Real nice jamming throughout and it really gave Osby a chance to stretch out. This heavy improvosation was the highlight of the 2nd set for me. Real exploratory stuff. The Midnight Train that followed was a bit of a non sequiter after what preceded it. Nothing spectacular, but it turned out to be an okay fit. Another new one in Leave Me Out of This next. 1st time live for me and I was pleasantly surprised. Danceable and upbeat. Then came Shakedown. Probably as fitting as you can get for Camden. Everyone sitting at this point was immediately back on their feet. Both Jimmy and Warren had nice solos during this one. As soon as Candace bathed the stage in deep purple Unbroken Chain became a good bet. Phil's vocal improvement was evident here. Warren absolutely tore up a jam leading out of this one. A quick paced Allmanesque jam. I told my wife that they would probably encore with Midnight Hour. Obviously had the placement wrong. Warren's strongest performance of the night. They played a couple of verses only to seemingly cut it short. Guess PLQ decided on a Midnight Hour sandwich, but more of a finger sandwich. The Beatles slot was filled by Strawberry Fields, time to showcase Rob again. A little bit fluffy and no room for exploration, but I liked this version. Back into Midnight Hour to finish the last verse. Golden Road to close the set just as at PNC. Didn't quite have the kick of the PNC version. Still had everyone on their feet barefootin. I was surprised with the song selection given Osby's presence and that he wasn't more prominently featured other than in the opening number. He definitely added an extra layer and flavor and perhaps thats all Phil wanted or that was needed. Always love a Cosmic Charlie encore. Very fitting and nice way to cap off the show. Overall this was a very danceable show. Nice contrast to last years more spacey Saturn Jam>Fantasy and Dark Star. Didn't quite have the energy of the PNC show nor the platforms for a lot of intense jamming. The energy thing could also be a product of having reserved seating for PNC and lawn for Camden. Whatever, lots of fun anyway. Good to have them mix it up a bit with a more song oriented show.

Karl Denson played a couple songs w/ PLQ here in San Diego...SET 1*Hard To Handle, SET 2*Eyes of the World> *King Solomons Marbles> *Stronger Than Dirt,
*Karl Denson on Saxophone, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe Opened....

Denson has wind...went way into Allahland..Jimmy was standing next to Karl and looking over like "jeez..This guys an animal"..

..Did Osby blow that strong..????

Osby blows strong, but he prefers to blow his strongest when everybody else is blowing simultaneously (kind of the way Ornette Coleman did). Osby is definitely a team player. This was the 3rd or 4th time I've seen him sit in with Phil or the Mule, and he always satisfies, but never mesmerizes.

This show really hit home for me!!! This wasn't another Phil show by all means!!!!! This show was borderline RAPTURE!!!! Last nights show placed me in the moment then further!! I haven't felt that way in a real long time!!! With Billy sitting in, the jams,the memories and what is to come had caused me to weep more times then I should admit. Transformation is possible!!!! It felt like church last night which can explain why I'm so flushed today. Sorry for this wasn't really a review but if anybody else was moved last night I would sure love to hear about it!!! THANK YOU Phil and friends,Billy,Robert,Bobby and mick!!!!

.View From Vault II has a song where Vince is doing Sax on keys...Not too shabby..I'll look at and get back w/ song....
Set 2 last night looks more like a horn would be a layer of jamcake...rather then Denson solo thing here...
Man i wish I had shows to listen to....

Leda, right back at you from me and the girls...

>Osby blows strong, but he prefers to blow his strongest when everybody else is blowing simultaneously (kind of the way Ornette Coleman did)

And speaking of Ornette, there was a serious jam off the Dancing In Your Head riff that Warren's been throwing around recently in the middle of the Milestones. Of course that could just have been my head dancing.

Anyone catch the multiple acts of police brutality after the show last night in Lot 3? It was terrible. One man was beaten by several cops for having a balloon in his hands. Another one got night sticked for holding a beer. I have never seen anything more brutal than this. It was such a wonderful night up until this point. It seemed like they waited til the lot started emptying out so they could pick a fight without too many witnesses. I will forever have my video camera with me.

DO U HAVE THE INCIDENTS ON TAPE ??....If so...save in safe place..make back up...No one should get beat on if other option exists.....

I don't, but I believe someone may have. The only thing we could do was stand there and watch. Anybody watching Dateline right now? Apparently anyone who wears a uniform in Camden is corrupt. The priests in Camden enjoy massive sex orgies with altar boys. They swapped these kids with other priests like they were merely sexual toys. Camden should be burned at the stake.

Did anyone else here see this brutality ??

Saw no brutality, but post-show, Lot 3 was a zoo. I walked my 11 year old out of there and he was treated to the sight of gas hogs face down in the gravel, but, of course, never letting go of their balloons. I hate to say that some folks just bring shit upon themselves, but... We found the local cops nothing but helpful and doing all they could to look the other way.

anyone have hunters set?

Great time last night!! Love the view of the sun setting over beautiful Phil-ly from the side of the hill -- an underrated feature of this venue no doubt. Loved the first set - especially when Phil pulled the boys back for just one more and blazed the 1000 stars. "Leave me out of this" had some crazy shit goin' on there- it scared a few people around me!! Nice Midnight Hour and Golden rd. to end. We were kinda hoping for a Soulshine to compliment the Cosmic Charlie - but we all left a-smilin' anyway! See ya in West Palm....

>"Phil pulled the boys back for just one more and blazed the 1000 stars. "Leave me out of this" had some crazy shit goin' on there- it scared a few people around me!!""
Scared is good ....
I gave away my T&ba cd,....Missssstake....

I was in the Shakedown Street lot after the show and these cops just started beating on people. One of tehm said "I've had enough of this shit!" and started attacking. The amazing thing is that ina city that is over 90% Black is saw only one Black cop in the lot. he just stood to the side and looked very uncomfortable while his fellow officers were going beserk.

You shuolda seen Chicago 1968 Dem. conv....Me trippin first day of rumbel tween cops and whoever stood in front of them...I was 18 trippin big time..there to see music ( which didn't happen xcept MC 5..) then cops pounced..He had his club right over my head ready to wompp..I looked him in eyes..He saw the Light Shine Down..now if I was on harsh chemicals..my head be hurtin from his billy club...
What about that dude from San Diego killed by lightening in Vegas parking lot after Sting on Friday...Man...The sky went beserk..Dead played when weather calmed down...Wonders of nature far exceeded mans attempts...The good lord willin...by Grace we are saved...

Estimated prophet>>Dark star>>>drums>>space>>Stella Blue>>Lovelight..Horns, bells, birds...moon..earth...Sky..darkness..light

View From the Vault II has a song where Vince is doing Sax on keys...Not too shabby..I'll look at and get back w/ song....

It's probably Estimated... On Sunday I was listening to 4/1/94 Omni and Vince was playing Sax keys on Estimated...

Monday morning back to reality, but still nothing left to do but smile smile smile. Was wondering what Phil would pull out of his hat to top the PNC show and man oh man did he ever pull out a doozy. I was suprised at how mellow the scene was with the cops after all the bullshit at the Other One's show 2 yrs ago. Only hung outside for an hour so I could be in for Hunter's set. (Anyone have the setlist??) Inside security was relaxed and a good time was had by all. 1st set billy 2nd set Osby and it was STELLAR. Think the trick to Camden is limit the lot time and the venue really does rock. Dont give the cops an inch or they will get you. I've found if ya stay in Philly (Comfort Inn my fave) and take the ferry to the show you eliminate all the BS. Plus nuthing beats the misting fan by the restrooms! ;)

Hey, I saw a setlist for the trichromes that listed "Billy K speaks to the crowd" about 2/3 of the way through their set. What did he say?

I was only able to catch a few shows this summer (Vibes, Scranton, Hershey, and Camden). Camden was a nice bookend to the run. I had a great seat! So close I could see Warren pull one of his hairs out of his strings during midnight hour (Section 101, Row K, Seat 1). Close without the neck strain.

More Observations & Impressions, than a Review…

The lot pre and post show: It kills me to say this as a former vendor in the late 80’s early 90’s, but I try to avoid spending much time in the lot these days. I truly miss the fellowship with like-minded enthusiast, but I find myself becoming more and more disappointed with what I am seeing. As I was walked to my truck after the show the amount of trash, glass, etc. was overwhelming. Then in lot 3 a guy comes blatantly walking through the lot with a 50-pound N2O tank on his shoulder. I don’t what to rant here. There are other places for it…

1st Set Highlight: Seeing Phil enthusiastically herding the cats back to play one more song! He was like a little kid and a parent at the same time! Come on 1 more… Go pick up your guitar Jimmy! Hey John where are you going? Warren come back over here … I did not care what they played I thought it was so much fun seeing his energy.

2nd Set Highlights:

Greg Osby: I thoroughly enjoyed Osby, his style is one that complements without being overbearing or intrusive. He knows when to assert himself and when to layout and I noticed him doing both on Saturday.

LMOT: The tension that was created during the Jam in “Leave Me Out of This” was incredible. I audibly sensed a giant spring being wound tighter and tighter and tighter, I started to wonder will it ultimately shatter into a million pieces or can the tension be released without much damage. I expected to hear a thunderous crack before it shattered, but instead the tension was release just in the nick of time and the giant spring warbles, and wobbles back into place, certainly never to be the same again.

Observation: Many of the people in my section were expecting a GD show, a number unfamiliar with the new songs and the re-interpretation of the old ones. For example NFA trying to start the clap/chant near the end of NFA. Some were lost and resigned to their seats during Milestones>JAM and LMOT jam, but I’m sure they will be back for more…

Overall: Great fun with some nice surprises. If Phil ever says were going to have fun at tomorrow night’s show, you can take his word for it. Do your best to make it there...

Billy Speaks to the Crowd: (I’m paraphrasing): This is the first time we have played for a crowd/venue this size, wow. I would like to thank Phil for having us. I think he mentioned the new songs by Hunter?

Camden blew me out so bad I couldn't remember ANYTHING except Milestones the next day! Plus how about that old battlewagon parked there for a study in contrast?

Could have been worse Chris....I was so blown away I thought it was So What

Police Brutality....

Why do some people feel its not against the law to do illegal drugs at shows? Dont get me wrong, i smoke drink and party with the best of them! But i sure as hell dont do it infront of a cop because......ITS ILLEGAL DUMBASS!!!!!!

How many tanks would you guess were going off in camden after that show? Man i hate griping about this shit but its never going to get better with the police in camden. Its so bad im thinking about totally boycotting all those shows. Ive already scratched off that god damn forsaken electric factory (never in a million years will go back), camden is coming in a good second. F--- PHILADELPHIA!

To throw some more soup on the burner, I happened to talk to a few police officers that were cleaning the lot out after the show. And you know what, they were pretty damn cool. One even called me "boss" and gave me excellent directions to a cheap hotel. But judging from a few kids getting thrown around by them, maybe the cool thing would have been to call them PIGS and turn baseball cap sideways.

Camden was a great show. The shit that happened after the show that i saw was mostly do to utter and oblivious STUPITY and IGNORANCE!

Which brings me to my final point,
if you have a home town venue you like, dont let nitrous dealers take it from you.

Another barn buring steller performance. Yes, LMOOT was the highlight (among many), a jam for the ages with that special Osby touch added for good measure. I thought Strawberry Fields was perfect, even better then 4/23/01, and the Milesones was so far over the top, you might as well have been sitting in the Village Vanguard. Camden is a dump of a venue, but the shows always smoke.

Hear Hear, Greg. As I posted earlier, Lot 3, the Shakedown lot, was an absolute zoo post-show. The one cool thing to come out of it for me, though, is the fact that my 11 year old was laughing his ass at the gas hogs and asking me why anyone would want to be rolling around in the dirt sucking on a balloon. I get the feeling that said activity does not lie in his future.

I agree that Lot 3 was very nasty due to the nitrous tanks post show. However, I sat there for an hour and a half observing and the cops could have easily busted the tank at the get go. There were dozens of cops within a block of it all. There were balloons everywhere and they weren't doin shit about it. Then, when the lot started emptying out is when they began their hunt. About a dozen of them came into the lot at once with their night-sticks twirling with looks in their faces like they wanted a fight. I watched in horror as about 8 cops began beating the living shit out of a guy who had the only full balloon left in the parking lot. I've never seen a more vicious beating than the one inflicted upon this man in my life, and it was being done by the cops. Technically, the guy hadn't done a single unlawful act. The cops can only bust the tanks, they can't legally do shit about a balloon. Another guy was walking away from this with a bottle of beer in his hand. Instead of writing him a ticket, some dirty cop hit him in the back of his knee with a night stick.
I despise nitrous as much as the next guy and I think walking around with a beer bottle is asking for trouble. However, neither offense gives cops the right to put their fucking hands on one of my people.

HEY KEY!!!!!

TOLD YOU WE SHOULD HAVE WENT TO THIS SHOW!!

WE WOULD HAVE LEFT AFTER THE 1ST SET

i think the security inside was just as bad i saw at least four peapol get thrown around by security and all they did was be in the wrong place at the wrong time

In the closest lot (we got there fairly early), next to the VIP lot, the cop action after the show began harsh and heavy almost immediately upon returning to our vehicle. I almost missed hooking up with my place to stay for the night. They forced everyone into their vehicle, made them start the engine, then drive into a not-moving line of idling vehicles, while wielding GIANT nightsticks (they were not set to "twirl" as in the Simpsons) menacingly in the face of anyone who even dared to look at them. There were 2 or 3 groups of 10 each. This was very, very harsh and brutal. No one had even cracked a beer yet. There were no tanks in this lot. Why were they harassing the mostly older, mellower people in the "early" lot while the nitrous mafia cashed in elsewhere? And this was for $15 ($10 last year) to park on top of already higher tix price! And no public transportation to this venue (although it looks like they are building some sort of streetcar system there, which would make sense). Inside you could not sit down or you were accosted and MADE to sit in your EXACT seat. Their attitude really sucked too - ever hear of customer service (or paying more than minimum wage)? I could not even hang with friends 3 rows away. This place sucked big time this year. Yes, Camden and Phila are the most corrupt places in the country. I grew up there, saw it firsthand. Another Simpsons quote: "sure, sure, he's a little boy now, but when he grows up, he'll be stealing quarries, and stadiums . . ."

As for the show, (and the other shows), all I can say is, just like Jebediah Springfield, they were "great, just great" . . .

Or as Selma says "I had a pretty good time . . ." Actually this show was pretty damned good - Osby added quite a bit. Does anyone know what Rob is playing when he has his back turned? It doesn't sound different. He is using a lot of MIDI sounds on his front setup, though.

First of all I think this was one of the best Phil shows I've seen so far, the band played great and I had a good time. One thing that bothers me however is the shit that some of the people on this board talk about Philadelphia and Camden. I've lived in the city of Philadelphia all of my life and I absolutely love it here. I've seen shows all over this country and even caught a few Phish shows in Europe and I can tell you from my experiences that shows in the Philly area are not much different than they are anywhere else. I've seen parking lot riots and police brutality at shows in other cities; I've seen N2O tanks and blatant drug abuse everywhere as well. So stop your Philly bashing and stay the hell at home if you don't like it here...don't post crap like F---- PHILADELPHIA, or say that it's the most corrupt place in the country because it's not, some of us live here and we're just as cool and kind as everyone else...sorry we don't fit your standards, just remember not to trash an entire metropolitan area due to the actions of a few or because you had a bad experience here once. I for one love where I live and take exception to the comments of the few ignorant people on this board who think they are better than everyone else. PHILADELPHIA...THE PLACE THAT LOVES YOU BACK!!!!!

Yea, there's no corruption in those bastions of honesty like Chicago, New York, Pittsburgh, or LA. A city is a city, and city cops are city cops. How come I can go to shows for almost 30 years now, do whatever I please, and not get busted or even hassled ever? It's like Hunter S. Thompson says, "It's amazing how much you can get away with as long as you don't go looking for trouble." You want to avoid the post show hassles? Get out during the encore. If it hasn't been a great show by then one song isn't going to change anything, and if it was a great show one song isn't going to make much difference. Go to the back of the venue for the encore and split immediately if it's a song you don't care for, it makes all the difference in the world. By that time of night the cops are in no mood to put up with anything and the best thing you can do is get out of their way. A ticket to a show doesn't give you the right to party in their parking lot all night long, and if they don't want you there you're just asking for trouble by sticking around. Go somewhere and decompress in a friendly, safe environment instead of putting yourself, and others, at risk by hanging out.

billy, you got it all wrong. its not the people or the kind heads that i was bashing. Where you got that, one can only imagine. Maybe thats what YOU want to hear.

Well look pal, you aint getting it from me. Philly people are A ok cool in my book. It the city thats corrupt. There is really no place for phil to play near or around philly that will be any different. BECAUSE....(now listen close billy boy and dont screw this one up).....

PHILADELPHIA has a HUGE nitrous oxide problem...
When you have a horrible problem like this, its usually dealt with and often CAPITILIZED on with increased police force to subdue it. With increased police force you run into all sorts of problems. Paid off cops, arrests, beatings, croked f-n zebras and yes, EVEN brutality!!!

When i said F-Philadelphia, any lump sum idiot can re-read my post and figure out i wasnt refering to you poor heads that are stuck living there. I feel for you guys, cause the only thing i forsee with your future is you having to travel to see a show CAUSE THE NITROUS PROBLEM OWNS YOUR SCENE!!!!!

That problem is in the lot. If you don't give a rats ass about hanging in the lot, it's someone elses problem. I go to see the band, and it's easy to avoid the pervasive ugliness (which is made up of a lot more then just the nitrous scene) by just getting there and going in. Anyone who would not attend a Phil show because they don't like the lot scene, which it totally secondary, is going to miss a good show for a bad reason.

nope,
I guess that 15 dollar parking charge set me off on the wrong foot. GREAT SHOW INDEED!

Thank god I blew Camden off. The cops are told what to do, which I'm not saying relieves them of exercising any judgment, but it really is not all about them. They are merely blunt instruments.

And, just an interesting observation, prior to GOTV, I was reading the Terrapin mesg. boards and there were a few confused freaks who were fantasizing about getting beatings from bikers. (as far as I saw, this never materialized.) It seemed clear to me that there are a minority (god, I hope it is a minority) of folks on the Phil tour who are just looking for a beating from someone. Either through having a martyr attitude or through stupid behavior, etc. Just some food for thought.

"Thank god I blew Camden off."
-really though paul, it was a great show. Camden and philly parking lots are f-d up. Imagine a show in the middle of Newark. enough said!

I'll take a little NYC club over any of these mega-venues any day. Tribeca Blues, for example. We haven't been there since RRE.

Well, just my $.02 worth on Camden. I was stoked for this show after coming all the way and then missing Hershey. :-(

A long story, best left untold...

Came up from Wilmington, where I was staying for the weekend and drove right up and into the lot. I parked on the street last year and sort of wished I had again this year, but after the Milwaukee incident I wasn't about to take any chances.

Walked over to the New York pizza place I found last year a couple of blocks from the venue and it was still in business and still so good! Ate a couple of slices and got a couple for after the show.

Kind of an average Shakedown, which I walked through on the way back to the car. Needed to find a ticket, but wasn't in too big a hurry, hoping to find someone with an extra MO, but ended up scoring a lwan, just to get in.

Ran into Baligirl coming from my car and then Dew and a few others outside.

Ran into JMoore, TaperRob, Psychcircus and a few others inside. Great to meet you all.

The Rev. Greene groundscored me a 4th row ticket, which I put to use; finding myself a nice Aisle seat in the lower level which I danced in for both sets. ;-)

Kelly, drop me a line with your address and I'll send Arcadia a new glowstick, since we didn't hook up at Jerryweather.

Pre-show scene was low-key, but no obvious problems. Post-show scene, was exactly the opposite and if you couldn't tell in the first few minutes, you just weren't paying attention.

It was fairly obvious to me that the cops were still feeling last year's riot and were more than ready for it again and in anticipation, were trying to get everyone out of the lots quickly.

I saw more than a few idiots trying to talk back or at least argue about leaving and only digging themselves into deeper hole as a result.

Out of the lot and back to Wilmington, no problems. I like this venue, and have heard two solid shows here the past two years. No complaints.

Yeah, what was up with the $15 parking? I told the chick I only had $5, could you let me in anyway? She said no. So I said, well, I have to pull up to turn around. Then I parked. F-- them. $15 my ass.

Killer show. Easily one of my favorites from this summer.

If you're glad you blew this show off then you're glad that you missed a very rare opportunity to see a world class sax player make magic with this band. Phil ain't gonna be playing TriBeca Blues. And there was $10 parking right next to the VIP lot where the Shakedown scene was happening. Look before you leap, as soon as we saw the $15 charge we just drove around the block and found the other cheaper lot that was just as close, if not closer, then the $15 one.

Tom, are you really trying to inform me or are you being facetious? You don't think I know Phil won't be playing Tribeca Blues? Please.

And I'm sure the show was great, but I like the idea of avoiding a bad security/cop scene. I think you know that was my point.

What is it with people named Tom?

First of all greg I don't need or want your sympathy for living in Philadelphia, I happen to love where I live and I'm damn proud of it. Second of all I guess Philadelphia and Camden are the only places where you can get nitrous after the show right? Shit man the most nitrous I EVER saw at a show was at RFK stadium a few years ago, not to mention the fact that I've seen people selling balloons at many of the venues I've been to in my life. I honestly think you just don't like my city, and hey man that's fine, don't come back here, no one here is jonesin to see your smiling face posing for a picture in front of the Liberty Bell. Also I do not appreciate, and don't screw this up greggie boy, you inferring that I'm a lump sum idiot and your talking down to me. Yes Philadelphia does have a N2O problem, other cities do as well, and again I'll reiterate that if it bothers you that much then don't come here, boycott shows here until we can live up to your high standards.

Hey Zoners. This is my first post, so go easy on me. I went to both Camden & Merriweather and here's my take on the scene.
Camden - The pre-show scene in the lot was very cool. No problems. Security inside was also very reasonable. I had a lawn seat, but I was able to use last year's ticket stub to go anywhere. Post-show - run for the hills. I'm not going to mess with that scene. Philly is cool as long as you are too.
Merriweather - The pre-show lot was tough, but you could do whatever as long as you were smart and discrete. Security inside was also tough if you had a seat, so we would take 'breaks' in the lawn. Post-show - again, run for the hills.

Both shows were great! Phil had me dancing so hard my body is sore. I must have sweated out 10 lbs. I would visit both venues again and again. Can't wait for fall tour!

Peace

Right Paul, you're point was obvious, so was mine, so why the nasty tone? What is it about people named Tom? I don't know, we just seem to be able to go anywhere and enjoy a show without looking for hassles and always have a good time. You mentioned Tribeca Blues, my point is that if you want to see Phil that is not an option. You want to see Phil, you go where Phil is playing, simple as that. You want to start doing things that involve risky behavior with police around, don't be surprised if they hassle you, it's your choice. I was there for 2 hours before I went in and didn't see one nasty incident. In fact, it appeard to me that the cops were making a point of staying out of the Shakedown area, there was plenty of in the open illegal activity going on there that they could have come down on easily if that's what they wanted to do. This notion that the cops are just looking for heads to bash is BS, you stay out of their way and they won't bother you. It's easy to avoid that stuff by using an incredibly small amount of common sense, which I see less and less of around this scene as the years pass by.

well bill, if you still think i have a problem with philadelphia keep hitting that wall man. I have a problem with nitrous oxide mafia's. Them, and the band phish, which i assume your familiar with, closed by home town venue waterloo. I have no problems with philadelphia...i cant believe i just said that....WHY WOULD I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH PHILADELPHIA? Bill, quit saying i have a problem with philadelphia, your making me repeat myself...or i swear ill call you an idiot again.

yeah man,
I had a great show. Ate a lame burrito, which sent me to the shitter during casey jones but other then that REALLY enjoyed it!!!

Im taking a new 2002 approach to scene cleaning these days----FUCK 'EM!

And im still holding my ground saying the "E" factory was the worst place i have ever seen phil play. not because its in philly, are you out of your mind, THE CHEESE STEAKS and mullet muffins RULE! Because , well, you can answer that..

Tom, I know to avoid the bad scenes with the cops very well. It's been years since I've gotten myself involved in any of the scenes described on this thread.

The point of my tone (glad you picked it up!) in my response to you is that I was obviously responding to the parking lot/cop/security comments, and was obviously not saying anything about the show itself. And you pretty much know that. So I just wonder why you'd bother to make the point?

Anyway, don't get your knickers in a twist, I love a good Phil show as much as the next guy (or gal), and I don't really have a problem with guys named Tom. Well, not a BIG problem, anyway...

Greg....now all you're trying to do is push my buttons, saying that you have a problem with Phish which you can tell I'm a fan of due to my username, and Waterloo isn't closed I saw Summer Sessions there a couple of summers ago and that was years after Phish played there. Anyway I don't make a point of insulting people online, or in general for that matter so I'd appreciate it if you didn't as well, calling me an idiot does not prove a thing man, it actually makes you look bad. And Greg, let me ask you a question...have you ever used illegal drugs?

Bill,
great conversation here...

"I'm a fan of due to my username"
-why no profile though?
"Waterloo isn't closed I saw Summer Sessions there a couple of summers ago "
-ok. tent or field? and what are the summer sessions? I know for a fact after that BIG show there a couple of years ago there were numerous nitrous arrrests, 2 kids died and the entire county filed a suit for practically closing Rt.80. Waterloo management, which was own and operated by some guy in france, went belly up. Is there someone new having shows there now? Are the Allman Brother playing there again? I grew up 5 minutes from waterloo in Hackettstown. First show there was Little Feat my freshman year in highschool.

Drugs? i know nothing!

I GREW UP in Phila (Wissinoming, Fox Chase, Abington) until I was 17. I still root for Phila teams (and I have lived 18 years on the Red Sox/Yankees territory border - zzzzzzzzz - couldn't care less . . .). I still have a sentimental touch to where I grew up, as anyone would. Having said all that, and having only average observational skills while growing up there working-class, I will say, once again, PHILA IS THE MOST CORRUPT PLACE IN THE COUNTRY (I will not say world, as there is Mexico and Kazakstan after all). Does anyone remember the chief of police, and later mayor, Frank Rizzo? He was notorious for busting hippie heads, closed down the original Electric Factory, fire-bombed his own constituents to root out MOVE (one of the largest collections of rare jazz '78's in the world was lost in that blaze). I can recall first hand some of the corruption related to his reign. One friend's father was a city cop. They ran the numbers rackets, kicked the crap out of minorities/hippies at will, got shit-faced drunk on the job, shook down dealers & sold the drugs, etc. I also learned what it took to do business in the small building trade, and to run a small business. Bribes. Bribes for permits, protection, health certificates, you name it. This was true for large-scale projects too (another friend's family ran a large construction company). My cousin got arrested on a trumped up DUI charge - just as in the Dylan song Stuck Inside of Mobile, he got shit faced drunk at a politician's wedding and fell asleep in a truck (up on blocks with no engine). Unfortunately, he was Irish and from a Democrat family. Funny how having Italian Republican relatives did wonders to relieve him of his troubles. Did this happen no where else? Of course not, or the Sopranos wouldn't be set in NJ. In any case, hope those new stadiums, which I'm sure have made a shitload of money for some "contractor", breathes some life into the Phillies someday (well, the Eagles were pretty decent last year).

Oh, as far as avoiding the scene, the cops were on us IMMEDIATELY upon returning to our vehicles. The only way this could be avoided, as someone said above, was to leave during the encore. These cops were on a warpath. I don't think the "official" briefing told them to seek revenge for last year. I saw people get shoved and roughed up just for not walking fast enough or looking them in the eye. Anyone that actually gave them the least lip got pummelled and arrested. I had never felt so intimidated in all my life, and I used to do protests in the Reagan era, and done GD tour since the '70's. I certainly can live without the "lot scene", but people do need a reasonable amount of time to meet up with rides, relax, etc. Do they really want so many people on the road so soon after leaving a show? The times I have had to leave shows during the encore to beat traffic to make work the next day are really hairy, and I am scared of my own driving skills, even if, ahem, I am, ahem, fairly "sober". As for the parking, we tried to back out when confronted with the $15 tab but it was not possible. I am suprised other lots were $10, as they were all run by the same official organization. I like Paul A's idea - will try that next time!

I don't consider myself a negative person so I'm done giving into your negativism Greg, say what you'd like call me names I don't care I'm done.

Sideshow Bob I grew up in Summerdale and now live in Rhawnhurst so basically I'm from where you're from. By the way Wilson Goode was mayor of Philadelphia in 1985 when the MOVE house was firebombed, granted Rizzo was terrible, he never bombed anyone. Oh and besides that rare collection of jazz 78's that were burned in that fire, 11 people died as well.

Bob, next time we hang out ill swap joisey corruption stories with you. I have enough that will make your ears burn.


hey bill,
im really not that negative. i think me and you hit it off on the wrong foot. Listen, if it still bothers you please email me so we can work it out.

Philly rules.


Phish sucks.

I hung out in the shakedown lot from 2pm till Phil went on stage, drinking and what not, openly, and I did not see any problems with cops or stadium security. not one. after the show we left for the speedline quickly -- which was obviously what the cops wanted -- so i can't speak to any problems after the show. But if someone is hanging around when most everyone else has left, and no less with a beer or balloon in hand, that person is asking to be busted (busted not beaten).
I was born and raised in Philly, and based upon my experiences and what I know from friends from other towns, Philly is obviously corrupt but so is every big city...consensus from those I've talked to is that Providence, RI, is the most corrupt. As to Sideshow who claims Philly is the most corrupt, I don't mean to insult you but I think that every person who grows up in a big city probably has the same experiences with corruption...it is just more outrageous when you experience it firsthand. And by the way, the Tweeter show was in Camden, NJ, and if anyone told me that they believe Philadelphia is as corrupt as Camden, I would tell them to lay off the sherm.

by the way, to get out of the lot and back into the show I'd like to mention that in my show review posted above I incorrectly metioned that they opened the second set with the first Milestones since 2/18/01. I later rechecked the recent setlists and saw that it was actually played the week before, 7/13/02 at great woods. Oh well, I strive for accuracy in my reviews. it was stil great to hear and even more fun for me since I didn't know it was back in rotation...

by the way. If you think being a Deadhead in the Philadelphia area is tough with all the police coruption, trying being a human rights or anti-death penalty activist...

heres an idea-
next year, bring video equipment.

remember rodney king?

remember rodney king?
-oh yeah, first thing I think of when phil comes to mind.

Hey, Greg - I'm up for some tall tales of miscreant shenanigans anytime! If Phil's @ the beacon, it's the Hoboken shuffle for me! Actually, you owe pecan pancakes from the vibes (or did I snooze thru breakfast on Sat?). As for video cameras, that is what sparked last year's riot from what I heard, and it happened at like 1 or 2 am. Man, I didn't know about the ferry to Phila - next year that's the way I'm going - that would be pretty cool after a show! Hoagies Rule!

i was parked in the first lot that opened at Camden (the dirt lot). the scene there was pretty mellow with brothers and sisters watching out for one another. i didn't notice any harassment from the cops where i was. we all need to remember that the key to a good time in the pre-show environment is to be low-key. it seems we've always had to deal with harsher treatment from the authorities than other concert-goers and, knowing that, i go with the attitude that the cops will be there to do their job which is to enforce the law. we may not agree with every law so if we choose to break them, we should do so with discretion.

"you owe pecan pancakes from the vibes "
-correct!

"or did I snooze thru breakfast on Sat"
-correct again! i knocked on your window and everything.

"it's the Hoboken shuffle for me!"
-you've got a friend in bloomfield. See you sooner then later.

fanatastic show whether you like the venue or not. i partied three hours before the show with zero problems. took the ferry back to philly after the show, again, no cops. i've been going to shows in philly area for fifteen years and with the exception of last year's incident in cambden (which i did not witneess) it has always been cool. i witnessed many cop/head confrontations at shows up and down the east coast and the mid-west over the years and the bad vibes are usually mutual. deer creek in '95 was poor behavior on the part of some of us. i was distracted during the show by kids pouring through the fence they just destroyed. this was not cool and definitely contributes to the cops view of the scene. on the other hand, most of the cops i have had interactions with have been nazi assholes. we need to keep the scene cool and be discreet. breaking the law boldly in a cops face is asking for trouble. they are not out to bust everyone. the scene will continue as long as the music does. we have at least 50% say on how the interaction goes down with the cops and we can still party down and enjoy the experience.