can't wait. the 1st three shows have been great. hoping for branford.

its tough b/c its like after those 3 shows, the bar has been set as high as can be.

Branford, Dylan, or any sax player for that matter, would be top notch!

how can they possibly top the preceeding shows?! the bar sure is set high, but hey, who knows who is going to show up at this point. branford sure would be sweet!!

look out for Bobby Billy & Mickey.
Feel the LOVE on valentines day.

just not three guitar players. ya know?

This is too much fun, IMHO. And I am lovin' The Beacon. How much more comfortable can a venue get, all things considered. Feels like home.

Any chance of RA showing up? Just a simple answer, please. I still want to hold an open mind. I enjoy the shows more without bringing my expectations.

Let it Grow, and let it flow.

see ya tonight!!

ra is not showing up at any of the nyc shows, he is in europe. he posted on his forum that he will be stopping by some tower shows however.

LOL, at first I read your post as (Sun)Ra is not showing up. that would be tough, lol. Though he did spend a lot of time in the Edison Hotel for lunch, lol'

yikes! the tower is my hometown shows.

well, I guess I will have to be open minded. phil is calling me on that one.

glad I committed to the NYC shows. we love NYC and Philly(and Phil) MORE THAN EVER.

Thank you, Phil!

i would love to see a sax player tonite or tomorrow! it seemed like a lot of the shows i saw in 2005 had sax guests with the bands...not necissarily phil.
either way, no matter who the guest is, the shows will rock. i just cant wait to see phil.
and the tower is my hometown shows too, cant wait till that weekend!
happy valentines day!

WHO'S PLAYIN' IN DA BAND 2NITE???!!???

I have it from a solid source that it's Dylan tonight!!!! Hold on, folks!!!!!

i cant see dylan playing in his band ya know? like i can see a double bill..dylan and phil like they have done in the past. dont get me wrong though...its love it to happen. what is this "solid source" people are talking about?

I'd be shocked if Dylan sits in, but hey..you never know.

Just a feelin', but I think no guests tonight and tomorrow, and then Warren one more night at Hammerstein and maybe multiple guests on the last night of the run (hopin' for RR Earth).

It's 2 shows down and 2 show to go for me!

Sam L.

tonites my first of 5. im leaving from bethlehem in about 15 minutes, hoping to get into the city about 5 o clock.
see y'all there, safe travels to all!

no special friends for valentines day?!

no special friends for valentines day?!

Still decent orchestra seats available on ticketbastard, so there should be plenty at the door if anyone is on the fence.

Rumor has Trey again

I'd love Trey to do another night. The show from Sunday sounded great, but I think one more night would give them the chance to really turn it up a notch.

But even if there are no "guests", the run has already been great.

if i had the world to give


for valentines day...im feelin it

'Rumor has Trey again'

If so, a couple phish tunes thrown into the second set jam could prove dangerously mindblowing..

sugar mag>tweezer>know u rider>the wheel>david bowie>sunshine daydream>tweezer reprise

come on! where are the soundcheck reports/photos, lol.

sittin' in an Irish bar on 79th St., self-medicating my overexcited self.

let's have some updates!!! show starting soon

according to the countdown on the front page the show is already happening.

I am leaving work soon, I wanna know if there are any guests tonight.

should be just about showtime

Let's get the show started!

Let's GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHO'S PHIL GONNA BRING OUT TONITE AND TOMORROW!?!!

Where are ya Rob?!

I hope that he is just too busy freaking out about the line-up to post, or at least I hope.

from tooboard:
Set One:
Let The Good Times Roll (Joan)
China Cat Sunflower

Not 100% sure if its legit

Rob's been to so many shows. Can you imagine what it would take to freak him out?

God comes out and duets with Joanie for Valentines!

From Chat:

Let the Good Times Roll (Joan)
China Cat Sunflower >
Friend of the Devil

(No special guest)

So Barry's back...

someone said taperrob was going out with his missus tonite for Val's day...

chat also reported 'awesome jam between china and FOTD'... from the long wait we had for the guy to flag up the FOTD, it was for sure long at least !

so maybe its a nite for jamming rather than awesome song choices ? see see ;-)

now playing a ra tune- easy plateau... hopefully he's done with the ra covers and brings out the guests and kicks it tomorrow!

I also heard that Rob was taking the evening off, so tonight we experience the NY show without Rob.

ant setlist updates since FOD?

from tooboard:
Set I.

Let The Good Times Roll (Joan),
China Cat ->
FOTD,
Easy Plateau ->
Next Time You See Me>
sitting on top of the world>
Tenn. Jed>

any new updates since 9pm?

thanks!

Is Easy Plateau an RA song?

nope...setbreak.

Yep, off of Cold Roses.

the RA tribute continues!!!

Funny how tough it is without Taperrob to find out what's going down at the Beacon!

I hear ya Mark - what makes him think he can take his woman out and leave us in the dark like this? BTW who's playing tonight? If Rob's not there who is on keys?

check on phantasytour.com on the phish message board, its coming down as it happens on the official phil 2/14 thread

set two opener Terrapin.

People..this is Philzone.com you are at here

Setlists have been know to circulate in this sites chat room...

You can access it thru homepage @ www.PhilZone.com

Click Link.."Live Show Updates In The Chat"

Set II:
Terrapin

from the Chat

Phil Lesh and Friends The Beacon New York, New York Feb. 14, 2006 - Set1: Let The Good Times Roll, China Cat -> FOTD, Easy Plateau -> Next Time You See Me, Sitting On Top Of The World, Tenessee Jed Set2: Terrapin Station -> Jam -> I Kow You Rider

thanks to Tar W

If TaperRob were at every show we wouldn't completely appericiate what he gives to us. I hope that he had a great time tonight getting safisfaction from somethng more substanstial then using technology that was unkown when I started going to shows to provide us with a unique and befoe recently unimmaginable real time experience. Thanks Rob.

its phil lesh / larry campbell / joan osborne / barry sless / jeff sipe / mookie siegel tonight

there is a void in my life tonight and his name is taper rob

any setlist updates? I can't get chat to work

No Barraco? You gotta be kidding me?

Let The Good Times Roll, China Cat > FOTD, Easy Plateau -> Next Time You See Me, Sitting On Top Of The World, Tenessee Jed

Set2:
Terrapin Station -> I Kow You Rider

Where's Taper Rob????

Set2: Terrapin Station -> Jam -> I Know You Rider, Nobody Girl -> China Doll -> JAM -> Let It Grow -> The Eleven -> Not Fade Away

sweet. I wonder what the encore's gonna be?

Let It Grow! A first for Phil?

The band: Phil Lesh ,Jeff Sipe, Rob Barraco, Barry Sless, Larry Campbell, Joan Osborne

That's more like it.
Who sang Let it Grow???

Rob? They said Mookie earlier. I'm confused. Yeah, who did sing Let it Grow?

Was it Bob Weir's "Let it Grow" or Eric Clapton's "Let It Grow."

LET IT GROW
LET IT GROW
LET IT BLOSSOM
LET IT...........


LOVE IS LOVELY.....

GREAT CLAPTON SONG

BWAHAHAHHAHAH NOW SHSHSUSHI AND COMET O PAPA. 9~

Phil Lesh and Friends The Beacon New York, New York

Feb. 14, 2006 - Set1: Let The Good Times Roll, China

Cat -> FOTD, Easy Plateau -> Next Time You See Me,

Sitting On Top Of The World, Tenessee Jed

Set2: Terrapin Station -> Jam -> I Know You Rider,

Nobody Girl -> China Doll -> JAM -> Let It Grow ->

The Eleven -> Not Fade Away

Donor Rap, Band Introduction
Encore: US Blues

The band: Phil Lesh ,Jeff Sipe, Rob Barraco, Barry

Sless, Larry Campbell, Joan Osborne

*Thanks Phil(a_username)

TarW is a god! Do we know who sang what?

We had a Let it Grow in San Francisco for those 2/2001 shows. I sorta think that wasn't the only time, either.

Tar, thanks for filling in for Rob!

>>>We had a Let it Grow in San Francisco for those 2/2001 shows.

Wasn't that a Keep on Growin'? I saw that at the epic Maritime Run, but no Let it Grow. Either way it's a score for those lucky enough to be there

Who sang China Doll? BTW thanks Mike S. and Rich L. for posting the band earlier...

You're right, Buncombe, it was Keep on Growing.

(So many growing songs!)

China Doll was sung by Joan and it was done beautifully. It was characteristic of the entire evening: Very pretty but not very intense.

That was the best sounding set I have heard from P&F'S yet. Great energy
Love the harmonys much better than w/crob

PLF 2/14
Phil, Barry, Larry, Sipe, Joan, Rob

Set 1:
Let The Good Times Roll (Rob/Joan)
China Cat Sunflower (Rob) >
Friend of the Devil (Phil/Joan) (Larry on mandolin)
Easy Plateau (RA song) (Rob) >
Next Time You See Me (Joan) (Barry on pedal)
Sitting On Top Of The World (Rob) (Larry on fiddle)
Tenessee Jed (Rob) (Larry on pedal)

Set 2:
Lady With A Fan (Phil) >
Terrapin Station (Rob) >
Jam >
I Know You Rider (Everybody)
Nobody Girl (RA song) (Joan)...
China Doll (Joan) >
Jam >
Let It Grow (yes, Weir's Let It Grow) (Rob) >
The Eleven (Rob/Joan/Phil)...
Not Fade Away (Everybody) (Barry on pedal)

Encore:
Donor Rap (Phil)
U.S. Blues (Rob)

Phil's voice was still weak in the donor rap, although he made it through Terrapin alright.

I'm no TaperRob, but I hope that's detailed enough for everybody!

It was the first Let It Grow for PLF; the RA songs have each been done before, though (one at Red Rocks, the other at the Filmore).

So, I’m about to do two things on the Philzone tm I’ve never done before, write a review and post drunk. For those who don’t know me, I’ve been around here a long time, but I don’t post much. I’ve made a couple real good, if not best friends from here. Even lost one recently. But I’ve kept my opinions to myself for the most
part, other than remind people that the Yankees suck and to challenge another zoner to a fight(I don’t even remember who). But I was overwhelmed
with feelings seeing the show tonight, and for the most part they weren’t good. Although I went
tonight with two of my best friends, and with the anticipation of good things it was like Cryppy and a new pair of socks (old joke), I was so let down by the band it almost hurt. For me, the “Q”, or whatever you want to call it, set the bar so high musically, it can never be duplicated. Now, there’s a lot to factor in with that statement, and I personally have too many good memories associated with those shows that I know I’m biased, but I don’t care. From 1999 to 2003 I saw the best live music I have ever seen. Period. And the band that provided that music was Phil and Friends. What I saw tonight was a cartoon character of that band. Now, that being said, I also had an epiphany of sorts, I realized what I think doesn’t matter. I saw a couple thousand people having a good time tonight and that’s all that matters. Too many people get pounded on this board for having an opinion on something that other people don’t agree with, hell, I know I’ve been one of them, but fuck that, the only opinion that matters is your own. As the saying goes, opinions are like assholes, everyone has one and they all stink. And my opinion of the music tonight was that it stunk.Granted, there were moments, just not enough as far as I was concerned. And I thought it was especially relevant during some of the classic GD tunes played tonight. Now, anyone that knows me in “real life” and has seen me at an ABB or Mule show, knows that those bands could walk onstage, blow farts into the mikes, and I’d want the tapes. But the comments I heard around me tonight, “Best ever!” “Unbelievable!” “Better than the dead” made my skin crawl. Now, I appreciate what Phil does, I appreciate the music made by these guys (and girl), it’s a talent a very small percent of the people in the world possess, but if the standard is set so low, that just because he’s out there playing means it’s good, and that it’s worth paying a lot of money for, then I think I’m done. Yeah, I know, “Good, someone who wants to be there can have your ticket”, I’ve read that here 1,000 times, and that’s fine. They can have it. In fact, I walked up to the box office tonight at 6:30 and bought Loge seats, so they’re available. My point is, I love this music, I just don’t love this band. Or I should say, this version of this band. But I consider myself lucky that I saw a version that I truly was in love with, which I guess seems fitting on Valentine’s Day. Anyway, I certainly can’t write like Huck, and I don’t have the wit of Brick, or the artistic abilities of Tapecat, but I know what I like, unfortunately tonight wasn’t it.
Now, on the positive side, I ran into some friends. Huck, Peggy-O, Jay Moore, Schmegg, Jill (I haven’t seen you in a long time, good to see you!). Even saw Mike W real quick, but I don’t think he knew who I was. But that to me makes it all worth it. It doesn’t matter who loves the show or who hates it, I guess what’s important is we go hoping for the best. And damn I miss the days of Lt, GT, TC, TK, Dew, Crypt, Fritz, Brad, Huck, Peggy, etc. Seems like a long time ago. Thanks for letting me ramble. I think I’ll go pass out now.

Yankees suck.

...

Oh..Bosphan...I forgot to mention....I do not post very often either...only when compelled by alcohol or ignorance.

Time for another drink.



No offense intended.

the show was weak. it happens. but it was probably the best gig in the city. But the show was flat. only a few "moments" for me anyway

did Schools play?

>From 1999 to 2003 I saw the best live music I have ever seen. Period.<

Garcia and the Grateful Dead own Q, Mule, ABB yadda.. yadda. It's not even a comparison.
You must not have been there.
Still I gotta' laugh.
Get out more.

I was not at the show last night, but do not see anything wrong with what BOSPHAN said. Hey it's a review board, and that's his review. His thoughts seem sincere, and based on some shows that I have seen recently, he is probobly on point. I will be at the Hammer this weekend, so I can make my own opinion and Review.

Don't kill the messenger, Long live the "Q"!

((((((BOSPHAN)))))))
you should have seen the SAT show!!!!!!
It was reminiscent of the "Q".

Damn, wish I would have seen you!!!!!

Glad to see ROb singing more.

And anyone who thinks that the Q in hteir prime weren't more adventurous than hte Dead for most of the 80s and all of the 90s, well, you weren't listening.

<<<you should have seen the SAT show!!!!!!
It was reminiscent of the "Q".


....Oh yeah it was!!!!!!!!!

All I can say is they didn't need any special guests.

<<<All I can say is they didn't need any special guests.

TRUE!!!

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

This group is not the Q, not the Dead. They are what they are. I was at both Saturday and Sunday's show, enjoyed both very much, but felt there were quite different. My friend who loved the Q, did not care for Sunday's show with Trey, but liked Friday's show very much. Most people did not like Friday's show.

I try not to get too caught up in song selection, but look at 1. the "flow fo the show"--the vibe that the band creates; 2. the song transitions; and 3, the tightness of the jams (no noodling please). On all counts, both shows I saw so far were excellent. A few transition problems with Trey..but hey he probably didn't practice at all with the group, so I'll cut them some slack.

Looking for a great show tonight to end the Beacon run!

Sam L.

Tonight is my 1st show of this tour-going to the Hammerstein on Sat-Thank you all for prepping me for what's to come! I was wondering what time they are hitting the stage each night?

>>>Still I gotta' laugh.
>>Get out more.




what the fuck
this dude's a hoser

What is with all the repeats? Only a few shows in and already replaying the tunes...more variation please.

I was at the show on Saturday and also last night. Last night was warm, soothing and the first time this band played as a band. No waiting for special guests, just great music and, for the first time I can remember, a nod to Bobby.

Good Times Roll was a wink and a nod to earlier times. Let it Grow was flat out awesome. This band can go country better than any other configuration. Add Joan's ability to belt out PigPen better than any guy has ever done and we have a range that no other configuration has matched. Nothing will ever be as intense as the Q, but...tonight's show will stand apart because it was the new configuration doing their thing...Larry was incredible on mandolin for FOTD. When he plays fiddle it takes the song to another realm. Barry on the steel also allows the song to soar. Rob is the missing ingredient that is safely back where he belongs. He is the bomb!

I had more fun on Saturday, but I am glad I was there when this band became a band.

As far as live shows go, I've been going a different direction the past years, going to jazz and punk shows mostly these days. Last time I saw Lesh play was in summer of 1991 -- not one of the high points of the Grateful Dead. I kind of grew away from it when the scene and the vibe changed. I had seen a lot of shows starting in May 1977, so I have a kind of high standard for adventure I guess ....
That said, I think this show at the Beacon last night (which I was at) was very sweet. It was good to hear Larry Campbell really stretching out a lot more than he did when I've seen him with Dylan and the whole band just rocked out. The Terrapin and especially the jam coming out of Terrapin were absolutely exquisite.
Who needs special guests? The incarnation of the band last night seemed to me to be of the tighten it down and get a solid groove going variety. Especially when Joan sang Next Time You See Me -- I bet Pigpen was smiling about that. ... and China Doll brought back shades of hearing Garcia do that the way he did back in 77 -- blue lights and all.
Lesh is reaching for the stars and it looks like he's bringing some fellow musicians with him -- not an easy thing to do. I don't fault them if they don't always get there and if they don't quite "measure up" to Garcia's lightness -- they're making the attempt, a lot more than you can say for most musicians.
My gut feeling is that those who are down about the current moment of this musical journey need to step back out of their personal little viewpoint of the moment and just let the music play you.
It's really quite sweet stuff to hear if you can break out of preconceptions.
I'm also a tad bit amused about the jadedness of some. If anyone has a reason to be "critically jaded" it would be someone like me who saw the good old Grateful Dead at one of the heights of their powers. I'm not though, I thought the show last night was right up there with some of the best stuff I've ever seen (and not just seen the Dead do, but also compared to all the other stuff I've seen/heard over the past 35 years since I started going to live music).
I'm certainly glad I came back to take a listen & I'm looking forward to Hammerstein Friday and Sunday whoever shows up.

i have seen none of these shows, but jesus, cry cry cry is mostly all i see. i saw 5 from the last tour, and while not the Q, phil still has it goin' on. if your gonna complain about every note played and not played, THAN DON'T GO TO THE FUCKIN' SHOW! let the people who want to and enjoy it go so you have less to bitch about, it would make your lives much easier. jesus, the man is over sixty and has been playin for us for just over forty years, if he wants to tone it down, bring in someone no one likes, let him do his own thing and be glad he's still doin' it. we probably won't have too much longer with PLF, and probably everyone downing them is gonna be sad to see them go. i'm goin' to the tower with no expectations at the end of the month, and it will surely rock, as PLF always does. i for one am excited to hear what these beacon shows sound like.

i was at the saturday and sundays shows as well as last nights...of the 3 sundays was by far the best as far as im concerned....last nights show was in my opinion the weakest of the 3...in fact,i looked at my watch for the first time in 3 nights...dont get me wrong,i always enjoy it....just sometimes i enjoy it more than others....what do they say about sex and pizza...even the worst is still good!...all kidding aside for whatever reason the show lacked a spark and the intensity wasnt quite there...we will see what we get tonight...as always im looking forward to the show!

I wasnt there last night but I was Friday and I will be tonight. All I can say about RA is what anyone who appreciates great songwriting and talent would say - he writes incredibly, and I regret that I missed Easy Plateau and Nobody Girl, esp with Joan singing the latter, as they are two of RA's finest works, absolutely amazing songs. I suggest you sample the original versions of each if you have not heard them before - they are worth a listen and my personal thanks and kudos to WFUV here in NYC for turning so many people including me on to Ryan over the past 4 years or so. I am so looking forward to tonight's show, my final one of the run this time. I cannot make the Ballroom shows as I will be having a lovely time vacationing, but I wish y'all a great time. As far as tonight, we must be hearing Joan belt out a wicked Sugaree. Perhaps Mr. Charlie as well. No matter what, in Phil I trust. I know that he will not disappoint - those of you who doubt him have been shown time and time again that the man knows from whence he speaks. Why question his artistry? Just enjoy and light up or leave me alone!!!

Nicely said Neal...

I'd be there every freaking night if I could. I ain't that picky & truly, there AIN'T NO PLACE I'D RATHER BE than ~home~ which is where my heart REALLY is at.

but life gets in the way so I CHERISH and bless every second of my life I can spend with Phil & family.

Once again I went on a whim (4 nights now!) and managed to secure an awesome loge seat from a Pt'er (Thanks, SuperSpace!!), who has officially restored my faith in the Pt faithful (outisde the GDC, of course ;)It was awesome metting you, superspace!

There was no guests and you know what? I was somewhat happy to see the core of this band get down and dirty on their own and that is exactly what I got. This run is truly a testament to the musical genius of one Phillip Lesh. Everything this man touches turn to gold. King Midas has surely come (You like that combination of two songs, right? right? well, if you don't, stick in your ear ;)

Onto the show:
Set I
Let The Good Times Roll (Rob/Joan)
China Cat Sunflower (Rob)>
Friend of the Devil
(Phil/Joan, Larry mando)
Easy Plateau (RA song, Rob)>
Next Time You See Me
(Joan, Barry on pedal)
Sitting On Top Of The World
(Rob, Larry on fiddle)
Tenessee Jed (Rob, Larry on pedal)

A very mellow, down home first set, which to be was akin to the GD sound of 1971.

LTGTR was a sweet opener

The China Cat was outstanding and just prior to the transition into Rider, they slipped into a gorgeous FOTD. Larry sounded superb on the mandolin.

Easy Plateau (Ryan Adams) followed and this was the 8th RA song Phil has played this tour. I love RA so I was quite pleased with this version, but I'm sure some will bitch about it. Yet, it it is glaringly obvious that Phil loves RA's music and I don't think these songs are leaving the rotation, so maybe these naysayers should give these tunes a chance, they just might recognize RA is an extremely taleneted song writer. Joan seems to dig them as well, and they provide the opportunity for Barry to shine on the pedal steel.

Next Time You see Me--- Highlight of the first set! It is pretty apparent that Joan has been listning to a lot of Pgpen era GD, as she seems to have begun to embody some of Pig's vocal mannersisms, such as she did the other night on Midnight Hour. This version was top notch vocally and the band NAILED this one. Smiles frome evryone in the band and yours truly.

Top of the World- What is this, 1971? Great version and always happy to hear this rollicking tune. Again, this gives the band an opprtunity to showcase their speciality, countrified psychadelia served up piping hot.

Jed: Closed the set and everyone in the Beacon was singing along. Nice closer.

Very mellow set, but the band was tighter than spandex on Michael Moore. Second Set review will be up later, I have to go teach 1st period!

Set 2:
Jam>
Lady With A Fan (Phil)>
Terrapin Station (Rob)> Jam>
I Know You Rider (All)
Nobody Girl (RA song, Joan)...
China Doll (Joan)> Jam>
*Let It Grow (Rob)>
The Eleven (Rob/Joan/Phil)...
Not Fade Away (All, Barry on pedal)

Phil's voice was still weak in the donor rap,
But he made it through Terrapin all right
E: Donor Rap
U.S. Blues (Rob

Here we go with set II, sorry about the delay, those damn priorities get in the way of music discussion sometimes.

Set II was like a completely different band walked on stage. They came out ready to play! I compared the first set to 71'era GD for lack of a better comparison; yet, this set couldn't be compared to anything really. It was fresh, energetic, exploratory, and exciting. Everyone in my section (right Loge) was grooving really hard.

Jam>Lady with a fan>Jam>terrapin
A very funky, powerful opening jam; which Phil has been avoiding to open sets, started things off smoothly. The Terrapin was flawless and powerful, with Sless and Campbell really nailing all the guitar parts. Phil gave his best effort on the lyrics (his voice was a bit froggy for the rest of the night, but he sounded fine here!) The Three part harmonies (Joan, Rob, and Phil) were truly great. The band built a powerful spanish-esque (not Spanish jam) jam prior to entering the "Inspiration" section of Terrapin. This version is a must-hear. A very original sound, which is what I love about P + F. The end jam of Terrapin was great, as always, with some hints at "Dear Prudence" from Rob and Phil, which was a real treat.

Jam>Rider:
WOW! The band rolled through another outstanding jam that featured some extensive interplay between Barry and Sipe. Phil was beaming and Joan was getting down so hard. They then glided into Rider, as opposed to slamming into and boy, did it work! After the China Cat sans Rider in the first set, I was waiting for it and it didn't disappoint. A laid-back lyrical section, until Phil gave the cue to take it up a notch. This raised the whole energy level in the Beacon and the loge began to rumble and shake (I love the Beacon!)

Nobody Girl (RA song, Joan)>
China Doll (Joan)> Jam>
*Let It Grow (Rob)>
The Eleven (Rob/Joan/

The meat of the show starts here:
Nobody's Girl is my favorite Ryan Adams song out there and this version was magical. Joan poured her heart out on these ever-so touching lyrics. As the song built up, the band just shifted gears and began soaring. The jam out of Nobody's Girl was akin to a Wharf Rat outro jam and the band was locked in. Every person on stage was beaming for the six or seven minute jam that took this tune to places I never thought it could go. I'm sure Ryan is honored to have Phil playing his music in such a moving manner. Great job, guys!

LIGROW>The Eleven:
Oh my god! Words cannot describe how fantastic this was. I haven't seen Phil do LIGRow in quite some time and this version flat out rocked. Barraco handled the lyrics admirably and Campbell filled out the vocal harmonies with Joan. Stellar work from Siper (as always, this guy NEVER has a bad night, NEVER) The musical section was stellar, with Larry/Barry matching lightning leads and Phil thumping like a man with something to prove. They did the 80'-90's LiGrow coda-jam (You know, the bababum, bumbumbumbaba, bumbaaa) and SLAMMED into the Eleven! Great built up and great lyrics and The Beacon shook once again. By now my perma-grin was hurting my face, and Brian (Superspacefunk) and I, along with other folks in my section were dancing like there was no tomorrow. This was truly the highlight of the show!

NFA: Loved the energy and I especially love that Campbell plays the tune like the Buddy Holly Version or early GD versions more so than just chomping out the simple rhythm as Bobby did in the later years.

Phil must have been tired or sick from the weekends' madness because Set II was over before midnight and they had been playing until well after that the previous evenings.

Encore: Us Blues: a nice, rollicking closer that left me with a smile on my face (as if he needed more of reason to smile after these four shows)

I love what Phil is bringing to us this tour. All 4 nights have been dramatically different and that is why I keep coming back. The band is really gelling, and is a formidable force!!! I will be heading down tonight to look for a ticket. If you have one, feel free to drop me a line (Butchweiss at aol.com). Enjoy!

Hmmm...

Seen on a bumper sricker on my way to the train station yesterday...

"A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work."

Insert Phil show for fishing.

On the positive side, I never thought PLQ really caught the apocolyptic, Wrath of God sense of urgency in Terrapin that the GD did. I thought last night's version did.

If every night were like last Saturday, they would become meaningless.

This was a Tuesday night show after a very intense weekend, both musically and meteorologically. There was bound to be some letdown. Even Superman himself, MikeW, was out of gas. When I saw him he asked how I was. I said great. He said "I'm sure not." I go, "Mike, How much sleep did you get over the weekend?" Nuff said. Even Superman has to catch his breath sometime.

Point being, our energy, almost as key a component of this process as the musicians on the stage, wasn't high, either.

Our numbers weren't there. You could actually breathe in the lobby between sets.

Let's look at the alternatives. Wow! The Soup Nazi episode was on Seinfeld last nite. I've only seen that 30 times. Then there's back to back to back to back to back Law and Order reruns. Now, that's excitement.

It's easy to deify that which is no longer around to fall off it's pedestal. The old GD had more bad nights than any version of Phil's band, and not because the music was any riskier, but because they were not ready to play.

I had a great time last night. Poz, it was great meeting you, and my family thanks you again for sharing your story. Interesting how the spirit of one good man, at the end of his run, can touch the lives of people hundreds of miles away thru his son. Kinda cool, actually. Jill, hope to see you again tonight.

I'm quite sure that by the end of the week, they will reduce the Hammerstein to a pile of smoking rubble, just as they did to the Beacon last Saturday.

What a fun night! Had a great time at pre-game, met a whole mess of zoners, and had a blast hanging with some great old friends from the "real" world.

Very solid show - not a mind-bender like Wallingford in Dec. by any stretch, but one of the few shows I can remember seeing recently where I really enjoyed every song played. As several people have mentioned, it was not *intense.* It first really hit me during Rider, which had a countryish, lilting feel to it, rather than the I'D RATHER BE A HEADLIGHT intense power and buildup that we're used to hearing. And at first, I was thinking "man, this just doesn't pack the punch of the Q."

Well no shit, Sherlock. This isn't the Q. When I go see Dave Brubeck, I don't expect to see Led Zepplin screaming along. Weird analogy, but it just hit me at that point that this is similar music, but a very different animal. And as soon as I let the shackles of the Q go, everything was just exactly perfect.

These guys are really, really good. This was one of those shows where the setlist doesn't matter much. On paper, it looks pretty damn weak IMHO, but everything was done so tastefully. It definitely felt short - I think he's saving up for a biggie tonight. First set ended one song too soon. I have no idea how long it actually was, but Tenessee caught everyone off guard as a closer, so left the first set feeling very flat. I think everyone was expecting one last big closer, so they never got the big set-ending cheer going, and it felt a bit lacking. Same thing happened at the end with U.S. Blues, IMHO.

I read a review the other day talking about all the teases - holy shit! I swear I heard about 5 different songs at some point during a jam in almost every tune. There was a china cat theme running all night long - I bet I heard it in at least 8 different tunes. Tons of Dark Star and/or Bird Song too. As mentioned, the Terrapin jam was amazing, and they were throwing quotes right and left. They'd be jammin' along and my buddy and I would be calling what new tune they were in, and then all of a sudden it was like "holy shit, this is STILL Terrapin!" Terrapin is one tune I could never enjoy with PLQ because of Phil's vocals, but I absolutely loved it last night.

I thought both Ryan Adams songs were fantastic - first time I'd ever heard either one. I found myself thinking of so many Dead or PLQ shows that had tunes that weren't nearly as enjoyable. I'd take that Easy Plateau over a Ramble on Rose for the 1,000th time any day. It had a great groove, really rocked out hard. Nobody Girl started out kinda slow and I thought sounded like a mediocre tune I'd hear on the Radio. At first. Then by the 2nd half of it I'd forgotten what tune I was even listening to, and just loved it. It really picked up to a nice crescendo, and then dropped into an absolutely gorgeous China Doll. If Joan has a "signature song" this has to be it. Holy smokes, it was just beautiful.

Near the end of China Doll I made my way upstairs to dance the last few tunes out. And as always at the Beacon, I had the best dancing spot in the entire house 100% to myself. I can't figure out why nobody else goes there. Right at the entrance to the upper balcony, you can dance or watch right in front of the rail, with the sound just cranking in your face, the whole theater below - it's just awesome. And tons and tons of room to move. I'll be up there all night tonight for sure.

Let it Grow > 11 just smoked. I'd have to hear the 11 again, but I thought it felt a little short, but well played and very cool. I'm never that into NFA, but this one rocked out pretty hard, and Sipe was just pounding the kit to start it off.


Speaking of Sipe - I'm liking him more and more. Just as this ain't no Q - he ain't no Molo. AND THAT'S OK. Molo is just such awesome power, always chugging away, but Sipe seems much more quirky, and mixes things up. A lot of tunes had moments where I thought it almost seemed awkward, like the beat wasn't going exactly where it's supposed to. It didn't sound like it always usually mostly does. Heyyyy, no shit, Sherlock! This is a different band with a unique sound - what a concept. Jazzier at times, looser, more country, etc. It's not that knock your socks off kick you in the ass blow your head off power we've come to know and love.


Can't wait for tonight. My sense last night was that when I look back, what seemed like a really good show will end up seeing like it sucked, in comparison to what they throw down tonight.



And as for the people bitching and complaining in their reviews ad naseum - right fuckin' on! Thank you for expressing your views. Critical reviews are so much more enlightening than someone saying every tune was great. Personally, I enjoy bitching about lame shows almost as much as raving about the big ones. It's all part of the game. And there ain't no game that's more fun than this bad boy!

Forgot to say China Doll was truly a treat and Joan poured her heart out!

I gotta' say, of the 3 shows I've seen with the Barry/Larry combo, every time I find myself playing serious air guitar, just totally locking into whatever guitar part is ripping it up and taking me over - it's always Larry when I look up to see who's playing. Barry's fun, but he just sounds too much like Jerry to me, and gives it a little bit of dead cover band feel.

Without any expertise on plf orthodoxy or anything else, all I can say is this band plays the music of the spirit of the cosmos.

Love it, hate it, whatever...

As I predicted(see way above):

"Let it Grow, and let it flow."

I thought this show was very beautiful sound, and plenty tight.

However, the lack of any psychedelic jamming was lacking. That is something which I think describes the difference between the GD and PL's bands. As copared to the psychedelia of Phish, Yo La Tengo, Sonic Youth, etc.

Still, I loke Phil's band, and I do agree that 02142006 was a coming together of this band, as was 02102006.

Very nice, and I cannot wait for tonight.

nice reviews guys...wish I was there.


REALLY wish I was there.

REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY wish I was there.

..>>..It's really quite sweet stuff to hear if you can break out of preconceptions..<<..

Yeah..just like you not dumping your 36 years of going to shows out with the bathwater..

I'll go with the way I feel about the music..preconceived or not..thinking that being HONEST with myself is most important thing I can do..for me and this community at large..

I seen many a musician play live..excuse me if I use that as a barometer..

I love the fact that Phil is playin 8 shows in NYC..

It's IMO part of Phil's own preconceived notion of how it should be done..

Harkening back to days of fortnight MSG runs...

Nice to see Bosphan postin..drunk or not..Ha!..

The person that goes to all 8 should get some kinda award..

Bricks of Acapulco Gold

Me and Marty took a honeymoon,
Below the border 'neath the silvery moon,
I was eighteen and he was twenty two,
Now we're just a-doin' what the young folks do

We'd just 'bout decided to cadge the whole thing
But then we thought that we ought to swing
You know the southland's got the keys,
Curin' them cotton pickin' sniffles and sneeze

Zig zag polly wolly diddum woddum doo
Hey diddle diddle twenty three skidoo
Me and Marty sure had fun
Acapulco Gold for everyone

We're goin' south, south, to get that
Acapulco Gold
Ain't nothin' it can't fix,
Old dogs can learn new tricks,
When the streets are lined with bricks
Of Acapulco Gold..

I never say a word about shows because it is such a personal experience but this show SUCKED

Bosphan I knew who you were man. I was just out of it ! Good meetin ya man!

>>> I never say a word about shows because it is such a personal experience but this show SUCKED

lmao. I remember seeing you just as 1st set ended, that's exactly what you said. I was wondering if 2nd set picked it up at all for you.


You going tonight?

To each his own, Mike W

It was a Valentine's Day show. Probably more couples. Maybe Phil "softened" the show a bit/ended it earlier for this reason?

For those who were there, how full was the Beacon last night?

Lookin' for a killer show tonight!

Sam L.

The Beacon was not very full last night, maybe 80%. There were a lot of open seats at the back of the orchestra and in the upper balcony.

Overall a very, very good show!! Well worth the trip from Indiana to NYC on Valentine's Day!!

Alot of mixed reviews. I guess that is to be expected no matter who is in the band. I hope those of you who attend this evenings performance have fun. I will be at the Hammerstein run and Providence so hopefully Phil still has a few tricks up his sleeve for NYC.

Just for the record, I don't think I was bitching. In fact, re-reading my ramblings I even wrote what I think isn't worth shit. Cripes.

Alright Kenny, keep drinking.

And Olo, yup, you're right dude. I must not have been there. You're the man, yada yada.

I'm glad there's people here that had fun last night, as I wrote above, that's all that really matters. Also glad to see people still take this shit so seriously, makes a lot of sense...

I've been pissed at Phil since the board was taken down. Swore I'd never pay to see him again. Persuade me why I should go Friday. The wife wants in and I'll go if I get convinced. These mixed reviews are perplexing me.

Also answer me this: why so many RA songs? I don't get it.

Jerry is Bob:

I had a great time on Friday and Sunday, and I expect another tonight. I'd do some Hammerstein as well, but I'm going away. I had to pass last night to be with my baby, and judging by the list, I'm not disappointed. That said, I always enjoy a good live Chinacat, and Barry really smoked it in Wallingford.


Let go of the resentment against Phil. The dude is 66 and still trying to put it out there for the fans. The RA fetish is a bit weird for some, perhaps, but Phil always was a stubborn old codger, so if he decides to push something, that's the way it is. Hearing a new song at a show is not the worst fate in the world, kinda brings me back to the Go To Nassau days (my first show), when all I knew on the list were Trucking and ChinaRider. Those really made my night, and my newbie buddy figured out from Eyes that buying Wake of the Flood might be a good move.

The rest, as they say, is history.

So, GO, GO, GO.

I guarantee you will have a good time if you bring your "I'm going to have a good time" frame of mind.

overall not my favorite show of the run so far, but had some intense and very beautiful moments...finally got China Doll after I thought it heard it and Stella the previous nights

LARRY CAMPBELL

man, I really think his guitar work is creating a framework that the rest of the band can rely on / depart from / fall back into...the solo he took on Easy Plateau (I think) was searing, very Allman-esgue at point, pure tone...I really dig hearing the different sounds he's getting out of his guitars, especially the variations between his teles...he also played steel for the 1st time last night on the NYC run...

Barry was incredible in the 2nd set, I didn't dig his tone in the 1st, almost as if it were a different guitar / amp than previously used...


Any one else hear the Foolish Heart jam / riffing?

Jerbob...

Not tellin ya what to do but don't cut off your nose to spite your face...And why not just let the (I'm sure very deserving) Mrs. go if you are so adamantly opposed????

Phil IS 65 w/a donated liver...life is short but that's just my opinion.

RA tunes are good, if you didn't know who RA is, there'd be no preconceived notions...just like any other GD cover song

I heard The Foolish heart teases, as well as Dear Prudence during Terrapin!

I heard Dear Prudence! I forgot until now!

Bosphan, you are totally right - the Yankees suck (and so do the Giants). Seriously though, to each his own, and for the record, I'm glad you posted your feelings on the show - pretty eloquent for a drunk guy I haven't seen any shows yet this tour, the Tower run will be the only ones I'll make it to, and I've never seen the band with Ryan Adams. John you are right, no preconceived notions here, can't wait to see him and form my own opinion. A couple of things: people seem confused as to why Phil is playing a lot of Ryan tunes, and didn't he say when he took the board down exactly why he likes playing with him? I trust Phil completely, and whoever he wants to play with is fine with me. Shit, Gov't Mule played with Kid Rock and I've heard parts of that show and it sounded awesome.
Second, some nights will always be better than others, we all know that. I saw the 2nd night at NPAC and was not impressed with Mookie at all; I'm not a tech person but either they turned him down or he simply wasn't playing. I'm a huge Rob fan so right away I was bummed. I was also not impressed with Chris Robinson. Then I saw them again in AC and had a blast - the band sounded so much better further along the tour. People who say this show sucked, that one sucked, etc, well, they may be singing a different tune the next show, who knows. I'm just glad to be a part of the family - a bad Phil show (if there is such a thing) is still the best place to be.

GO EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!

Bosphan:

good to see you around, and good honest review. I have no idea if I would agree with you on the music, but you're honestly telling the reader where you are coming from and then telling the reader how the music made you feel. Anyone who criticizes you for that is just flat full of shit.

I have to say you made one statement in particular I agree with wholeheartedly >>>>>if the standard is set so low, that just because he’s out there playing means it’s good, and that it’s worth paying a lot of money for, then I think I’m done>>>>>>> Man, I do agree with that. I enjoy his current music and don't mind paying for it, but this whole "You have to go because Phil is getting old" thing is just kinda weird. I know that if I were Phil I wouldn't want people coming to see me because I was old and because I used to be good. I think it's disrespectful to not hold Phil to the high standards that he has set. He isn't some nostalgia act playing casinos and I wish people would stop treating him as one. Go because you like the music he is making. He isn't your grandad that you have to go visit in the nursing home--he's on a musical journey and I suspect he'd like it judged on it's own merits and not like he's a feeb.

I sure do understand people wanting to go be with family at these shows no matter the music--it's a blast for sure, but telling people they have to feel the same way or telling people that they should "like" the music just cause he's phil......I dunno, I just think phil has too much dignity for that sort of thing.


Jerry is Bob:

He's playing RA songs because they are good songs. You don't have to like him playing with phil, or like him at all. I think he seems like a bit of a cock, but so what? Like Van Morrison and Chuck Berry aren't? Dude has written some fine songs, period. Don't think of them as RA songs and you might find that you enjoy them. Or not, but do you like every single song Phil plays anyway? If I never hear Sugaree again, I'll be very happy.




That's all. Hope folks have fun tonight.

<<<<I enjoy his current music and don't mind paying for it, but this whole "You have to go because Phil is getting old" thing is just kinda weird.

lol....Bwahahahahaaaaa...dunno why but that just struck me as funny.

I say that (he is old go see him) b/c for ME that would be a HUGE regret not to see him as often as I can (which sadly for me isn't nearly enough)...But I still LOVE his playing and that Sat night show was like that show you go on tour for, so you don't miss that ONE...Not ALL of Phil (or any OTHER incl GD of old) shows are MAGIC but damn when it hits it HITS!!!

And my own personal reply to Jerbob was based more on the fact he's pissed about Phil pulling the boards than he is about the quality of the music...I'm just saying (for me) life's too short to miss the good stuff just b/c of stubborness...N

I LOVED Sat night show, soooooooooooooo glad I was there, it was a dual heart & mind melter, but Sun night, although VERY enjoyable overall wasn't an IT show, same for any of the shows I caught (all one that is...lol) in the Fall...

Just heartwarming to know that the POTENTIAL still exists...Sat with Warren was KILLER...near perfect if that is possible.

Hey peglet, I was thinking of you when I was saying I understand people wanting to go no matter what.....we go for the music and if the music has an off night its still great to be there with your friends and your friends friends......etc. Just commenting on a fairly common theme that I'm sure you've seen too, the "We should be lucky for any music that he plays cause he is old and had a liver transplant." You know, cause what we are lucky for is that he still makes GREAT music.

<<<<We should be lucky for any music that he plays cause he is old and had a liver transplant


lol...poor Phil that sounds so pathetic...he is so much MORE than his aging old body & donated liver...We better see him b/f he croaks....lol...

>>Also answer me this: why so many RA songs? I don't get it.

The name of the tour is "Hell, I Still Love You New York".

You were expecting Bob Marley covers?

Bosphan, you made me cry, because whether or not you know it, that was the most eloquent thing I have read in a long, long time on these boards.

I have stuff to send you, Seema and Crypt...check your email tomorrow.

and for the record, the weekend in Colorado was two things...some of the best music ever played by the greatest band at the time, and the second was being with friends that shared lots of passion and laughter and love.

I know I haven't missed the music, and I know I have DEEPLY missed seeing friends and philheads immensely.

Thanks friend, for speaking your truth. It means alot.

Bosphan....that is the first time, to my knowlege, that one of my posts had been censored/deleted. Not sure if you actually had a chance to read it. It came across as a bashing of your content as I called you a whiner amongst other things but in reality it was not the content of your post which was in contention just the derogatory sign off (which is nothing new). Your post was well written. Did not mean to offend you or the Philzone.



Pinstripes4ever

I saw that. was that the Whiner Manishewitz comment? I looked at that, said uh-oh....that's gonna get nailed - might offend some folks - then I realized that it was a little pejorative but figured most folks had a thicker skin than that.

this show was very musical compared to the blow out w/Trey...

terrapin jams, let it grow... wow... awesome stuff...

from behind the soundboard

more photos

By Bluetrain (Bluetrain) (64.12.116.137) on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 07:51 am: Edit Post
Glad to see ROb singing more.

And anyone who thinks that the Q in hteir prime weren't more adventurous than hte Dead for most of the 80s and all of the 90s, well, you weren't listening.


TRUE



a lot of nonsensical posturing resides herein. Who GIVES A FLYING FUCK? WE DO. INFINITE LOVE TO PHIL FOR NEVER PHORGETTING WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT.



L
O
V
E

"all of the 90s"

well, I think YOU weren't listening...

Davino, if you are giving Phil ALL the credit you are a fool...aside from that, the 90's had some spectacular shows, specifically in 91 and 94.

Get with the program.

This show was not as hot as my Wallingford or Atlantic city experience last tour but did have many very nice moments. Terrapin, Joan on China Doll and the Ryan Adams tune were superb. It was very very nice. I did find myself nodding off in the upper tiers but that's because I worked all day and got up so early. I am looking foreward to the Hammerstein.

I must say, I find this band and last tour's line up to be so much better than the "Q" as some have put it. I am so releived that Herring and Warren are not there anymore. They really rubbed me the wrong way. As did Barracco for that matter. I do not like his voice and I think he tries too hard, but with out Chris robinson I guess they needed someone to sing. Warren was always so loud and screechy (voice) and Jimmy would just noodle around into the abyss with no uniformity or timing. Many of his sounds were like whale calls, we used to joke. Just sort of mad oblique southern twangy noodling. I was at the famous Maritime hall shows 2/01 and many other shows were these guys were great, but all in all I never cared for them that much so I am glad LC and BS are in the band. They have jerry down well, and bring a great sound. Let it grow>eleven>NFA was very well played and Terrapin was just superb. "Next time you see me" got the most applause. Great rendition. I miss mookie. The band needs a psychedelic back drop or screen with visuals. That would really enhance the overall experience. Great Job Phil!!!!

I was at sunday nite show-I was pissed they didnt reschedule-I was pissed they didnt close skools and i hadda work on monday- i was worried about taken the subway home and gettin in at 2:30-i was pissed barry sless wasnt there-cause he does jerry better than jerry since 77-i always liked trey but not that much-
by the 2nd set i was totally absorbed by the groovalations-trey totally turned me on-they should brought joan in right after pig died (she musta been 10 then)- I play in a band and it was wacky what went on with trey's guitar- thank u phil-maybe yr vibe will work major magic around the world!!!

I posted some more photos from 2/14 and 2/15 over here:

../7267/27664 9.html?1140153806

You have to scroll down because I screwed up the uploads several times : (