anybody need a couple g.a. extra's for this show?
face value and i pay handling

mark

What do you guys think the scene will be like at stabler? Is there a parking lot? Anyone planning on showing up early?

DO THEY SERVE BEER INSIDE????

Just curious.
D

hey mark are you ellen mark the same dude??

Stabler is on the athletic campus at Lehigh. On the Saturday of the show, there is a football game at 12:30. They will have to clear the crowd before the show to accomodate the parking. Stabler does not serve beer. Security is usually tight for the football game, so I'd recommend being careful. They set up sobriety checkpoints on the way out of the stadium. I'm actually planning on going to both the game and the show and we're hoping that we will be able to hang in the parking lot through the afternoon.

i saw dylan there a couple years ago and the security was tight . they didnt allow a scene in the lot and uniformed officers at the door.just be cautious.i still cant wait for my phix.

everywhere i go
the people all know
everybodies doing that rag!

Anyone going up there from philly? I'm at upenn, I could really use a ride up, I'd love to see this show! Don't feel too bad if you cant, im catching them in Boston on the 21st

World Peace Day
Date: November 17, 2001


On November 17, World Peace Day, people around the globe are encouraged to drive with their lights on all day and wear white ribbons as a sign of their desire for global peace.

also of interest.....nearby is:http://www.crayola.com/factory/plan/general_info/hours.htm#hours

just to add a little local color..

ba da bamb chssssh

Is Stabler an outdoor arena?
Should we expect patrols in the lot or no lot scene at all????

Stabler is indoor. From my experience, PA venues have been on the tight side, so I'd like to reaffirm the need to be cautious...and don't be surprised to see cops in the lot. Also, be on the lookout for those DUI checkpoints on the roads. They'll appear out of nowhere and are usually set up where there are no turn-offs. In sum: careful in the lot, careful in the car. If you're coming off of I78...turn left off the ramp and head to Gus' Crossroads for great cheesesteaks and pizzas. Also a good veggie place closer to Lehigh's main campus on 3rd street (check the gatherings/meetings discussion.) Peace out...
B

what exit do i have to get off on i78

i have 1 row g orchestra ticket for 12/2 @ the beacon & i might wanna trade it for bethlehem tix...i need at least 2 tix & probably more...i know there'll probably be lots of tix for this show...but if you have multi-tix for bethlehem & are intrested in a 12/2 & possibly a bit of cash...for how many tix you have...e-mail: DrBubblesUplifts@aol.com...& if all else fails..."i'm goin' back to NYC, i do believe i've had enuff!"

on the scene at stabler: state police patrol there its not like it is in philly. much stricter. not to say you cant have some beers in the lot, but keep it concealed. still cant wait for this, its just gonna make me jones for new years even more.

see ya there


p.s. if anyone from the philly area is going to the kaiser for new years let me know

Dr. Bubbles McNasty == Coolest handle EVER!

hey im takin the bus up to bethlehem,and im walking from the bus station to the show,
im not too worried about getting there,but if anyone is kind enough to give me and two heads
a ride back into town when the show is over
we would all be grateful.we got gas money if need be.i got red hair/beard so if ya see me holdin a sign for a ride thats me.have a kind show!
jarrett

Take the Hellertown/Bethlehem exit off of I78...

Yay! finally got a ride to the show, its a full car, so sorry if anyone else is lookin, See y'all there I'll be the lost little boy with a goatie in despearate need of a shave.

Does anyone know if they sell beer in Stabler?

I was at that Dylan show and don't remember any thing being hampered except for natalie merchant being the opening act...:when i was in college peopel danced at rock concerts" i'm sure anyone there will never forget that. have you been able to get back packs into the shows? also does anyone know if tix for the added show in nyc are available at ticketbastard outlets or just over the phone? really looking forward to hoppin on the bus although you guys are scaring me about all this police activity...

Dr. Bubbles: I will not be able to make the 12/2 show, but I do have extras for Saturday. The seats are good, but they are not together. I only ordered 1 single, but every time I tried to order on line the page failed when I tried to get a confirmation number, so I repeated the process. So then I called and order the old fashion way. Well as you can tell the orders went through so now I have extra. Seats are in the following sections:

Lower Concourse
Section 2 Row EE Seat 3
Section 2 Row GG Seat 3
Section 2 Row HH Seat 3
Section 18 Row HH Seat 3

I only need 1 ticket and do not really care which one.

If you want to checkout the seats try this link: http://www.stablerarena.com/seating.htm

peace

i stand corrected, my tour buddy informs me that there were cops in the lot at lehigh. guess i dont remember, imagine that! just a couple and making rounds that's all so keep a heads up! see ya'll manana

I'll be there, so look for me 'Zoners. I'd like to hook up with some of you's and get silly.
Don't be bashful, come up and say high!
-Chris

Cant wait for this one!! Everyone get psyched cause the band is on Fire!! I saw Columbus and WOW!!! T minus 2 days Wahoooo!!

where is a good place to crash after the show @ stabler? never been there, got to be a place to lay my head after its full- need to hook up with some friends of the devil, i know your out there!!
-- unclepete.

If you're looking for hotels and whatnot, you can take a short ride on 378 north to 22 west. Take the airport road south exit and there's a Microtel (sounds shadier than it looks), a Macintosh Inn and a couple other hotels. Hope this helps...

Is there going to be a place where us 'Zoners can meet before the show? Anybody bringing a flag or a phriend with a distinctive birthmark or something?

Hey all,
If the lot scene isn't happening at the stabler, maybe we should designate a local eating/drinking establishment for pre-show festivities.
Any locals have a suggestion??

Hey, Dirk...what did you have in mind? Bethlehem is my hometown so I've been posting a lot (hate to hog the space, but...) The Tally Ho is pretty "college" but a good spot regardless. Right by Lehigh's campus and down the road from the show...also Gus' Crossroads in Hellertown on Main street (off of I78) and has good steaks and pizzas. Mostly locals, though, and no frat guys. I think I posted somethign about these places before and don't want to sound redundant.

Gus' Crossroads is over on 378~ it's just The Crossroads on Main and High in Hell town...and not a thrilling spot...I live right behind it...Hell Town cops would prolly love busting folks hanging there, or anywhere in Hell town for that matter...when bored they set up road checks in the oddest spots, where you can't turn back until it's too late, so watch it...a local band, Captain Zig, is playing at the Funhouse, never seen 'em but...maybe the place to go after the show? Also a heaven made light show will be going on in the sky that night, so look up and smile.....

It's almost ten and have not see any post...?

hey man, if anybody can offer a nice southern boy a ride from the new york city hes trapped in to see some phil action in PA, it would be more than much obliged, i know its real late..probably too late, but that would be hot diggity sunshine...i cant offer much in return, but whatever i can do i will...love to you all

Siked..last nights shows looks reallllll Fine..
Now I can not wait..Just a few more hours....
Hey Phil China cat please.....Maybe Golden Road
and little caution jam and Alligator and Well
just AND!!!!!!
Doin this one solo any zoner heading to this
one? Seems like all PA heads...Thats ok
lookin forward to burning the Phaty with all and
just enjoying some P&F.......

meteor shower tonight also...1000 to 10000
falling stars an hour early morning...

Looks like another "Night of 1000 Stars".
I am taking my girlfriend to her phirst Phil show.
Any good bars to meet in around the area?

We should all try and meet and greet!

We are at the RR Inn allentown.

Peace and Phil

PS....She doesn't know what shes in for! I've seen phil 20 times and GD 100!

Johnny B. Goode 420

Johnny, the FUN HOUSE, cool little bar on the main drag... I used to live there, and this is a spot where alot of bands got their start. You must be close to that bar in A-town with the long bar? That's a nice spot too! You can buy beer in the bars "take out" until closing, but it's hard to find it otherwise. Enjoy the show and big love with the girlfriends first! I'm salivating over the Vermont reviews, wish I was there!

I'm heading out to the show soon. I'll have a few extra's if anyone is in need. Feel free to give me a ring 1-334-221-4838. Seats listed in previous post.

GentlBen, Did you get my e-mail?

Peace

I'm holding 2 tickets for Ben. Down to 1. I will be around will call @ about 6:00.

In for a treat 2 night...

anyone driving up from philly, I know its probably too late, but I just lost my ride, email me if youve got room for me and my friend, just two heads caught an hour away from the show. diforman@sas.upenn.edu

WOW!!! After last night's show I am jumping out of my skin and cant wait to see what the boys have in store for us tonight...
aside from the shooting stars theme (night of 1000 stars, dark star) , they havent done helpslipfrank, terrapin, or the eleven since the first show.......oh man i cant wait....see you all there!!!

Set 1

Jam>
Rainy Day Woman instru.
Watchtower>
TNK>
Passenger
Eyes>
No More Do I (new Hunter/Lesh tune)
Box

whew!

"No more Do I" - is that the tune they wrote on 9/11?

Please somebody shed some light on the new tune........Damn I wish I was there.

check out new Lyrics on the Official site!!

http://phillesh.net/philzonepages/friends_stuff/lyrics.html

Another Great show!!

Set 1
Jam>
Rainy Day Woman>
Watchtower>
Tomorrow Never Knows>
Passenger
Eyes>
No More Do I (new Hunter/Lesh)*>
Box

Set2:
Night of 1000 stars
Unbroken>
Other1 (v1)>
Wheel>
Other1 (v2)>
Help>
Slip
Golden Road

E: Franklins Tower>
Bid You Goodnite

* first time played

thanks Dewit & Lessthan for the list

click
for lyrics

beside for dem b*tches makin' me miss the rainy day & most of watchtower...the show was great...the lot was small but fun & the arena was mad chill...that endin' hath left i speeeeechlesh: help>slip!>golden rd! e-franklin's>bid ya gooooodniiiiiiiiight...& of course...nite of 1,000 stars...aaaah...after i returned home from the land where g(D)-zus was born...i saw the meteor shower...some ill stoooooff...6:20 am & i'm still up y'all...& i bid ya good morn good morn good mooooorn!

-dr bubbz & sheaf dawggy dawg!

To start with, arrive early, bring in bare essentials, and prepare to be fully searched in the cold, down to opening your cigarette packs and showing flashlight batteries. Please do not complain about the lines, it is their jobs to do this. Ladies, as much as I don't want to admit it, because it is ridiculous in its connotation, you will not have lines, because there are just fewer of you-the crowd last night was about 75% over the age of 30, and given that it was a huge college rivalry weekend between Lehigh and Lafeyette this was weird. Thought the acoustics would be reminiscent of Asbury, so far off...sound was great. Venue staff, very kind and relaxed..we would go back in a heartbeat.

There isn't alot you can say to describe a perfect show. The last show I saw was Hershey (stop laughing LT), and that was a perfect show. The opening jam never set anything forth, a little of this, some of that...into Rainy Day Women Jam/Instrumental which is always a kick, and it was pretty clean. The Watchtower leading into Tomorrow Never Knows, really quite incredible. This show didn't have any strange bunny paths to follow, it was pretty full on, so I cannot provide any "color" to give it any depth, but, hey...then what to my wandering ears should they hear, two of my all time faves back to back, Passenger, Eyes. Eyes is, what, one of those tunes you either have great passion for, or...Rob has great passion for it, and the keys are extraordinary, and I can barely listen to a Dead version anymore, something about the way Phil sings this. The next tune, Aron, Tom and I just said CSN...what is the name of it. Sort of misleading, since Warren sang it, but, folks you have to hear this tune. It is beautiful...and last night there was this amazing killer guitar solo about 2/3rds thru it...blew us away. The rumours running rampant that this was the tune they ended up working on September 11. Given the theme running through the first set, this is entirely feasible. Box of Rain...I am unable to write what I heard, and when a set is so perfect, how do you embellish anything, it isn't possible.

Set II: Well, Jam, yes, again, not spacey, not anything, weird bits of Rider, I had heard bits of 1000 Stars all night...second set opener. I love this song, and this version was as good as any I have heard. Some night they are going to tweak this pup by accident, and then it is going to be "one of them", but meanwhile, I still love it. Cold stop...then Phil says into the mic, we play this softly, you listen Loudly, into Unbroken Chain. Those of you at Hershey, remember the lasers...anyway, a great song, done really really well going into the Other One, which Was a great Other One, but I cop to going out and smoking a butt and chatting with Dear Abby, (my spiritual advisor, for a bit) into the Wheel which, in retrospect was really quite powerful...I was still just outside checking out this guy, who I guess you would call a hall dancer, although...and this older woman scooping ice cream while she to checked him out, all the while shaking her head...me too. Back into the Other One...I hung up the phone, went back to my seat (thanks GDTS...) and Help...Slipknot...(Hi Farmer, how ya doing?). Incredible versions by the way, not that this isn't always a great little surprise no matter how many times you hear it, but it was sort of snappy last night. Very short cold stop before Golden Road...what a kick in the butt that was and it was a killer version, no doubt. So, the encore, sort of a given, and yes, I will get slammed for this, the Franklin's encore in MY opinion was a better Franklin's than Hartford. Not the whole package, the Franklin's itself. Freaking great great thing...Bid You Goodnight.

Someone made the comment that the band was better than during the summer (how?), and I knew they weren't bullshitting...are they better, oh, yes, and the vocals and harmonies are astounding.

Two comments, before I go walk the dogs and regain what is left of the noodles in my brain. Phil came out and did comment on how they were on fire last night, that it was one of their personal great nights. I haven't had a show since 7.29, nor had Aron. Some of us need shows to fill up the holes in our souls...for different reasons we all needed a show last night, and this was our show. It goes down on the all-time fave list. Was it really that good? Yes, it was. On a humorous note, as Franklin's is winding down, and we aren't in the parking lot already, Aron says to me, "at least with the Dead you knew you could skip the encore". That about sums it up.

On another personal note...the red Explorer with the VA plates that say EXCLUSIV (you are everywhere, btw)- you completely stink for moving your car. What were you thinking? We couldn't find our cars for about 10 minutes. IF you have vanity plates, please do not move your cars after people have gone into a show...completely and totally unfair to be moving landmarks on us, especially at a Phil show.

B&A, so cool to actually talk in person and hang out, S.O'S, so nice to meet you, and who were you with? Would have bussed him right back. Please extend a thank you for his kind acknowledgement.

I've seen the dead since 87'.and last nights show is why i go to see live music.there is nothing finer than a show like that. words cant describe it phil is the man in my book. those guys rule and i hope to see them for years to come.thanks guys!

this was a sick ass show. it felt as if there was
a magical dreaminess all night in the playing. watchtower was sick, tomorrow never knows was insane, some sick ass jam with crazy lights.passenger was tight, eyes was beuatiful,i really enjoyed it alot. the new tune was pretty phat, had a cool rythm and sounded sweet. box of rain to close the set was philnominal. it seemed as if they played it with so much pride and love,you could feel the energy everywhere. second set opener, 1000 stars kicked mad ass, there was a meteorshower that night, and the song is just hype. oh my god the song that i have been awaiting to hear since i started seeing lesh. could not have been any better, just a magical moment in my night and life, sick sick sick. as if tis noght couldnt get any better they ust out the other one,very much powewr behind it high energy, into the wheel which was a tune for every one to chill out to and smile, back into the other one holy moly, jammin it out taking me places. now this show had classics and hype jams who knew what was in store, buckle your seatbelt help on the way, WOW, amazing they tore this shit up> slipknot sweetness keep on jammin. the golden road felt like every oe was a family singing along and dancin theyre faces of, blew my mind, loved it.
sick show couldnt have asked for more and even if i did it may not have gotten better, encore franklins, kinda expected it but wanted it cause ya gotta have the cap to the night, sick ass jammin, just sweet, bid you good night. before the encore phil mentioned only once in a great while do they have shows that magical and it was because of our energy. bid you good night was just incredible, the harmonies were amazing and it was just a perfect ending to a greta night. phil took me out of this world and put me in my place. hahahaha

I don't know why I spaced it before (haha), the lighting is the best we have ever seen-rainbows and these amazing images morphed with dancing bodies.

We got to Bethlehem around 6 o'clock and found a parking spot with no problem. Wandered over to the Shakedown area, which was small but mildly interesting. Bought a Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale off someone, and then headed over towards the arena to meet some friends. We heard the band finishing their soundcheck around 6:25, although we couldn't make out the tune. While still waiting for our friends to show we watched as they had the first group of tapers line up to go in. They made them open every bag, empty every pocket, etc. After a while our friends showed, we talked a bit and then headed in. I know security is just doing their job, but what a stupid policy they have at Stabler. Empty every pocket, and then get the most thorough pat-down I've ever experienced, I told the guy my wife doesn't touch me that closely. The security guy next to me made a joking comment about how come there's no smoking allowed but everybody has a lighter.

Once inside the venue staff was very friendly, it seems if you've passed their rigorous screening you are good to go. We found our seats and hung out waiting for the show to start. For a while we sat in the chairs they set up for the handicap section, just because there was more room. An usher came over and asked if we had any problems finding our seats, we pointed to where we were supposed to sit and said we were just taking advantage of the extra room until someone came for the seats. She smiled and said to enjoy ourselves. When I bought a bottle of water the woman told me she could give me a cup of ice if it wasn't cold enough and in any event to enjoy myself and the show.

First set opened with a nice little jam, then Molo banged the drums signalling the start of the Rainy Day Women jam. Hoping they would sing it, but instead more jamming and then Warren starts in on the Hendrix-style licks for Watchtower, which was powerful. Lots of intense jamming, then a meltdown into Tomorrow Never Knows, heavy psychedalia here. This led into a ripping Passenger, Warren and Rob belting it out and the guitars going nuts. A stop, and then Phil led the band into Eyes of the World. I can still listen to Dead versions, but Phil and Friends does a nice job on this one. This led into No More Do I, which was really nice. Great guitar solo in the middle of it made the tune for me. The Box of Rain was a surprise first set ender for me. Phil's vocals were a little ragged, but the song was sweetly played.

Some of our other friends showed up during the set break, which was cool. They were supposed to be sitting next to us and the ushers had sat them in the wrong section (in seats not as good as where we were sitting). We figured they had either scammed to the floor or been unduly hassled getting in, and were happy to see them. We all agreed it had been a first set and started making predictions for what was to come.

Opening jam into Night of a 1,000 Stars was nice, an appropriate tune to start things off. Then a stop, and Phil said something into the mike about playing softly and we got Unbroken Chain. Phil's voice still sounded hoarse to me, but the jam more than made up for it with intensity. Jimmy and Warren were on fire, and the crowd went nuts. A nice mellow jam followed that gradually picked up in intensity until Phil rumbled into The Other One, bombs dropping and energy bursting. Following teh first verse another jam emerged, with hints of I Know You Rider before moving into The Wheel. Lots of celebrating as the band worked through this one, the music taking us a little bit further. The wheel ended and Phil led us all back into the second verse of The Other One. Some nice stop-on-a-dime playing and vocal interchange at the end, and then, out of no where, Help On the Way.

I was extremely psyched for the Help, and the band was super tight. Rob singing strongly, the guitars working together, leading into a monster Slipknot!, the highlight of the show for me. The Slipknot! jam was a monster, with another I Know You Rider tease during it before working into the tight ensemble riffing at the end. Rob quickly moved from synth to organ and we got Golden Road, driving the crowd into an even higher frenzy. Warren's singing was dead on, the jams were smoking and suddenly the set was over, leaving us drained but wanting more.

While waiting for Phil to come back on my wife commented that the set seemed a little short (but very good). I said don't worry, they'll make it up to us, and I was right. Phil came out and commented on how hot he thought the show was, saying we (the audience) were responsible. He did the organ donor rap and introduced the band. He then counted out One, two three and we were into Franklin's Tower, which was out of this world. The solos were intense, the singing on the chorus full of energy, and you knew they wouldn't end it with this. Sure enough, as they wrapped up with the Slipknot riffs Phil gave hand signals to the band and we got And We Bid You Goodnight, the vocalists mixing their voices perfectly. Even though Phil's voice was hoarse all night he blended in well, and we all went home with a huge smile. Got home, caught a couple hours of sleep and then headed to a field near our house to watch the meteors for an hour or so.

Thank you Phil!

This was such an interesting little show...
One of these shows that you really need to
hear on tape just to hear the liitle things..
And one of those shows I think would be even
better on the second listen..
I need to back track starting with the second
set...
Phil delivered a pitch
on the 1st round of Other One, likes of which he has not
done in years...You could feel it in you chest..
The first round of Other one also had that nasty
ripping that Jerry would do circa 71 (sick)..
The wheel that followed was just sweet...No
other way to put it.. Jammey, harmonies nice!
Help>Slip>Golden Road...If you think it looks
good..Well it was better than that...Nice treat
on the "Help"...Didn't think I would hear it..
All the jamming alone in the second set was
what keeps me interested in this line up..
Freakin nuts...Those who bashed it as southern
rock? Sorry its my opinion, but from a musical
stand point you don't have a clue as to what your
talking about...There is so much included in
what these guys do its inspirational.
1st watch tower....Honesty, I don't want Bobby
sitting in with P&F during this tune...All
I can say is if you were there you know what
Im talking about..Those who weren't find a tape
an listen...Floored me...That was one tune
that I got sick of during the Dead and the few
Bob shows I have seen...P&F now owns this
tunes in my book..No disrespect to Bob's version,
just listen to a tape of this show and you will
understand. "Tomorrow Never Knows", John
Molo is the man, enough said...
This was just one little solid show....

Dewit you said its best in that this was my first
of tour...I work in NYC and needed this little
escape of the soul.. Hopefully I will run into
you and the other zoners at the beacon...
2nd that on crowd diversity...Its always funny
to watch the mix...The real youngins not sure
what to make of P&F and the older ones putting
on those long lost smiles of days of future past
so to speak...
Did this thing solo..End up meeting, some nice people..Kind of what it used to be, a recharging
of ones faith.
Im happy for this being a first show...It could
not have turned out to be any better of a pleasent little adventure.

Thank you Phil, Jimmy, John, Rob and Warren..
You guys never cease to amaze me...Its not what
you do..but how you do it and the care you
put into it...It has life, its has soul..
Looking forward to the Beacons in a Big way
now...

Wish I was heading to Maine..You folks enjoy!

what a show last night!!! i love walking out of a show like that and seeing all the smiling faces on the people as they leave! thank you phil. thanks for the bombs you dropped at the beginning of the other one. thanks for the unbroken chain, a song that ive been dreaming about ever since the tower shows in spring 2000. thanks for the help>slipknot that put my body in motion. thanks for the unending, perfectly executed franklins. and thanks for wishing us all the best with we bid you goodnight. nothin left to do but smile. ill see everyone at the beacon!!! peace, love and unlimited devotion,
mike

whole show was pure rock-n-f'n-roll...they jammed so hard last nite...during passenger & that slip!>golden rd! they jus'straight up rocked da house...especially with that rider at the end of slip! UNBROKEN CHAIN!!!!! yeah, i was at the 1st unbroken at the rectum & at the 3rd nite of the tower too & have heard phil wail it a quite many few times...great shows then, great show now...

"listenin' for the secret
searchin' for the sound
but i can only hear the preacher
& the bayin' of his hounds!!!"

thanx phil...bye y'all!

My girl and I got to meet WARREN, JIMMY, and MOLO last night at Stabler!!!!They are the nicest guys! We love them! Enough said!

WOW! What a show. best p&f ive seen so far. the second set blew away the first. does anybody know where i can get a cdr of the show? email me or just post if you do thanks.

wiggs, give it a couple weeks and then come back to this site looking for it (in the tape trading section)

I was at this show and yes it was hot. First set didn't really impress me to much. Rainy Day and Watchtower were fun and TNK had some very trippy moments. They were teasing it for a while and I thought they abandoned it all together, but it came back around. Passenger rocked (but I think I heard this one enough for a while...) Eyes was great (although not the best I've heard) and No More Do I was sweet. It made a really good first impression on me. Box is always a treat, even if played mediocre.

Night of 1000 stars was expected (but where's the Dark Star?) and they had teases and jams of it all night. I liked that a lot.
What can I say about the rest of this set? They had Phils bass cranked WAY up in the mix. Other One was different. Some parts of the jam seemed almost "phishy".
Bid you goodnight was the best version I've ever heard live, and is only beaten on tape by the old dead ones.

Wow...just coming too after a night of 1000..well at least 100 stars....stayed up to watch meteors but never saw the 100's a minute they promised...anyone at least slightly dis's about the great hype but slow meteor show...
anyway, great show, I'ma n ol head that saw P&F w/ Dylan, then saw a Beacon show, and felt this band IS special...some moments that are as good and sometimes better than the BOYS....1st set Tomorrow....incredible...could swear there was more than one drummer ( Molo is phenom..)..Passenger with PUNCH ( was this a ROCK band ?! )....Eyes with a purpose, new tune with passion and a nice BOX to bring us round...
Looking at setlists you could BET on Night of 1000, was sure of a Dark...teased but never happened.....jammin with ears and pheelin'...what was that Wheel...did it stop a few times with Wheeeel isss turnninnn andddd you can'ttt slooooooowww it downnn...is this a reg version these days or was I zoned ? Help>Slip inceredible...cold stop to Golden Rd was harsh but Golden was great,,m tons of enerfy and the crowd was jukin's big time. E: Frankin's...thanx, I needed the closure for Help>Slip. I bid them Goodnight...I'l pay to see these guys as long as they continue to do this...forget other ones?RatFuck and others, THIS band smokes and for an ol fart, heres my Dhead......see ya at beacon for at least 2 mo'

Dewit, I was wondering exactly what you meant by the comment "I was still just outside checking out this guy, who I guess you would call a hall dancer, although...and this older woman scooping ice cream while she to checked him out, all the while shaking her head...me too"

That might have been me...

what can I say except WOW!! what a show. the phans knew and so did phil. the other one was great. phil dropping more bombs in bethlehem, than the forces dropping in afganistan. If anyone could help me get a copy of this show please email me.
Thanx phil

This is the GREATEST rock band on tour in the whole f'n world. Need proof ? Get a recording of this show. I' ve got all but the first 3 songs...got held up for a while outside waiting to be searched ! I swear I forgot all about that on about the 3rd note of Passenger! Fred & Jenny,
we love you guys, and we're glad we got to share this trip with you !
If the thunder don't get you (LESH),
Than the lightnin' will (HAYNES) !
THAT'S MY T-SHIRT IDEA!!!!!WADDYA THINK, PHIL ON THE FRONT, WARREN ON THE BACK ?

& JIMMY was on fire too...all 5 together are da f'n illest rock-n-f'n-roll band!!!

Crackin up-the guy I was referring to could not have danced his way through his own wedding, and he was damn close to having a heart attack, but he had this beatific smile on his face, and he was irresistable to gaze at, with Candace' light show spiraling magenta against that big old flag. Some things you never forget.

No secret I love this band...worship them, and go see them far too much for a person my age, but I have to question a comment above? Why did whoever say it think Phil's voice was hoarse? Not from where we were. Sorry the first set disappointed some, rocked me back into that Jones Beach mentality, which we know, for a basically straight person is very very dangerous territory. Eleven more to go.

ACES!!!!

WELL...JIMMY CAN BE WIND, AND ROB CAN BE RAIN...WHAT CAN MOLO BE>>>>>>>>>>?????
A FREAKIN'(PHREAKIN')TORNADO OR WHAT???
MY LAST SHOW WAS CAMDEN IN THE SUMMER AND I DON'T THINK PHIL SANG BUT MAYBE 2 SONGS...HIS VOICE WAS JUST FINE LAST NIGHT, SO WAS HIS BOMB DROPPER!!!!

been a while since I've been over to this side ; )

just wanted to pop in to say WHAT AN INCREDIBLE SHOW last night was! Definitely the best PLQ show I've seen yet!!!

I posted a review over on DNC. Anyone who wants to read it can do so here:

http://www.deadnetcentral.com/WebX?14@@.ee82e01/4023

darn - it didn't make the entire link live. you can still get to the post with the message by copying and pasting the entire link into a new browser...sorry for the inconvenience!

Hey Dewit - I thought we got a show on Friday in Vermont (and we really did), but it looks like y'all who got to Bethlehem got the real deal.

>No secret I love this band...worship them, and go see them far too much for a person my age

Using the age excuse - that's why I'm not in Lewiston tonight. What are we gonna miss there after two hot nights in a row from Phil?
I know, the Dark Star I keep missing.

Glad you had a great show. I'm trying to talk Brian K. into coming down to NYC (I use to live in Brooklyn and it would be fun to be back in the real Shakedown again) for a Beacon show or two...who knows...we may meet there...I'll bet he really wants to go to the special show w/ Bobby
so he can druel all night !

Most agree that Stabler rocked, but I'm somewhat surprised little was mentioned of that smokin' Passenger. Molo was an animal! I've only seen a few Phil shows this year, and they were all a bit different, but Stabler is right up there.

Ok, I just want to say, I wasn't disappointed in the first set. I merely mean from the standpoint of other Phil show's I've been to. It did, of course, impress the hell out of me.
Wrong choice of words there.

Paul R, I have seen a shitload of shows, with 13 more to go this year, and I can unequivably say, Stabler is in the top ten book with Hartford, PNC, Jones, Hershey, Asbury, Roseland, Red Rocks, etc. And the Passenger kicked cowboy ass, but it's my favorite song, and there are only so many ways I can describe it without getting kicked by above mentioned cowboy. Let's face it - it is balls out testosterone based rock and roll, at its finest. It does not, and never will be anything else ever again.

People ask me why I don't listen to the Dead anymore. My reason is simple, because, the music is no longer compromised, it is revered. Phil does it on his own level, and that level is far superior to any band, before, during, and I fear after. The fact that they are their only competition; doesn't that rejuvenate your soul, and make you appreciate all the more, that Phil wants to give this to us, and constantly and consistently take you and the music to higher and higher levels?

I see a show, especially the beginning of the tours for me, and I am stupified every time that they are 50% better. By the end of my leg of the tour my brain is mush, I do things radically unlike me, and I am nice. Mostly, I know I am at a new level. I walk out of a show, and my life appears before me with such clarity. Where else can you get that?

Back to Passenger. It is not unlilke incredible sex during a thunderstorm.

Carl, you never really miss it, if you aren't there. I get bummed when I see a setlist that completely turns me on, and I get the discs, and, oh well. Lehigh will make great discs, and you will love them, but each show has its own vibe, so the show you saw is going to be your Stabler. BTW, the setlist rocked from Burlington and Tom gave me the lowdown last night. For that matter, Lewiston had a pretty hot setlist too.

Carl, one thing I will say, I may be old, but I know what I need. Comes a Time when senility is actually a good thing. You forget you have a life and you hit a few shows, and voila, you are young again.

Given the company you appear to have kept in Burlington, not a wonder you are feeling a little older. Those are the consequences for being a Philzoner. See what you got yourself into? Don't blame me.

I blame no one.
I will face the consequences of being a philzoner.
I yi yi yi yi..........

To address a question from above:

>Why did whoever say it think Phil's voice was hoarse? Not from where we were.

From where I was sitting (and I'm the one who wrote the original comment), Phil's voice was not as strong as it's been at other shows. There wasn't any real power to it. When you get the tapes or CDs listen carefully, you'll hear that his voice was weak. That by no means made me not enjoy the show, I don't go for the vocals anyway but the playing. And Phil's playing was right on, as was the rest of the band.

Well this is a late review I know but sometimes the head needs to be set down in a cool dry place for a bit to settle and develop before using it again. This is one of those times.

Lehigh was my first stop this tour and I went wondering what kind of show we would get. Traditionally the odd leg out is a great show and this was no exception. I don’t know weather it is to reward the folks who made the trip so far away from the nucleus of the tour or because this show was the only show 90% of the southeast would get to see, but it was a doozy.

This night I went in with only a few drinks in my system and with no alcohol being served I was quickly completely sober and when the music started I was unbelievably high in minutes. My seats were Midway back, Rob’s side, on the aisle. No usher security so the aisle was totally full of bodies dancing and standing.

Band opened with a Rainy day jam that no one mentioned in his or her reviews and I can only imagine it was a nod toward no alcohol being served.

Watchtower>TNK>passenger all gave me a strong 9-11 vibe. The songs were punctuated and very strong.

Watchtower was standard but TKN was OUTSTANDING. Very well done (and very well lit..[Nodding to Candace]) again lights and music punctuating several lyrical stanzas
“And ignorance and hate mourn the dead
It is believing, it is believing”

Passenger again made me think of the lyrics of the song and not the music, which I never do. Dewit you said balls out rock and roll….well it made me take hold of my wife and tell her how much I loved her just to make sure she knows.

“Could you imagine
One summer day
That same night
Be on your way”

Eyes kind of threw me for a loop. Bright and sunny in the midst of all these dark lyrics. Very hard to dance and think at the same time I have found.

Then the new tune. Definitely need to hear this again. My wife has taken an immediate shine to it and I will reserve judgment until it gets fleshed out a little. I will say the basic structure is there with a large popping crescendo but as with any new tune it needs to just find its way. Definitely well constructed verse/chorus pattern.
This was the tune they wrote on 9-11 right????

Then Box of Rain.

Set break Dewit graced us with her presence as I refused to fight the crowds. I will spare you a review of our conversation except to say light and cheery with moments of deep sparkle. Great sounding board that one is.

I couldn’t decide if it was gonna be “I hope and pray this wish you grant
From one man’s heart to a falling star
We always remember who we are” or “Nightfall of diamonds” that was going to honor the leonids and it turned out to be 1000 stars. How shall I say…buckle up Bessie the doors just fell off. They were concentrating on the music you could tell.

Phil stated, “This is where we play quiet and you listen real loud”
My wife thinks he also dedicated it but I heard not.

After the sweetness of the outro of Unbroken came the pleasant jolt of The Other One. Like a chocolate covered coffee bean it jolted us with the galloping bass intro that I never get when I look for it but always surprises me, to my delight.

Wheel in the middle, along with the Unbroken seemed a big nod to the odd leg out theory. Expected the wheel but didn’t suspect the unbroken as well. Definitely felt as if Phil was making sure it was worthwhile for all the heads that made the journey.

Back into Other One with thoughts of Kesey. All this darkness or remembrance soon left me with a super tight closing “in a circle” then one Mississippi..two Mississippi..Ba-nant-baaaaa..Ba-nant-baaaaa Paradise waaaaaaaaaits…..

{Yes this music has healing powers that are recognized by the AMA and there is no truth to the rumor it is being considered becoming prescription only due its addictive nature)

Bright but not sunny, crisp of fall theater sound (which was really dialed in at the start of second set, sounded very good. I didn’t see any nod to acoustics in the design of the room and yet they sounded GREAT. Which makes me wonder about the hum mentioned in Columbus. I definitely heard Phil using that feedback for one huge bomb in the wheel and at one other point maybe The Other One where it was used for four successful drops on beat and in time so I know it wasn’t just a grounding issue as previous suggested.
Huge bomb in the wheel of all places by the way. Really nice.

Back to the Help on the way. Slipknot was huge. Oddly the focus wasn’t the twisty turny roller coaster ride but rather the spaces between that drove this song for me. Real real nice bounce to this. Strong coalescence points for the downbeats and really just superb.

Threw everyone for a loop with the golden road closer but how can you not dance to this my all time favorite song that I thought I would never ever hear and now can hear quite regularly. [Another under the breath thank you being muttered at this time]

“Well, lie down smokin', honey; have yourself a ball”

Encore of Franklin’s was sending heads home wrapped in a cocoon of protection from the elements of darkness. But for me the night was sealed with a collective reach inside ourselves for a rousing gospel version of “and we bid you goodnight” Warren has more soul in his little finger…

Walked outta that place stunned. Felt like I was on cloud nine.

Bus of course has no heat so wrapped in blankets we drove a friends home in northern Baltimore County to celebrate the wonder of nature, flat on our backs, eyes full of wonder, ears ringing, and head full of tunes and memory photos of the nights festivities.


{this review sponsered by the society to prevent lost souls}

I confirm the fish vibe to but I have only heard one or to Phish songs so the visual for me was fish not phish.

and on the subject crowd looked 75 % old school with the lights on
no troubles in my section of the lot
pretty respectful crowd all around for my little area inside and outside

only saw 2 tanks
one I asked to move and they promptly shut down and the other put out one ballon every 10 minutes so I really can't ask for much better than that.
not one incident to step on my experience. great feel to the lot.

EDIT
upon closer inspection the Ba-nant-baaaaa's in the above posts should have been
Ba-nant-BaNaaaaaaa's

please accept the managements apologies

>I confirm the fish vibe to but I have only heard one or to Phish songs so the visual for me was fish not phish.


Phish vibe? Not even close...But I think it
depends on who you where sitting around...
Had none of that myself...If anything had
the opposite..Ran into mostly heads...
From where I sat it was a pleasent mix
of old and new...Fun to observe...

I refer to the Kwizatz Haderach's post

>snip
Other One was different. Some parts of the jam seemed almost "phishy".
>snip

And said that I had a F-I-S-H vibe during that song. specifically the jam made me think of a F-I-S-H swimming through the music. And as soon as I thought it I laughed and made the connection to PHISH.

No musical comparison on my part, as I have no reference point.

Three times each century Mother Earth crosses an especially dense dust stream of the Tempel-Tuttle Comet resulting in a spectacular shower display of the Lenoid meteors. PLQ undoubtedly were inspired by this galactic rarity. Thursday, as I count my blessings with family and turkey, I will be sure to send many cosmic thanks to our musical heroes for their Saturday “Night of 1000 Stars” masterpiece, a gem that I believe (and hope) Phil will release as a soundboard. My mind, body and spirits are still soaring.. With plans on attending only one show this run. I never imagined encountering such explosive nova-like energy. Talk about counting your lucky stars….

Last Thursday morning my lifelong buddy and fellow Phan, Ed experienced life’s bitter side as his little sister Cindy finally succumbed to a 20-year bout with the horrible and painful Lupus disease. With poor beautiful Cindy’s funeral slated for Sunday Ed, felt it best to surrender his ticket in order to be with his family on Saturday night. With Cindy’s loving memory in mind, LG, Hoff and myself made our way to Lehigh Univeristy’s 5000 seat Stabler Arena.

Aside from the initial crunching jam of entering Stabler due to overzealous security and and an under supply of bottled water, everything else about the venue was perfect; first and foremost the acoustics. This had to be the clearest sound quality I’ve ever heard. The band had extra speakers on the floor, which must have caused the intense chest thumping and trembling sensation as Phil launched an out and out bass assault on the faithful. It was truly the night of 1000 bombs. The floor wristband system made for easy reentry and best of all kept the people from the surrounding seats from storming the floor.

Shortly after entering the floor, we made our way to about ten yards from center stage where Wil, Frank and Duck were waiting. A cute young female art student joined us for the first set…giving the single Duckster someone to waddle with. With the 6 of us situated perfectly, the light dimmed and the boys took the stage.

The boys looked happy but focused as they took their positions. Warren was wearing his typical black tee and pants (sound familiar), Rob had a blue-green tie-dye with a treelike central design, but Sat nights’ fashion statement belonged to Molo. He was decked out in what I will call “Kabul chic”. He had this Indian print top and his head was graced with this Afghan looking winter hat. Shortly after breaking his first sweat he lost the hat and shortly thereafter the shirt as well.

One more note before I go into my song-by-song review…The last time I saw PLQ was the 8-3 Raleigh show and I’m guessing Candice was taking notes on the ABB stage set which includes a nice background movie. Behind and above Molo was a round projection screen that she used quite effectively to display poignant images during the music, which in conjunction with her superior lighting, made for an exceptional visual display.

Next I will post my song by song review....

Set One
Opening jam –melodic noodlings that started to sound like a Cosmic Charlie lead-in but instead it developed into a Rainy Day Women Jam. It really set the tone for a festive evening. LG was thrilled, RDW is one of his favorite aspects of the 4-20-01 show. I loved screaming the “everybody must get stoned part” Duck and the art student were shaking it and this dude in front of me started what I believed could never last throughout the show. He was dancing frenetically in sync to every beat and every note the band treated us to. He was doing this circular thing with his arms curling them around his head and back as he danced, It was like he was a rag doll plugged into the music. He was quite good at it. Everyone wanted what he was smoking or taking. He and the rest of us really took off when the band segued into Watchtower

I saw Phil do Watchtower in Camden this summer. It was an unusually long version, but it stumbled and was somewhat boring on 7-28-01, but this one…….WOW.
It was long tight, explosive and WILD. The song rocked big time….then slowed down then rocked again. Warren was electric on this, singing and taking most of the chilling guitar leads. Also this was the beginning of the evening’s bass odyssey Phil rocked our souls with. The bombs were dropping, Molo was cooking and everyone was dancing hard, but .not as hard as the Ragdoll. Watchtower was a definite show highlight.

After a few Tears of a Clown teases, it was time to get into space as the boys spun Watchtower into a Jam that lead into a soulful and textured Tomorrow Never Knows. I I’m proud to say I was the first one around us to call it as I heard some of the notes during the pre-jam. TNK was highlighted by the eye-like images swirling on Candace’s screen.

As TNK wound down, the wailing guitar notes of Passenger rang out and the faithful were up and boogying again to a tight, clear and highly charged version. Great and powerful vocals on this. After the last verse, the boys stopped playing for the first time to a thunderous show of applause and support from the very grateful crowd. I still can feel how charged we all were at that moment. We knew we were in the presence of greatness.

Just when you thought it was time for a little letdown…Eyes of The World.
Talk about spirits soaring higher. I looked over at Hoff and he was in dance fever.
Jimmy and Warren traded leads on this. It’s truly amazing how flowing Jimmy’s fingers are. Eyes took the energy into such a sweet spot for all of us. Candace’s cloud screen projections and dissolves made this visually special as well. I remember looking up and talking to the recently departed Cindy……letting her know that she was now the eyes of the world.

After a nice jam, Warren stepped up and started singing a new song. After the show, I peaked at a setlist someone caught from Warrens Roadie. I learned the song was called called “No More Do I”. As we now know, it’s written by Phil and Robert Hunter. As the intial lyrics stated “Let me live in Yon Blue Heaven When I die when I die” I was a amazed how I was just looking up and talking to Cindy the previous song….how could Phil have known?

The jam from “No More Do I” was sensational! Jimmy and Warren raised the level many notches. The boys really sold the new one well!

Then I heard what I thought could be Box, but I said no, it’s probably Celebration, but it was Box, What a TREAT! Usually Phil belts out the lyrics to this one but on this night he sung it soulfully and sweetly. It’s easy to take a personal loss and tie Dead/Hunter lyrics to it. After all, most all their songs touch upon life and death themes. In death….God gave Cindy her Box of Rain to ease the pain…and now love to see her through.

After the first set ended, with hugs on stage, I could have gone home satisfied having been witness and part of an unbelievable show,.but we still had a whole second set left…yahoo!


I’ll post my second set review a little later

I'm pretty sure it was during the other one, but the one jam had a repetitive bass riff, while the guitars seemed to slowly change around it. Something you don't hear Phil do too much, is sit on one riff. Made the jam sound different than what I'm used to when hearing dead music. And that jam seemed kind of jerky, which made me think phishy. By no way did I mean this as an insult, although it may have sounded like one. It reminded me of old school phish and not that lame pseudo rave techno crap.

Set two

As cool Big Band Music played in the background a happy crowd prepared for the second set that just couldn’t possibly get any better than the first.

We all knew ONE song that would be played this evening and PLQ kept us from waiting any longer as Night of 1000 stars unfolded to begin set two. Out of all the wonderful songs and jams of the evening, this is the song that I can’t stop humming. It was the nights’ theme song and it was delivered with perfection…on this night , on this night... on this NIGHT of 1000 stars!

The band stopped after this and Phil said into his mic ”Now it’s time for us to play soft and you to listen hard” and Rob's beautiful piano lead to Unbroken Chain left us all hugging and filled with such joy…...CINDY, we are all here for you! We will never brake the chain! It’s my favorite Phil song, so needless to say I was in heaven. Again Phil sung soft and sweet. The jams were perfect and the end was so very sweet….we then went from sweet to POWER…..

As the O-1 exploded into the show. More bombs were dropped on us during this song than the Taliban have been eating in a weeks’ time…. Sheer power. ….and YES the Ragdoll was up and convulsing at such a frantic pace it looked like he was attached to high-tension lines. Hell,we all were. Then the perfect change of pace into…

The Wheel, which was highlighted by magnificent round dissolving cosmic images on the screen. First an astrology wheel, then a sun with a face, then the face enlarges, then its a circle, then a planet surrounded by layers and layers of textured universes, then a pond with figures fishing around it….totally cool and all so relevant and moving.

The Wheel dissolved into a wonderful Jam highlighted by Jimmy’s flowing fingers. It was one of those fast tempo rocking jams that kept building and building and could have easily worked its way into Rider. I am calling this jam “Meteor Shower Jam” as it reminded me of our excitement at seeing shooting stars streak across the cosmos. As Phil dropped more bombs the jam worked its way back into the rousing Other One with the final two verses delivered by Phil with punch . Then it wound down and as if it was segueing into Cryptical. At the precise moment that it could have, we were treated to IMO the most exciting chords in the Dead’s songbook that signal the start of…. Help on the Way

LG has been to many Phil shows and had yet to witness a Help-Slip Franklin’s by the PLQ. It also happens to be his favorite. The look on his face as these chords were paid was priceless.

After Rob sang the apra pos “Paradise Waits” opening lyric and the rest of Help, the Slipknot that ensued was awesome. Jimmy led the way with Warren right behind treating us to a sensational over-the-top version. Sheer musical bliss for all. And yes, the Electric Ragdoll was plugged into every beat, every note. During Slipknot, the screen was showing images of a curly haired dancer that looked to us like Cindy. What more can I say.

At the point that we were expecting the finishing Franklin’s, Golden Road to Unlimited Devotion blew the roof off Stabler. Everyone was dancing a ring around the sun. It was wild.

With my ears ringing and my chest pounding the music finally stopped.

Stabler has a strict no smoking policy and I saw many lighters confiscated at the door, but when the boys left the stage I noticed thousands that slipped though the security searches. As we all cheered, thousands of lights were clicked as we awaited the encore.

Phil came out and said that the band was ON FIRE tonight. He was so blown away by the evenings music that he actually forgot what to say next. I remembered me screaming out “donor rap Phil, donor Rap” He then did his usual thing as well as thank the audience for the energy received that evening, which he always does, but this time I knew for sure he meant it.

A side note: I think Phil indeed has lost weight. I hope he’s ok. I think he should go out eating more with Warren (and his Roadie). A little southern fried food could put some meet on those bones.

Lastly the Encore:
Phil wasted no time getting into Franklin’s to finish the trilogy. It was rocking as Franklin’s always is and we were bombed at the end. Then, .a treat…. a beautiful And We Bid You Goodnight. A perfectly executed and harmonized version if there ever was one. So soulful and so moving and the perfect way for us all to say farewell to each other on that unforgettable Night of 1000 stars. …

Cindy Haas…. We indeed bid YOU goodnight as you rest in eternal peace.

Hey Al white....where were you sitting at the stabler show?

Centered on the floor around 10 yards from the stage. Why do you ask?

Is it just me, or was last tour a better light show? I miss Candace's back-wall lighting, which was manual and computer oriented, and a match to the music. The projections are fair at best, and the stacks of speakers that flew from the ceiling blocked a good view to many folks in prime tier-seats. When Candace had the back-wall, she was very creative and used lots of cooll colors. It made for a nice backdrop behind the band ( these pics are readily seen in this philzone.com archives). Maybe if the screen (scrim ) was larger, like a movie-theater screen, she could have expanded more.

Lest I forget, the Stabler show ranks in my peronal "top 3 " P+F shows ! Maybe a close tie for #1 !! The quintet just keeps getting better, and the sound they make is beyond joyous!The new Hunter/Lesh tune , "No More Do I", is amazing; almost another "1,000 Stars" level of energy. I am totally lookig forward to NYC!

I have to disagree with the lighting comments. I thought they were just as cool as can be, especially during Tomorrow Never Knows and Unbroken Chain. Maybe my vantage point, but they actually held my interest.

i second that emotion! infact...i think the whole show was pertty damn good...especially the lights...not the mos' powerful light-show i've seen...but jus' the right amount of flavor to brighten up the great jams...first set i was on the railin' at the opposite end of the stage & the second set i was on rob's side up top & no matter where i was or anybody else was...it was a great show...END OF DA FUSSIN'...great time had...!!!EXCLAIMATION POINT!!!

Hey Al the reason I ask is because I was right next to you in front of barracco and I am the electric ragdoll that you speak of.....Great show!
I was definately getting off....thanks for the compliment.

Allright Christian! I'm honored to make your acquaintance. You are most welcome for the compliment. Thanks YOU for setting the pace down there and adding more texture to this classic show. Although I did loose a dollar to my friend LG betting him that you couldn't keep up your pace for the entire show. You certainly had it going on....all night long. It was our pleasure being behind you.

Howdy folks. I'm posting a copy of the review I placed on the trading list, I just got around to logging myself on over here (finally!).

One thing I'd have to add to this review; does anyone else recall Jimmy playing the melody of "Born Free" during the opening jam? It was very distinctive, my friends and I all heard it, and I thought that it was the perfect theme for this band. On with the review.

Hi all. Thought I'd share my thoughts on the show saturday night.

Stabler is a basketball court sized arena on the Lehigh U campus, seats about 5,000 but seemed smaller. Quiet in the lot before the show for the most part, but we went in at 6:40 to miss the crush. And it was already getting COLD! Apparently this was a good idea because some friends of mine that waited until 7:40 to get in barely made the 8:15 start. Also, I had to sell my extra floor ticket for $10, hope the guy had a great time! Tight security getting in but once inside it was very nice, they'd poke you if you were smoking but I didn't see anybody get hauled out all night.

We had GA on the floor. String Cheese had played here recently and apparently the crowd had caused a lot of problems, especially folks jumping down to the floor (they had the first 6 rows of seats folded up) so they had a tight arrangement for floor access. You had to give up your stub and you got a wrist band and an ultra violet stamp, only one point of access to the floor. This took a few minutes but once done it made getting in and out of the floor a breeze and made for a very comfortable scene once inside. We set up about 40 feet back from the stage, 15 feet in front of the board which was all the way at the back of the floor. The back of the floor never got crowded at all, and even where we were there was always plenty of empty room to move about and dance, very nice. If you really wanted to you could work your way through the crowd up to the stage without much trouble. The whole scene was very reminiscent of a Dead show circa '73-'77, which was one of the things I enjoyed about the night (and seeing this band in general).

If you've read the reviews over in the PhilZone you'll get the general idea of how this show went. I'm not as hot on the first set as most of those folks seem to be and will go as far to say that it was the worst set I've seen in 8 shows this year, but with this band that's completely relative, these guys can spoil you fast! Opening jam was loose and a bit unfocused and worked into the Rainy Day tease. I was glad they didn't actually play it, wasn't in that kind of mood, but it was one of those interesting twists this band is always throwing at you. Watchtower was hot, but it always is if you think about it and for some reason, despite it's classic status, it's never done a lot for me, even when the Dead did it. It just doesn't have a lot of open space to it and I always have trouble telling one version from the other, plus it's a number I've heard a lot. But it smoked, Warren wailed, and it was early so no problem.

This worked into a long jam that had Tomorrow Never Knows written all over it but they took a long time to actually get around to playing it and even had to work in a key modulation (well done BTW) after the basic rhythm had been laid down. Very psychedelic and well done but a bit early in the show for me personally. Also, the sound wasn't quite tuned in yet, Warren was loud, Jimmy needed to be turned up, and the bass was a bit muddy just in that area where Phil needs to be crisp to get the full effect. But again, minor complaints, so far so good.

This worked into Passenger which just ripped it up. Very powerful, as this tune usually is with this band, but again it was the 5th version since April for me so part of my mind was disappointed even though it tore up. Some nights the repeats bother you more then others, especially if you're not seeing a lot of shows (I'm also going to friday and saturday and the Beacon, but that's 2 weeks away!). They stopped after this, which I thought was a good move. Eyes started out very smooth, I hadn't heard this tune by this lineup yet so it was the first new song of the night for me. Well done, I can't say I was floored but it was very nice. Good jam into the new No More Do I which was the highlight of this set by a mile for me. In the DownBeat interview Phil mentions a new song that the guys in the band were complaining about because it had "like 57 chords" and a million modulations but that they thought "it would be nice to listen to." Well, if this was that tune they got that right. Scorching guitar leads, changes that kept you interested (this ain't Wave to the Wind folks), very very nice, can't wait to hear this one again. This segued into what I thought was going to be Celebration but turned out to be Box of Rain, a good set closer, well done as always but not the best I'd seen. Time for a rest. Long first set, very enjoyable but at this point all of my friends ( 5 other well traveled fans, we're all over 45) were in that "good but not great" space. Cutler didn't have the building tuned in yet and the jams had seemed a little out of focus. However, I had high hopes for the second set, the first had that feeling of getting everything set and ready to
go. The classic "set up" set.

Nice time during the break, got to go up into the seats and meet with some friends, the ones who waited to long to get into the show and so felt hassled by the security check and got to their seats just as the lights were going down. (Steve D, this was Veggie Dave who is always late and then always complains about it! Learn from experience is my motto). Line for water was way to long so I was going to have to hope for the water gods to help me out in the second set (they did, thanks!), back to the floor just as they hit the stage, ready for what I expected to be a really good set. More to come.

AND HOW!!!! Right from the get go the second set was another story all together. Blazing version of Night of a Thousand Stars, which fit the bill perfectly of course. Phil's bass was suddenly tight as a drum and you were getting vibrations up through your chest. Absolutely on fire! Stopped after that and fiddled for a while, kept counting off the next tune without starting it which eventually got as rise out of the crowd. This is where Phil says "It's like I was telling a friend of mine, this is the part where we play real quiet and you listen real loud", getting another rise out of the crowd before the first sweet notes of Unbroken Chain. Great great version with tear it up jams, just what you come for. This lead into a long jam that eventually became a thundering Other One with the power of 100 locomotives, just ripping it up with Phil dropping some of the biggest bombs I've ever heard, the sound was definitely right on the money at this point. Vibrations opening up every chakra! There were too many great points in this jam to even begin giving it justice in words, we were awestruck. This eventually worked its way into The Wheel, a very uptempo version with all of the regular great jams, super sweet. Long convoluted jam that worked it's way in steps back into the Other One, the final switch into the OO beat was just amazing, and more of the same. Second verse, wind things down, they do the ending that usually signals the return to Cryptical, you're thinking time for something just a little mellow and SLAM!, right into Help on the Way! One of my favorite songs and the best version I've heard yet, absolutely out of this world. This was the point of the show where it went from "Really great" to "Classic!". Another song here would have changed the feeling of the entire set. The energy coming off the stage was just spectacular, the Slipknot has to be heard to be believed. I couldn't believe how good the sound was by this point, every cymbal, every note, every touch on a drum was crystal clear and perfectly balanced. Herring could still use a tweak, Warren was WAILING!!!, but that was a minor observance in the BIG picture. Breathtaking in every way, one for the ages, and just as they're winding down Slipknot and you're thinking that they HAVE to do a slow song at this point (how much energy can these guys have?) they go right into the intro to Golden Road. Folks, I want to tell you that at this point there wasn't a person in that arena that wasn't five feet off the floor, dancing dervishes that couldn't stand still. Nigel Tufnul might have amps that go to 11, these guys have amps that go up to 12! The ending of GR was actually a bit sloppy, they slowed it down and then had to bring it back up for the "real" ending, but by this point it was obvious that these guys were spent and deservedly so. The Franklin's->WBYGN encore was well done (I was hoping for Angel Band, missed it by one night apparently) but the meat of the show had been consumed by this point and everybody was full. Once again, a jaw dropping experience with the best band on the planet. Short second set but jam packed with energy. Two hour drive back to home seemed like 20 minutes, the drive always seems easier after a great one, and then took in a few shooting stars before hitting the sack.

This was not a show with a lot of subtlety, but I have never seen or heard such an energetic and continuously powerful set as the second set on this night. The only thing that even approached mellow in the second set were the slow parts of Unbroken Chain. A friend of mine who always finds something to complain about even thought the second set was even a bit over the top but he admitted that had more to do with the mood he was in (mellow) as compared to what came off the stage (total in your face energy). This band has so many different faces and moods, you're always getting surprised and amazed. Can't wait for NYC.

BTW, Gregg Osby, a fantastic sax player who has played with Phil a few time, is playing at the Village Vanguard the week of the Phil shows, I know there's a 1:00 am show both friday the 30th and saturday the 1rst, (I guess technically that's Saturday and sunday but you get the drift) for those of you looking for something to do after the Beacon shows, wouldn't be surprised to see Phil in the crowd, he's a big fan. Later.

Tom Melvin

totally heard born free

Tom, others, thanks for an excellent reviews

Al, Christian thanks for the chuckle....its a small Zone after all...

judging by the set lists and the reviews, this looks like THE show of this tour so far, by a LONG shot... that second set - oh mama!

Yo I have been dancing like that since 87....I don't know what happened to me but I think it was the psychedelics..........Your friend shouldn't make such ill advised bets..I know I could at least go until a dark star or something that would chill me out. How come nobody is mentioning the Wharf Rat they played throughout the whole set??? I guess I was the only one that heard it..oh well.
Hey Al, by the way dancing like that does keep good looking women around ...I swear....we had two gorgeous girls( sisters by the way) hanging with us the entire show...A definate treat, they were very pretty and very cool. My buddy JW got their email and they said that we could get a copy of that show...knew a taper....we are supposed to hook up with them before the Beacon shows the end of this month. SEE YOU ALL AT THE FREAKIN BEACON!!!

THANK YOU PHILDADDY!!!!!!!!

Christian,
I'm not surprised what you say about the ladies.
You know what they say about the correlation between dancing and sexual prowess. Have a great time Ragdollin' at the Beacon.

Yes, I heard born free, although I had already forgotten about it!

Good shoe! Thank you, Phil Lesh and friends!

speaking of forgotten sounds

rob tinkled out the melody to it must have been the roses

no mistaking it
cant remember when tho

I say 1st set my wife thinks second

I don't think there's anything more that can be said about this show, I know that this Thanksgiving i will be giving extra props to Phil and the Boys for bringing myself and my wifr such pure joy. The only hting I do wanna say is about BOB DYLAN. Everyone knows they tour together, matter of fact the first time many of us got to see Phil was opening for dylan, for me it was Temple and again at Continental Airlines outside NYC, both awesome. But being from Philly We as well as many I imagine had to make a choice Saturday night, thank god the right one. Dylan was playing at the Spectrum in Philly and with a new album out and him performing songs it was a decision to make. Anyway my wife and I had discussed in detail whether Phil and Bob knew of this "competition". Then right out of the gates Rainy day Women right into Watchtower. Phil doesn't miss a trick, and I appreciate how he rewarded me for abandoning my bard to head out to the little town of bethlehem! BTW did anybody see the dhirt for sale with the dtatue of Liberty crying? it is really a beautiful shirt, on the back is the torch with the lightning bolt and "help on the way" scrolled on the top. I wonder if any proceeds are going to help out in NYC, but I also think that statement is sooo true, it is help on the way. NYC head will get a well deserved treat and those of us travelling to NYC will get to see things first hand, deal with them then get healed by this freiht train that is out of control and barrelling straight for broadway and 74th. PEAKIN AT THE BEACON...See you there!

Lehigh was my first P&F show and BLEW MY DOORS OFF! Inspired! Flawless!

By way of background, I had tried to hit 3 prior shows over the past 18 months, but the fates did not permit it. Then, out of the blue, my buddy Bill E from Philly calls on Wednesday before the show and asks if I was interested in going. Obviously, this was the one the gods wanted me to hit. Got will call ducats at the last minute and things were set.

Partied in the parking lot with some good people in a Winnebago, and then headed in. Met some friends inside and moved down a bit, then heard someone call my name. It was Mona, a good friend from Philly who used to live across the hall from us from 82-84. Mona & I had not hit a show together in some time, so it looked like the gods were definitely hard at work on this one.

As far as the show goes, suffice it to say I'm still vibing (although the glimmers did settle down by the next afternoon). Truth be told, I think this is the hottest live performance I've seen. After seeing the boys 50+ times, I was wondering if we were destined to tunes that paled in comparison to energy we saw in the 70's and early 80's. P&F put that thought to rest. I was impressed by the new nuances, jams, bombs, and extended vibes that really bring the tunes to life in a way that sends chills up your spine again and sends the spirit zooming off to the next level.

I'm really energized over this, and can't wait for my next show, whenever the gods permit.

In the meantime, as a newbie to the group, I would appreciate any suggestions on how I might get a tape or CD of the show. I've got some vintage material (2 bootleg Felt Forum 71 albums, Farewell to Winterland, for example) that I can either tape or burn to CD for trade, or to say thanks for helping.

Couple of final thoughts. The celestial fireworks afterward were just the perfect topper on the evening, and I think that some of the energy from that event was a part of the magic at Lehigh. Also, it appears I owe an apology to my buddy Norm: I kept telling him he was nuts when he said he heard "Born Free" during the intro jam.

Peace all.

Hey all,
AWESOME SHOW!! 'nuff said, cant wait for 12/3, if they can come within the same realm of being with Bobby on stage, watch out, Samson, we might have to tear that old building down on 74th and Broadway!!! Oh yeah, as for people wanting CD's of the show, just got the whole show in SHN's, flip an email, let this be for peoples reviews...until the Beacon, be good family!!
Matt

Matt

Count me in the door on the SHN's. You must be swimming in good karma to offer this one.

Scott

Bethlehem PA Saturday 11/17/01: Length: 85’/96’ Rating: 8.8 I had no idea this was a new Stabler Arena, having seen many non-GD related shows at the old Stabler in downtown Bethlehem while living with my parents near Jim Thorpe from 1977-1978. That was really a dank pit. The directions should have clued me in, as we were led past cornfields to the new athletic complex (what college doesn’t have one these days?). The football game was just letting out, so there were more tailgaters there for that than for the show. Approaching a group of cars I see people with cups, hear loud music, upon closer inspection the music is some kind of evil children’s Disneyesque music and they are all shaved head Hank Hill-esque mid-PA coal cracker normale’s. What a buzzkill! Once the sun went down and the lot filled with showgoers, we met up with many zoners and others from our CT home base. Had an awesome time roaming the lot, seeing friends, meeting people, despite being dragged down by the onset of the inevitable severe tour flu. I remember Corvette and Dan, Stan D. from Phila, Rick S, I’m sure there were more. Got in early as usual to find utter chaos – a bunch of tapers with no fenced off section! We asked security where to set up, and all they could say was "set up what?" Totally clueless. This chaos reigned for a few minutes as people started to set up and were shooed away repeatedly by security. This was very amusing to both Candace and John Cutler, who took time from their duties to watch the chaos. Finally, some head guy told us to set up in the first 3 rows of the seats behind, which sounded dubious as the sign said they were reserved for alunmi, but it worked out OK in the end. I got the first row center seats by pure luck as usual. When they ran out of room, they let the late tapers with crappy equipment set up even with the front of the board, 40’ in front of the seats, prompting some grumbling from the veterans. The show started out with a savagery rarely displayed by PLQ, and the whole show continued in this vein. Reminded me of 1984 GD, when shows were short but savage, kind of a scary thought actually. The short opening Rainy Day Woman jam led to a savage Watchtower that jammed into Tomorrow Never Knows. I was glad for a second version of this, even though I’d rather have it late in the second set, but beggars can’t be choosers. This led to an equally savage Passenger. After a pause came the new song we’d heard repeatedly at soundchecks, called No More Do I, sung by Warren. This wins enthusiastic early approval from me, as being dense and layered and difficult to digest, my kind of song, unliked by the prole masses, just like Midnight Train. Box completed this excellent first set. The second set continued the savagery. Here I must confess to seeing the setlist on the light board, but only from a distance, so I only made out a few songs. The Unbroken-Other One-Wheel-Other One was a long-anticipated segue. The playing was savage, but lacked good transition jamming. All the transitions were sudden, dramatic, and obvious. There were very few tricky, exploratory jams in this show. It was all about power and savagery. The Help on the Way was received appreciatively by the crowd and me, and hopes for a second Allah of the tour abounded. Unfortunately, the Slipknot was over before it even began to develop, and, in mid-80’s GD style, the set came to an abrupt end with Golden Road (I did appreciate this in place of Franklin’s). The obvious Franklin’s into Bid You Goodnight encore continued the power, and at least brought the show to respectable length, combined with a long first set. Time to hit the road for 4 hours, arrive home for 8 hours for sleep, get up and drive to Maine. I think this was also the first beer-free venue of the tour. Yay!

Long time friend and Deadhead Wil, informed me that I misquoted Phil on my above review. Now that I have the recording that Matt so kindly sent me, I’ve been able to verify that prior to Unbroken Chain, Phil told the audience “ I’m going to quote something a friend of mine once said: This is when we play quite and you listen loud.” Wil, you were obviously listening to Phil louder than I.

There hasn;t been a post on this in 4 years, BUT i LOVE this show, and i wanted to say again...THANK YOU Q FOR MAKING THIS NIGHT ONE OF THE MOST SPECIAL, MUSICAL NIGHTS IN MY LIFE!!!

2 years later!!!

BRING BACK THE Q!~!!!!

Eight and a half years later, came back to read some old reviews because the new ones with Furthur are so tepid compared to these. Glad we all got to experience this band, we knew it couldn't last.