Here comes SUNSHINE.......Can't wait for show tonight. Too much time since last Phil graced the Buckeye State with his presence.

LC Pavilion (Larry Campbell) !

I was at the LC box office a while ago. Sound check has went down. No word on what though. First dude in line say's he's there because he wants to be up with the party. 4 hours elary... duh. The lot across the street was starting to fill in.

Here's to Althea again. Let's boogie. :-)

Edit: And per radar check, no rain.

Any word on if there is a connection for setlist updates?

Gettin' excited and I'm not even in the same state!

Fired up and ready to go, indeed!

We're ready in CA, please update us!

Show's cancelled.

BIG storm in C-Town.
Lightning knocked out the PA.

Hope all the folks there are OK...

Wow. Hope everyone's cool. And hope they get a make up somewhere along the line!

Bummer.

the show is going to go on

Not tonight it's not.
Just spoke to a friend who's there.

Rescheduled date TBA.

i just spoke to a friend who was there drinking a beer in the lot waiting to go in.

Would u like to wager $5

i just called the place. the show is on..better call ur custie friend

LOL.

Just called the hippie chick.

Here Comes Sunshine opener??

Ya gotte figure the tinkle with the setlist on a night like this.

on it is... (((paf)))

happy tour for us all...

LLR opener...just a guess,,, wont happen though

anyone posting??????

on the chat room

chat room??

Columbus, OH 6/12/08 Set: Minglewood Blues> Jam> Doin' That Rag, Gone Wanderin', Direwolf, Mama Tried, Cumberland Blues

Levon Right before the storm:

Columbus, OH 6/12/08

Set 1:
Minglewood Blues> Jam>
Doin' That Rag
Gone Wanderin'
Direwolf
Mama Tried
Cumberland Blues>
Bertha

Bertha don't you come round here anymore, for the 2nd time

Bertha

Hey, there Taperrob!!!!

Welcome back!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the pics and list!!!

Passenger

St Stephen

TAPERRRROOOOOOB ROXXXX!!

Molitz looks scaled down...

Sugar Magnolia

some of Steves equipment was "wet" from the storm so they didnt use it

Jackie looks so hot in that wife beater, OMG ....lol, looks like he's been hitting the gym...any reports on the intensity , energy, crowd? subdued from the storm? was going to be there, but had to come back to Cali....say the possible show cancelation and was happen I didnt change my flight....but now that I see Jackie in the wife beater...wooooohoooooooooooo

Columbus, OH 6/12/08

Set 1:
Minglewood Blues> Jam>
Doin' That Rag
Gone Wanderin'
Direwolf
Mama Tried
Cumberland Blues>
Bertha

Set 2:
Passenger> Jam>
Don't Let The Devil Take Your Mind
High Time
St Stephen>
The Other One> Jam>
The Wheel> Jam>
Scarlet Begonias
Sugar
Magnolia
Donor Rap/Intros

enc: Cold Rain and Snow

Nice set.

Looks like there is some more hellacious weather awaiting in Chicago and Tennessee.

you know what i drove all the way from the east coast get rained the fucked on and get told by security that the show is cancelled and i leave to go to next show....... Two and a half hours later they come out and play a whole show. thats completely wrong and I am pretty much pissed off. Whoever is the cheap wad on this one give them a big hug and dude sayz im wiping my tears with a box of tampons.

Best post in years... thanks giggler!

Energy was great. After the never-ending delay, and one absolutely hellacious storm, they came out with scaled down equpment, crackle in the PA, and rocked out the joint. Great start to the tour, IMHO.

Phil invited everyone to Chicago to see what they can do with all their equipment.

He also said, "Shows what happens when you f*#& with mother nature."

St Stephen>The Other One> Jam>The Wheel> Jam>
Scarlet Begonias, Sugar Magnolia was too good for words. IMHO

P&F

fuckin fiyafighters................ static would pissed me the fuck off..... In chicago dry and high...... Amazing what a bunch of cheap fans wanting there money back would do to create a show like this.... I wonder what jerry's thinking right now

tough one Gigs......bummer.......sorry for your luck

actually i will be at iowa attending collecting money from people for the unbroken giggler foundation for those who lost money at the columbus ohio show.... as will be BVD.......

you know what catch a big one my phone got fried and wont work lost all my numbers.... you just gotta know when to hold and know and fold them and walk away........ New New minglewood was there and had a belly of a dancer with him (aka his girlfriend). Anybody wanna buy my extras its truly demoralizing.

giggler, I feel bad for ya. What a bummer. I heard a security person try to yell inside the bar that the show was cancelled, but nobody paid any attention. Maybe cuz we were already inside. I didn't see any evidence of people demanding their money back. (Not saying it didn't happen.) And the crackling wasn't that bad...just showed up a few times. Wasn't like it was constant or enough to ruin the sound. Just in a few spots. The worst thing was waiting like penned animals until they finally let us back in. I think it was an issue of trying to get equipment working well enough to do a show. I didn't see anyone leaving looking disappointed in the show. But again...sorry for your bad luck. That really sucks.

Wake Of The Flood Tour 2008.

wow! looks like a crazy show. i was looking at the other thread and thought it was only one set at first. positive vibes for giggler and similar situations! well, time to head home from work, wish i knew where to get dogfood at this hour.

Just got back, it was a long drive back to Indy. Left late this afternoon, got stuck in the hellacious rainstorm. It was not pretty. Thankfully the show wasn't cancelled. Good crowd, saw some people I met last fall in Chicago. The music was good, despite the intermittent snap, crackle and pop from the PA. Solid show tonight, good enough to make me wish I could go to Chicago. Nothing earth shattering, but well played. The second set in particular was good. There was a long, atypical jam coming out of "Passenger." The "St. Stephen" was a lot of fun, and the rest of the set was quite respectable. The rain related hassles aside, this was worth the 3 hour each way drive. Go Phil!!

I am stunned.

The boys pulled a gem out of some very difficult circumstances.

The show cooked with heat from the very start. The new treatment of Minglewood smoked, and the jam that followed was BIG! and the energy continued right thru That Rag (I shared an elevator ride with Molitz in the hotel and I didn't even realize it was him. I was talking about going to shows with him as if he was a head, but he was giving some funny answers. Later on I walk into the venue and there is my elevator buddy. If only I had realized that the whole fucking band was staying on my floor!!!)
Back to the show: Cumberland!!! Bertha closer - did they do the last verse twice, or did they restart the song because they forgot the last verse? recovering minds want to know)

Second set was brilliant. Passenger energy set the tone. High Time was smooth (and expected...we all spent much of the day on High Street here in Columbus). The second set centerpiece was literally thrilling: The Stephen gave way to an evil Other One, and then rolled into an enormous Wheel. The best part may have been the Scarlet Begonias, as Phil-bombs filled the air. The band stood aside and allowed their music to showcase our hero. Jackie led us out with a Sugar Mags. A word about Jackie: that boy is getting super-good. His leads are much sharper and more melodic. HE is starting(!) to sound like Larry Campbell, and Larry looks every bit the proud teacher watching his star pupil do a recital.

Cold Rain encore. Phil and Friends wrap their musical arms around our funny little family and give us all a group hug. I love you guys too.

How does a band play night after night, and still make every show seem like a special occassion?

Thanks Phil.
Thanks Cody.

How about Levon Helm? Any reviews? Set List?

Inquiring minds want to know! Also, someone please clarify the extra Bertha verse. Thanks~

Did they do the enema..enema..enema... part??

:--))

I agree with Giggler 100%. I didn't even bother mailordering for the whole tour and going on tour this year because of stuff like this. Since the quintet, the whole thing has changed, it reminds me of what happened to Phish in the end. It seems like its all about money, the last tour Phil used budget sound equipment and had a soundman that was definately not as good as the wiz. And speaking of the wiz, the taping policy at the Nokia was BS, just because some little Todd guy told him what he needed to hear, he splits the tapers section, impairing some of the best tapes that would have ever been pulled. Every first set of this last tour was literally the shortest 55-60 minute sets of my life. The whole tour was VERY weak, especially Kansas City, St. Louis, Boston BOTH nights, Santa Barbara, Baltimore, etc etc I could go on forever seriously. Chicago, Camden, NYC, Glens Falls and Santa Fe is the only thing that comes to mind as being fun the last tour. Phil gets the wiz in for the Nokia shows and rips all ten nights. Its almost like he HAD to or NYC would have boo'd them right on out. The sound in the Nokia was insane, like the old days. Phil still rips it himself, its not like the man's playing ability has degraded. He is still murdering it, but somehow it's not really clicking. I could almost tell you what they are going to play in Chicago tonight already since the band is on a 2 show song rotation. This band has had way too much time not to be playing at least 50% more material. I am one of the 2 or 3 people that do practically ALL of these shows until now and I figured I'd let the organization know how the couple devoted fans left feel because we have all discussed this. This Columbus situation is the icing on the cake, it's a sign of how things are now. I wish Trey could keep it together enough to make this happen because I don't see this particular band doing much. I understand Phil is getting old but I feel like he's slowly trying to ween us off. I'll be at a few of these shows, lets hope its not Ball and Chain > Bertha > Gone Wandering every other night. And as far as the driving, it's pretty obvious the tour isn't designed anymore for people to drive from show to show seeming some of the drives are impossible unless you drink cocaine water all night. It's really getting old Phil, I love you and respect you but like Giggler and Dude, I'm wiping my eyes with a box of tampons too. Trey is already making his comeback, hopefully he can carry the torch because as far as I'm concerned the storm at the show in Columbus blew the last spark out. Lets hope Phil puts Trey in at the Rothbury and show everyone whatsup. I'm just tired of all the BS, I've invested my life into this and it doesn't seem like its being taken seriously anymore.

Mike,

How sad for you?

and another seat on the bus opens up, sorry to see ya go.

PS. All I asked for was a signed barfbag and it was like pulling teeth, I'm sure you remember me now if you are reading this Phil. Trey signed the barfbag without hesitation, it was actually his idea. I think you should give your last couple of real fans a little more repsect than you do. I'm tired of seeing little girls with backstage passes from Steve Molitz (aka Baby Jesus aka Kenny Loggins) running around, that guy makes me sick and so does the amount of respect you guys give to groupies. I'm sure Molitz would love to sign some barfbags for some girls and help them all join the mile high club at the same time. Ever heard of the shocker?

I was told by three different employees, not including the one yelling in the bar as mentioned earlier, that the show was canceled and would be rescheduled, soaking wet and fighting and being pushed around in the over packed bar I left. I was mad and dissapointed only to get home and see the show actually went on. PISSED is the only way to discribe how I'm feeling right now. I called the venue and they appoligized and said they were getting similar calls all morning. They said they couldn't refund the ticket but would be making it up in another yet to be determined way, whatever that means. This was probably going to be the only show I was going to be able to catch this tour and it basically sucks.

"Mike"... I do sympathize with you regarding last night's situation, but I'd "invest my life" in something else soon.

It's just a rock band, phriend.

Just got home from c-bus. I am so sad to read all of these comments from folks who got sent home. I'd be steaming as well. I think the truth is that the band worked very hard to get the thing going and that the whole "cancelled" thing was probably from some genius who overheard talk about possibly cancelling and spread it like it was a done deal to the other security folks. Once that word was out, the damage was done. We've all worked at places where there are idiots who think they've been designation public relations director for the organization, no? Still, it doesn't erase the pain, disappointment, hassle, time and money wasted by people who got sent home.

Having said all that, I thought the show was superb. Energy and quality under very difficult conditions. And Phil, Jackie, Molo Larry and Molitz have an obvious chemistry between them.

The RD show I wend to in spring was like a sleeping pill compared to this....and I enjoyed it.

I just hope that people realize that the PA crackling was not nearly as bad, nor as often, as some have made it seem. In fact, I had a crusty old hippie named Doug sitting next to me on a ledge who said it was giving him a sort of flashback experience. I didn't see too many people looking unhappy after the show.

Anyone listening to the stream? Go to philzone front page.

And Mike, my son took your seat on the bus last night. I think he's hooked.

Agreed St. Stephen. I'm definitely in the Just Steve camp. There's a Levon review at www.columbusdispatch.com

I'm glad to hear someone took my seat on the bus of the geriatric reality tour. The only way Phil is gonna be able to make up any of this is by putting Trey back in or Jimi Herring (which will never happen) or Warren. Other than that, I think we're killing a dead horse. I love being chased off tour with an incredibly poor song selection, horrible sound, and a mediocre band to back up the sickest bass player ever. I think everyone in the band is talented, but they obviously don't click that well. I remember when Phil and Trey played Glens Falls, I was front row center in front of Trey, and Phil had to shhh the crowd when he was getting ready to do his rap because we were going apeshit. He said something like "this band will be back, don't worry". Well maybe at the Rothbury it will go down, but its obvious to anyone that was there that night that the people want Trey and Phil or at least something else. This bullshit isn't cutting it anymore. Just because Phil acts like Jackie and Larry and Molitz are great for the band doesn't mean that we have to agree. Everyone knows its not even 10% as good as it up till 2004. I have held these feelings in too long, I feel like this band thinks it can do whatever it pleases without the crowd speaking up or being upset. Something needs to be done to fix the situation before Phil becomes too old to play. I feel like we are losing the last good years, and it sucks, it tears me apart, but I guess thats how its gonna go down.

The Levon Helm Band setlist:

Back To Memphis
Rain Down Tears
Ophelia
*Everything Gonna Be Alright
*Scratch My Back (song stopped due to heavy windswept rain)

* w/Little Sammy Davis



Little Sammy Davis website> http://www.wild-rose.com/blues/littlesammy/

Little Sammy Davis MySpace page> http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=us er.viewprofile&friendid=96349464

i am more of a lurker than a poster here, but i'm moved to throw down on the thread started by mikeH. phil is a consummate artist - he is animated by a desire to keep the music fresh, alive, exploring different angles and approaches, and with different lineups. he's also committed to mentoring younger artists and show them the way.i agree that the Q was just over the top, but then again in its own way it was a bounded domain of musical possibility, and phil has felt the need to keep mixing it up and take risks. the last years of the dead, they were basically mailing it in, and the music suffered from no risk taking. phil is obviously determined to have fun and stay young as an artist and never again get into that rut. he's not thinking about 'last good years,' he is in the MOMENT and unafraid to hang out on the edge. what's the worst thing that can happen? a crappy show? seen plenty of 'em -- great example was the debacle at SOB's in NYC, when the band basically hadn't rehearsed for this club gig -- the guitar player really didn't have a clue for so much of the show... but then again, there were flashes of lightning in a bottle - a crazy, fresh take on Althea comes to mind. he doesn't care about what can go wrong, 'cause he's playing for the magic. so at this point i'm caring less about the standard-issue 'good show' and just grateful to have the chance to watch this artist stand up there for 2.5 hours+ each night and pour his soul into conjuring something momentous. i'm on the bus and never gettin off. PHIL.

Say what you want but when you goto every night of the tour and get disappointed 90% of the time and you spend thousands upon thousands of dollars, it's not cool. Great, Phil wants to mentor people, thats fine, if he wants to play amateur style music, thats fine, I don't want to be part of some amateur act. When you spend your time revolving around Phil tour and it ends up being an experiment that has gone wrong year after year, it can be frustrating, knowing the potential. I'm sure its not frustrating seeming you probably aren't at all of the shows. For someone who does goto all of them, it bites. Maybe you only get let down once in awhile but for me doing almost every show since 2004 when the Q brokeup, there have been way too many iffy shows. That Q changed my life, its hard to go back on something that good. I don't think anyone wants to see experimental folk music, people want to see professional insanity and the difference is blatently obvious. I'm not boycotting Phil, I'm just saying I'm DEFINATELY not going on tour to spend oodles of money on subpar performances. It used to be about going to every show but if he only plays a good show every two or three nights, whats the point of going to all of the shows? Every night used to be crazy and now only the major cities seem to be the good shows and even some of them now are lackluster. It seems like Chicago and NYC are the only two places you are guranteed a good show anymore, and barely at that. It should be EVERY night. Thats the bottom line. I am behind Phil but I am not on tour anymore for a reason. It's not designed for us anymore, its designed for Phil to experiment with people the crowd doesn't necessarily want. I'm just saying don't be an idiot put all your money and effort into something they aren't putting their money and effort back into. It's a two way street, the band isn't doing its part like it used to so thus people aren't going on tour anymore, plain and simple. It's pretty obvious, look at ticket sales. All the venues are empty except the ones in the major cities, no one is traveling like they used to for these shows for a reason. FIREFIGHTERS.

...when you goto every night of the tour and get disappointed 90% of the time and you spend thousands upon thousands....

Something tells me not to go to every night. Save your money for another (rainy?) day. Get a life?

I saw my first Dead show in 1977, my last in 1995. I've seen most every Lesh run in the NYC area since 1999, the Dead, Furthur Fests, etc. In these 31 years I always made the point never to see "every" show on a tour for a number of reasons, mainly because life commitments never permitted it but also because it always seemed insane to me. Sure, I missed dozens of incredible shows over the years, but the sense of excitement I had when I'd catch 3-4 shows on a tour (or 6 of 9 at MSG) hardly ever waned. That can't realistically happen when you see every show, especially from a band like this one. (IMHO, it's good but hardly beyond that.)

I applaud you Mike Hunt , finally someone who has the balls to stand up and speak his mind and the truth... Bravo !!!

Mike : such a shame you see all those shows and are dissapointed 90% of the time. Maybe you should check out Moe, Disco Biscuits, Widespread or DSo, spend your gobs of money elsewhere. I think Phil is putting out the best shows since the Q, sure there are some stinkers, there always have. Take it for what it is, there have been many awesome shows, but maybe you have talked yourself into hating it. I see 5-6 a tour, every tour and I am quite happy with what we are getting. We are lucky we still have Phil with us.

Hey I agree that we are lucky to have Phil and every tour I keep telling myself the next will be better, I mean I don't see how something so good could be so mediocre so quickly. And for you skeptical envelopement, don't be jealous because you don't have the money I have to go on tour, thats your own damn fault. And dont be mad because you gotta work your 9-5 and can't go party when you want, thats your problem, deal with it. Don't come on a message board for a band that used to have massive amounts of people on tour and tell me to get a life for being on tour, you are way outnumbered. If Jimi and Warren were playing I would be there every single night and I gurantee it would beat the shit out of the fruity shit you do everyday in NYC (craigslist male casual encounters, god only knows? you weekend warriors seem to have gay tendencies, especially when you guys get spun). Everytime I goto NYC I always get sickened by the people that show up for the weekend shows like this guy. They act like they were Jerry's best friend back in the day but the bottom line is they are annoying common folk that try to replicate the real deal that they see at every show. Hey Skeptical, have fun making your bosses coffee tomorrow. I'm sorry if this is too hardcore for some of you guys but its the reality. Yes, Phil has done SO much for us, but that doesn't mean its cool to toy around with people in the end. And PS: moe, disco biscuits and dso are lackluster in my opinion, not even a partial substitute for Phil even with this band. I'll tell you guys this, if they play Ball and Chain tonight OR Chest Fever I am going to laugh my ass off, thats all I have to say.

Mike, you whiny little putz. You act like Phil owes you something because you have decided to spend all your energy and money following him around. He owes you nothing. If you don't like it, move on. Your smug demands that Phil do what YOU - or anybody else - want him to do is ridiculous. It is NOT all about YOU. Your attitude and anger are astounding. The issue of whether or not the music is good becomes moot when you arrogantly berate Phil for failing you and all the other true fans by not playing with the musicians you think are good. You actually feel justified in demanding things of Phil? Get off your high horse, you self centered prick, and move on. I remember those folks who would bitch and complain about GD shows and then go to the next one to bitch some more. Never did understand. Musicians who tailor their art to please the crowd end up in the top 40. I think the least we could do is allow Phil to tour with musicians he chooses without having to listen to folks whine about how it's just not worth it for them anymore and how Phil's just letting us down these days and how it's so hard to make it to every show and how if only Trey were here then all would be well.
Think about your anger, MikeHunt. Is this appropriate? You seem to need a new way to find fulfillment in your life. You have no right to make these demands of Phil. It is NOT all about YOU.

wow, you assume a lot. I am smart enough not to go to every show anymore (That was done for many years) that way I won't get jaded like some folks.I will see 5 shows this tour and walk away prett happy. Tomorrow, I will make my own coffee, work if I want, and be happy I did not spend my gobs of cash on Phil tour.
and, I really dislike those other bands

Yes my feelings are very appropriate, your comments really don't mean shit to me seeming you are not an intregal part of our scene. I don't know one person I've hung out with at these shows that thinks the new band is satisfactory, people deal with it but they recognize what it is. Come talk to me out on the road, I'd love to have this discussion face to face with you, I'm really not into arguing with people online. I'll be at Richmond and the two Philly's. I highly doubt you'd say any of this to my face. If you got the balls to talk shit to me come on down to the shows and lets have a discussion. I'm sure you won't make it. No its not about me, but everyone else is sick of the shit too and I'm livid to hear my friends bitching about how they missed the show last night because of more Phil and Friends management bullshit. You don't have friends that dealt with that, its not such a big deal when you aren't on tourl. And yea, I think people had a right to bitch about GD shows too seeming they sucked ass towards the end. People were subjected to Jerry's dope addiction after seeing the band do well for years and years. So yea, they had a right to bitch and keep going, just like me. That was the end of the Dead era and this is the end of the Phil era. I'm not here to get along with any of you or be nice or headdie or whatever. I'm here to state the facts because no on else will. And I'm not bashing Larry or Jackie individually, they are great musicians. The chemistry is not there even remotely like it has been in the past. This is not some Ryan Adams rampage, it is just a general unhappiness with the current situation, I think more could be done to better the band, like more of a song choice. So go smoke a clay pipe and have your nurse change your adult diapers, your Depends are starting to leak onto your great grandson's vag C.(rusty) Henry.

"you are not an integral part of our scene", thats laughable. Frm the way you talk about it, I don't think people would want to part of your scene.

Hey, and you're a homophobe to boot!
Bet you've got tattos and a skateboard and maybe a dreadlock or two!
Bet you graduated 12th grade!
Bet you like the Kind and enjoy getting puddled in the lot!
Hooray!
Bet you wear baggy shorts!
And occasionally smoke crack!
Yipee!
You're keepin' it real on the road and hating life!
You're spending lotsa money and like to bitch about it!
You've been arrested on Domestic Violence charge, but charges were reduced cuz daddy knows a lawyer!
Weee!
I saw you (or maybe it was your clone) at the show last night and now you've confirmed for me what kind of road rats are populating the scene these days.
Have fun!!

The tone of this thread, especially the last several posts, is exactly why I don't hang out in the lot. I go to the show, meet happy, kind people there who are happy for their one or two chance a year to see the band, dig on the music and go my merry way. I don't want to be part of the "scene." But, I do want to converse in a civil manner with other phans of Phil and Friends.

Anger Management suggested.

I'm over arguing, I wanted to state a point thats it I'm over this BS. Crusty, just remember, Bobby fans are real people too!

I don't think you were arguing...insulting maybe...but arguing...nah...but what would I know...I mean, I'm not integral...

>>> It's not designed for us anymore

When was it designed for us? It was designed to listen to music, have fun, explore within ourselves and love and take care of each other along the way while doing it! Even all the way back in the beginning THAT was IT. You sound like a classic case of "Takin it too seriously". Les Claypool could've had a part for you in Electric Apricot and you wouldn't even had to act!
The heads were lucky and blessed all those years the boys would string it together so they could drive to the next show overnight if they were going! Maybe you realize that now Mike! The heads didn't earn that right...the Grateful Dead GAVE that to the heads and some people obvisiously never knew when it was time to stop taking it for granted! Phil might just vibe the living shit out of you at VA because with your shitty attitude you deserve it! Talk about negative energy! Have you ever considered that the reason you are having such shitty tours is because of your own negative energy? I think you should consider that and try to give back some good vibes if you could dig deep enough to muster any. You must have been able to do that in the past and perhaps you need to do it again! Try dancing instead of bitching.....that would be a good place to start. Ain't no fruit on the vine if the tree ain't ripe!
There and Back Again bro.....remember?

Wow, you crazy kids! Get a life! i don't want to be part of a scene, man, I just want to listen to some music. I agree that I am not too thrilled with the current band, I miss Steve Kimock!! They certainly have their moments though. Somebody dissed the Baltimore show from last year. Come on, they played in the Opera House, how cool was that? The sound was amazing, Viola knocked my socks off. However, the man is 68 years old, he has earned the right in my book to do what he wants, play with who he wants to, play the songs that he feels like playing. if you watched during last years tour you would have seen a man totally energized by what he was playing. Phil is playing what he wants and will share it with you. If you don't like it, then I think that the answer is obvious!

What's the matter, balloon biz in the lot isn't as good as it used to be? All you little punks should just clear out so that Phil can play smaller places then.

Um, keep in mind that it is not about YOU, it is about Phil.

I am watching a master at work, the likes of which we won't see again.

I have 4th row in Charlottesville and can't wait, though it will be my only show of the tour. Maybe a lot of folks will be fed up by then and I won't have to step over your puke in the bathrooms.


Too bad Phish isn't playing anymore, then you would have a place to go.

Yea.....Ok.....

So......the show was pretty good hunh

Keepin' my fingers crossed "Mike" and his ilk can't get from Masontown, WV to my one show (Rochester) the next night...

"Every first set of this last tour was literally the shortest 55-60 minute sets of my life."

Didn't see very many Dead shows in the last few years I guess?

"I've invested my life into this and it doesn't seem like its being taken seriously anymore."

Which is why people with an actual life don't make a rock band their emotional center of gravity. It's a band, it's for fun, it's not going to show you the secrets of life and it never was going to even when Jerry was around.

"Say what you want but when you go to every night of the tour and get disappointed 90% of the time and you spend thousands upon thousands of dollars, it's not cool."

It's your choice to do these things, Phil isn't forcing you after all. Never trust a prankster is still the best way to approach this scene. I never wanted to see more then half a tour even back in the 80's; at some point you're just asking to be let down and there can be too much of a good thing. Perhaps your greed for musical thrills is catching up with you.

You know Mike, the more of your comments I read the more obnoxious you seem. If after 35 years in this scene I, and folks like me, aren't "integral" to it it's because I've seen to many loud mouth punks like you that think you're owed something come in and ruin a great scene. And I'd be more then glad to say it to your face tough guy.

Mike,

Your points lose all validity simply based on your complaint about song selection. You said that you could predict what they'd play in Chicago because they were on a two-night rotation because they were playing so few songs: THEY JUST FINISHED FIVE NIGHTS AT THE WARFIELD WHERE THEY PLAYED SONGS FROM EIGHT DIFFERENT ALBUMS (AND THREE OF THEM WERE DOUBLE ALBUMS)! THEN THEY START OFF THIS TOUR, AND IN TWO NIGHTS THEY'VE ALREADY PLAYED EIGHT MORE SONGS!!!!

If you like to complain so much, you should find something better to complain about; one thing Phil ISN'T doing is limiting the repetoire.

>>>literally the shortest 55-60 minute sets of my life<<<




Hey, he doesn't have it ALL that bad. It appears there's a give and/or take in the length of time in his world...........



55-60 minutes is neither short nor long to me. It's exactly 55-60 minutes.

To answer Javamyth. Yes the show was fairly good.
I can't add anything new that hasn't been said about the sets. First was solid, minglewood and rag both unexpected for me but a nice way to start. Cumberland and bertha closed it nicely. For the second Passenger (I miss the Q).Don't Let The Devil Take Your Mind is a powerful new to me tune. High Time was a great sing along. The Wheel was HUGE as someone said. Could have gone for one more encore but for a allmost rained out set Phil deliverd in my book. The crackle could be forgotten with little trouble from further back. All and all i'd give it a solid B.

Interesting. Just reading through this thread and wanted to follow up on Jayw's comment about Mike lamenting the song selection. I agree with Jayw. The Eleven, Caution, Golden Road, Help, Viola, etc, etc, etc, etc. Phil is digging deep into the archives and mixing it up pretty good. I liked the Q too, a lot in fact, but I don't think the Q's song selection is any better than today's

All-

Without getting into the personal sniping going on here, I'd like to offer the opinion that the Columbus show was just plain awful. Levon Helm was MUCH better than Phil and his band- their transitions were sloppy, the set list was poor, the pacing and lyrics were completely off. Very poor and disappointing. I've seen better shows by Strangely Enough in the early 90s here in Columbus. There were some bright moments (Bertha, St Stephen)but it surprises me that so many people rate the show so highly. The kicker for my wife and I was the kid selling liquid acid under the dangling bare feet of an infant that couldn't have been more than 3 months old. I wanted to enjoy some good music and a kind vibe, and except for Levon and those few bright moments, it just wasn't there. I'd encourage anyone thinking about spending good money on tickets for future shows to watch the reviews and see if they tighten this up- if not, you'd do well to stay home.

I had a great time...but I didn't feel like I was tearing myself away to leave at 11PM due to the constraints of life and all...It felt scaled down...it was good music, but not mindblowing by any means...

I think the show took a hit from the weather...I think they did what they could...

Cumberland was a blast and a half though...

Last night I went to Columbus to see Phil and Friends. Boy what a night. We arrived at the venue and we knew that rain was coming. We walked in anyway and saw that The Levon Helm Band was onstage depite the lighting and thunder. Levon was in great spirits smiling as the weather was approaching. As the rain started coming down, my firend and I were dancing away to "Ophelia." Then the rain started poring and blew full force on the stage. Levon was soaking wet and still playing with smiles. They finished the song and as Levon was ending the song, the water was fighting off his kit as the sticks hit it. Amazing that he just kept playing. We at least got five songs out of it. My friendand I left quickly to find my dad and find selter from the rain. We quickly ran into the resturant that was inside the venue. We were in there for about 20 minutes when one of the staff of the show came in and told us that the show was cancelled. I knew then that Phil wouldnt cancel the show because the storm would pass but it very slowly passing. Sure enough, they came in later on and said the show was "still on" The resturant was packed with standing deadheads. So to pass time while they were keeping us all there, they started playing dead songs over the speakers which i thought was an amazing experience. We all just sang along. Phil can on about 8:45 and it was one hella show. It was defantly a concert experience I will never forget.

Right on man the show ain't over till after the Donor Rap

haha, the image of levon playing on during the storm is priceless! thanks for sharing man!

Hey folks

Anyone pick up on Mike Hunt's screen name?

My Cunt

He fancies himself a jester

I think it's kinda Howard Sternish and infantile

My Cunt, I'm gonna add my two cents shortly. I had the whole thing typed in last nite and lost it.

... thats why I've been putting it in quotes... a real "card" that "Mikey".

Dear My Cunt (aka Mike Hunt)

I must say I think that when the bus came by you didn’t really get on. I think you kinda followed it in your car because you weren’t too sure what to make of it. Me? I’m not an intrepid traveler like some folks, but 120 shows between April 1984 in New Haven and June 1995 in Albany gives me some degree of involvement in “the scene” to be able to intelligently comment on it.

Sometimes I would find myself at a show getting depressed as the second set drew to a close. I didn’t want it to end. As the years went by I realized it wasn’t just that particular show that was about to end but the circus itself. So I started to mentally suck it all in. The sights, sounds, smells...I knew what I was a part of was historical, mystical, magical. I knew that future words in books, pictures, videos of shows, etc. would never adequately capture the transformation that took place in all of us while the band played.

After Jerry passed I spent the better part of the next week at Strawberry Fields crying, singing, hoping for the memorial concert in Central Park that would never come to be. I was still holding out hope that somehow, someway it could continue.

The Furthur Festival came. It didn’t delight. The Other Ones, The Dead. It just wasn’t happening anymore for me. But that was me. Something still seemed to be alive in other folks so instead of being a buzzkill with my bitching about what was lost I checked out for a long time.

I think I can safely thank Sirius Satellite Radio for bringing me back home. Since I got it in my car in March I’ve found myself trying to come to terms with what happened to me because of the Grateful Dead. The bottom line is that the scene shaped me into who I am today.

I recently saw Bobby at Hunter Mountain. Instead of bemoaning the fact that it’s not the Grateful Dead, I closed my eyes and took it for what it was. Here I was, with an original member of the band and his fine musicians, reinterpreting some classics from the days. Terrapin Station. The whole song. Not Jerry’s voice, but I firmly believe like Bobby says that his friend is still next to him, just in a form we cannot comprehend. With that in mind I danced away on the ski slopes as the sun set. It was a precious moment.

Now onto Phil. What do I make of your comments about non-signing of barf bags, groupies, same songs over and over? I think all you need to do is admire the fact that he is 68 years old and just played a gig that began at what, 12:00am? What about the recent shows of early albums from start to finish? How hard and ballsy is that to pull off?

The greatest thrill for me now is the kids that go see Ratdog and Phil and never had the opportunity to see Jerry. I love telling them my road stories and I feed off their enthusiasm for surviving members of the band and how the music is able to move them. How is that, I wonder, that they “get it”?

They get it because the fire was never extinguished. The embers are still burning. You just can’t see them, My Cunt. I think you’re looking for something you cannot find and it has nothing to do with Phil Lesh.

One, two, three, take a step back. One, two, three, another step back. Search inside yourself for just what it is you’re looking for. It was never just about the music. It was the whole experience. I don’t need to go to see Bobby or Phil on multiple nights to find it. I can just close my eyes when I’m about to doze off and in an instant I can be transported to the place that brings me joy:

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed - and gazed - but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

William Wordsworth 1804

Peace and I hope you find your purpose.

The band played their hearts out and the kids put theirs on the line as well.

If you put nothing in the pot please don't whine when theres not enough leftovers to fill your belly.

haha. this was a fun, interesting read! Glad the folks who enjoyed the show, had a good time!

not trying to be mean but jeesh lighten up.

first show of the tour, heads are all over the place both mentally as well as physically. Babylon scene was as it should be; protecting and serving. We had things under control and even with Mother Nature testing testing testing us the Light prevailed and things went on even if not as planned which is all for the better if you really think about it.

I think they packed the net away when the storm came in because I have not seen a Phil and Friends project with so much room to roam since 1999. Sometimes they teetered on the edge of disaster while at other moments they executed a graceful turn at the last possible second to avoid going over said edge.

Since my last time seeing these men play together I notice they have grown closer and more familiar with one another's quirks and styles and moods and all other quantum level mechanics that make a band a Band. This thing is alive.

To deal with what they dealt with and still throw a party that reached the highs and lows that it did, I for one would consider it a smashing success.

* individual user's results may vary.

'quh (Nem)

I have to disagree about the "scene" being protecting and serving- far from it. One guy was carried out on a stretcher from a "drug overdose" (according to security) and at least 2 pushers were selling with kids in eyesite (see my post above.)

That's why I got "off the bus" in the early 90's and will likely stay off. I'm not an anti-drug person by any stretch of the imagination, but individuals that behave that way (and more importantly, the communities that ALLOW them to behave that way) are far from protecting and serving- they are downright abusive, cruel lazy and selfish.

I understand that every crowd has its share of losers, and every individual (including myself) has his or her shortcomings, but I simply couldn't have a good time watching those parents abuse their kids. I should have notified the cops, and I'm sorry I didn't, but I didn't want to disrupt the "scene".

So I'll take my own share of the blame and try to stay away from a "scene" that somehow convinces me to be less than kind to those that can't take care of themselves from now on. To those of you thinking about coming to future shows- leave the kids at home.

interesting read, can't beleive some folks were given bad info and left, wow that sucks. Nobody was leaving from the lot across the street (partially because their was 10 inches of water covering it!). We were parked right next to the road and a few folks were asking if the show was cancelled, we were telling everybody no the show was on. I didn't know for sure, but the storm had cleared by 7:00-7:30ish, so why would it be cancelled? The sun was shining.

We arrived about 3:30 with full intensions of checking out Levon, however their was a fucking huge storm cloud right over the venue right at 5:30 with lightning taboot, so we thought it wise to hang back and see what would happen with the weather. Besides I had a nice canopy tent so we would all stay dry and enjoy some refreshments. Storm hits, much stronger than anticipated, next thing I know the 3 of us and 3 kind Cleveland folks were all struggling to keep the tent on the ground. The spikes got ripped out right away, we lowered the legs and all huddled under holding on with all our might. Then ZAP, all six of us get shocked at the same time! When it seemed like the wind died down my wife and I tried to fold up the tent, it was in vane, the wind had snapped about 6 of the crossbars. Ruined. The six of us waited out the rain in the car for another half hour.

After finding a couple tix, we went in and were forced to stay in the refreshment stand area for a while. I used the bathroom downstairs at the bar right there and had to walk through 6 inches of water to get to it. Tried not to think about it, nasty.

>>>I don't know one person I've hung out with at these shows that thinks the new band is satisfactory, people deal with it but they recognize what it is.

Dude, are you thick? You claim to know that this band is just OK and yet you continue to go to every show spending gobs of money on something that you think sucks, time to get a life. I agree with you that this band is not worth my money, but why you continue to go is the confusing part.

Wow!

Came for a show review, got a troll tour review; one for the ages...

Too funny!

For folks who left due to misinformation, I feel bad and believe that the Venue is responsible for information dissemination, regardless of its accuracy.

Good luck getting them to agree with that position though!

I guess some folks need to find a new band to bury their head into and suck the life right out of it. Get all fat and complacent with someone else's blood.

Live in the moment. Leave the expectations at home, and EVERYONE will be the better for it. Enjoy what you have, for you might never get anymore. INGRATES.

The band continues to get better and better. They're learning to converse musically. They're more aptly picking up on each other's cues. Etc etc. Personally, I love watching it happen. The stream changed course on the 2nd night of the Fall 2007 Riviera run, and it continues to roll roll roll.

I can't get disappointed. I go to these shows to listen to Phil play the bass and to watch him smile in a way that fills my heart. If you can't find beauty and value in this band, then I hope I don't have to stand next to you, or talk to you, at my next show.

Hey My Cunt, whadda got to say to all this?

I gotta say I am sick of reading all the gripping and bitching....been sitting here listening to the OHIGHO show and it smokes. Am truely sorry for those who didnt make it in due to rain and weather but come on, if you didnt see people leaving in masses why didnt you stay. this show is hot, the Chicago show actually did not seem as good as OHIGHO....anyway...lucky folks hittin the shows, try to enjoy and not be so grouchy and unappreciative like some people on here. Thanks.

>> One guy was carried out on a stretcher from a "drug overdose" (according to security) and at least 2 pushers were selling with kids in eyesite (see my post above.)

Im with you on that one, far from anti anything myself but keep it safe around the little ones and I said as much to at least 2 sloppy freaks in the corral that night.

As far as overdoses go I don't have a whole lot of sympathy. This point in time there has been enough documentation, advise and precautions posted and shared that it's pretty much inexcusable to get in over your head and then expect/force someone else to clean up your mess.

rock, rock on.

i felt it coming at the fillmore denver, then 3rd set at rocks but yes, chicago 2nd nite was a defining point...though i got 'it' the first nite 2nd set also...

glad those of you able to go can still sense and enjoy that growth :-)

The show rocked. Phil can play with whomever he wishes. I like Jackie Green singing Bob Weir songs. I think he sings 'em better...like Bobby used to sing them with the Grateful Dead. I haven't seen Phil play with Trey but oh' well. I did see the 'Q' about 40 times but I'm not too tore up that they stopped playing together. I was really digging on Barry Sless with Phil and Molo and that seems to happen once in a while. But this band rocks! Jackie Green has an awesome voice, Larry Campbell can definately carry the load and I like Steve Molitz better than Rob Barraco, especially his voice. The band seems pretty hip and Phil seems to be very happy.

The guy is in his mid-sixties and brings it every night. They would have cancelled which would have been a massive drag for all or they could do their best under shite circumstance.
Rain, wind, curfew..the show was good.Period.

re: "The band continues to get better and better. They're learning to converse musically. They're more aptly picking up on each other's cues. Etc etc."


Phil said that when he put this version of the band together last fall, he asked for a one-year commitment from everyone - so that when it came time to tour again, phil's band would take priority. I think that's where the chemistry is coming from - they all made a commitment to the band, something that warren wouldn't do.

Mike Hunt you nailed it....Phil sounds like Foreiner

I'll bet Phil could spell Foreigner.

OPPPSY I bet he could and he sounds just like them too...

think there is any connection?

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/12/underwate r-volcano.html

warning, extreme BASS content

bummer went with my dad and uncle and got to see levon sing one song he was with another guy do not know of but I never seen rain fall that hard and that fast as for Cancelled that was way wrong man not on the money just the fact I finally get to see levon helm and phil in the same night wow then be told the shows over watching people leave and soaked 2 packs of smokes ruined that's what kinda rain im talking about then I tell my uncle that the show is going to come back and have a guy from the venue tell me no its not and then it does? uncool man

bummer went with my dad and uncle and got to see levon sing one song he was with another guy do not know of but I never seen rain fall that hard and that fast as for Cancelled that was way wrong man not on the money just the fact I finally get to see levon helm and phil in the same night wow then be told the shows over watching people leave and soaked 2 packs of smokes ruined that's what kinda rain im talking about then I tell my uncle that the show is going to come back and have a guy from the venue tell me no its not and then it does? uncool man