I was listening primarily to other jam bands, as well as other musical styles. But around July, I could feel the tug - a barely conscious feeling of being drawn back to Phish. Upon hearing it after such a long time, all the mystery and excitement and joy that is live Phish washed over me like when I first took in a show ten years ago. Just then, my heart sank. Would I ever get to see them again?

Later in July, I went to visit a friend in Denver who also was in serious Phish withdrawal. We took in a DSO show and went to a great Deadhead bar called Sancho's (if you are ever in Denver, you should stop in for a beer - the Jukebox is entirely Dead, Phish, etc.), where we met a guy who told us Phish was in the process of booking dates for a 2003 tour. I was hopeful, but unconvinced.

After I got back, Phish gradually started taking greater prominence in my life. I was checking Phish-related web sites for the first time since just after the hiatus started. I even posted a story on Pholktales (a nothing-burger about a weird Phish Phan from '94 called "Pick It Up...). Was this some cosmic sign or just a cruel symptom of two years of Phish deprivation?

Well on August 14th, I found my answer. When I logged on to my e-mail account at work, the Phish Update was waiting for me to open. I clicked on it with the sincere knowledge that the hiatus was over. I wasn't even surprised, but I was so overcome with joy that I jumped out of my chair and ran around the room for a while, giving high-fives to my male co-workers and gratuitous hugs and kisses to the women. Everyone probably thought I had won some contest. I made no excuses. After all, Phish was back!

P.S.: I can only interpret the above events to mean that I am some sort of a prophet. I (along with that guy at Sancho's) predicted Phish's Second Coming. Those of you who would like to bow before me are welcome to do so.

- Tom