So we decide to move over to the food stands to fill our bellies. So we're standing there, ( I'm 6'3'' and my buddy is 6'5'' and looks like Dobber from Coach), and this guy comes walking our way. He is short, kinda thick, wearing a baseball hat and a Sun Ra t-shirt. Well, when I see the Sun Ra t-shirt I immediately think, FISH! I had seen Phish over 30 times since 94' at this point, yet he still didn't look like himself for some reason. So I say to my friend, "Man, I think that's Fishman." At this point, Fish is in line getting some gumbo or jambalaya or something, and about 15 feet away from us. 

Then my buddy, really loud and obviously not thinking straight, says, " Nah, Fish isn't that fat." Ouch! He isn't the most couth guy, let's just say. Of course my dumb, drunk ass adds, " I don't know man, I know he's thick, but I didn't know he was that short." Ouch! Slap me one time! So here we are, two tall, drunk, sun-burnt hippies, unintentionally ripping on our most favorite drummer in the whole world. 

He then turns around after receiving his food and begins to walk towards us. The moment of truth arises, a chance of a lifetime, what will I say........ " Hey, is your name Jon?" WHAT????? He promptly answers, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, you got it man. Jon Fishman. Good job, good job. Jon Fishman." (he says it in a fuck you tone, and I don't blame him) And he continues to walk away into the sea of people. 

So, there it is. A one in a million chance to meet Fish. I deserve what I got. I also learned my lesson. Don't call your favorite drummer fat and short within 15 feet of him. Jon, if you ever read this, sorry, not that it matters what I think, but you look great and always will! Keep poundin' away and see ya when you come back from "The Break".

-jeff walls

Editor's Note: I think more people have unintentionally slighted the band than you would expect.  Here's another example of a pre-show incident.