Anyways, 7-26-97, South Park Meadows in Austin, Texas is where I first met Mike. He was riding around on his bicycle, and at the time he was doing so below the radar of everyone around him. I was sitting on the hood of my car when I got up to get in the driver-side door, and low and behold, there's Mike, half off his bike...we were blocking each other's way. So I had to say hi, and get a picture with him of course, and he was very quick to say yes. 

So me and my friend got pics with Mike, and sure enough, a couple of the other people parked by us also noticed Mike standing there, and they came over to meet him as well. So Mike asked if we had a drink, and we gave him one of ours... so he sat and chatted for close to a half hour with us. 

I first asked him about the Banjo cause I guess, a couple days before leaving for tour, a friend of mine had told me a story about Mike stopping in the lots to play his banjo. Mike talked about how he had stepped away from it and didn't even bring it with him for this tour. 

The other major question everyone had was about Halloween...what would be the musical costume. We of course lobbied him for Purple Rain and Thriller (not knowing about their past with this album). He thought those were great, but told us they would not be doing a Halloween show in 97...sad sad sad. 

But anyways, Mike basically opened up and just chatted with the 15 or so of us who were gathered round him as if we were old friends. He was just so open and friendly, I was amazed... he didn't seem like he was uncomfortable at all. The best part of the whole conversation though was when he got talking to this dude who I guess was a 'Professional Tour Rat." 

Not a bad guy, just the kind of person for whom going on tour is their life and major source of income. This begot a conversation about paying taxes. Mike had to one up the guy on the not paying taxes and swore to us that he hadn't paid taxes in 15 years. There seemed to be a slight smirk going on, so I'm sure he was just talking trash, but it was funny as hell... he got all detailed about it. 

Finally, the crowd started to swell and he decided it was time to move on. So off Mike went, back into the sweltering heat and sun. I've encountered Mike many more times since then, but not once has he been interested in stopping to talk. Regardless, I've always thought it was very thoughtful and kind of Mike to wander the lots and meet people. It really builds that connection to the fans that makes Phish so great. 

I also wanted to make sure Mike knows that we appreciate what he does... it takes a real down to earth type of person to keep in touch with 'the people' when struck with fame.

 - Pick Pocket Jones

Editor's Note: Mike's a trickster alright... and Fish is hilarious.