Anyway, they were supposed to play at a place called Biddy Mulligan's on the North side of Chicago... this place holds 100 people, max! My friend Mike, who hates Grateful Dead sort of stuff, went with me. We couldn't really find a spot to park, so we parked in the back of the bar next to this blue van. Phish used to drive around the country in these 2 blue vans until I remember them throwing the keys out into the audience (I think that was in Chicago too? Anybody? Back me up on this one?).

We got out and my door hit the van lightly. I looked to see if there was any damage, none really. But the guy inside got out to look at it, it was Trey. We talked a bit and I gathered that he was one of the members of Phish, no big deal really to me at the time. Hardly anyone knew about them then.  

We got to talking about Frank Zappa and stuff, and I told him I had 3 phish tapes that my friend Holly gave me... she was going to college at UVermont, highly recommended. I showed him the tape I had with me in the car, I think it was the Colorado earthday tape from '88 or'90 with a great Peaches en Regalia on it. He said, "this is old, man! Here, take a new one." And he proceeded to go into the back of the van and handed me a master tape from Denver a few shows earlier. I said, "Wow, you guys are gettin around!" Needless to say, I lost it sometime later that year. But he did sign the bootleg I showed him: "Get a new tape, Trey Anastasio" 

The show was super as far as I remember, damn that was 11 years ago! They did a YEM, a Brother, and all the groovety old tunes I still dig Phish for. I've checked the "Phishbase" for this show, but apparently nobody even remembers it existing! My first show, forever forgotten! I think they played at Northwestern Univ either the day before or after if anyone wants to verify this, I sent the Zyzyx guy a note once to tell of it's existence. 

I've met all the other guys in my later yearz on Phish tourz, including talking to Mike for 15 minutes on his golf cart in the parking lot in Portland.  All these Phishheads were around, but nobody even recognized him but me! That was weird, maybe the weed is just too good up there? I still have the autograph, Ill send it in...

When the hell are they gonna tour again? I went to the "last" show in Shoreline, didn't think it would be this long, glad I made it to that one! (#62 or so for me) Oh well, I mostly only like the old songs anyway. I dare them to come up with some old school original shit like they used to! Just kidding, don't be so sensitive. 

Oh, my favorite show ever attending would have to be the Cinncinatti Zoo show in "93 I think, check that one out! Either that or any of the Vegas shows, never missed a one in Vegas, Alladin 97 was special.  Harpua w/Les (weird)? Cheers Phish peeps, miss you all. 

Peace,

 - Cary