When we were seniors in high school, me and three other guys wanted to go see Phish in December '99, especially since we couldn't make it to New Years, and we didn't know how long it would be until an opportunity arose after NYE to see the band. We settled on our friend Mike driving down to Hartford for the 12-12-99 show at the Hartford Civic Center. We got tickets, a hotel room...we were psyched.

On 12-11, at about 9PM, we all get a phone call from Mike. His dad, a lawyer, was quite nervous about his son driving 3 minors from Long Island to Hartford. Looking back on it, I sort of see his point of view; Mike had only been driving for a few months, it was December, and slippery out, and to go to Hartford just for one concert? But at the time, I was livid. 

His timing wasn't particularly the best. Being a lawyer, his dad suggested signing a release that would free Mike from any accidents that might occur...Signing a release to go see Phish? We were dealing with a pro here. I would've done it too, but he took back the suggestion as soon as he brought it up. 

After arguing with Mike, my parents, and bitching to anyone I could, I went to sleep, pissed off and tired. How could we not be going? We bought tickets, had this planned out for months. Now, less than 24 hours in advance, this kid's dad was going to stop our transportation? Fuck!

I get a phone call the next morning at 9:30. "Yo, Brian, my dad says he'll pay for four Amtrak tickets from Penn Station at 3:00, gets into Hartford around 6, with just enough time to make it to the show."  Holy shit! We take the LIRR to Penn Station, get on Amtrak, and get to Hartford just in time. 2 of us go to pick up tickets at will call, 2 go to check into the hotel, and we decide to meet up at the main entrance. 

Well, if you were at that show, you know that there was a SWAT team and immense security pushing people who were just chilling out, or waiting to meet someone. We couldn't find the other guys, and this was a disaster. At about 7:20, we found each other among thousands of phans and policemen, went in, and saw the raging show complete with the half hour Drowned (Keith Moon shirt, baby), and Divided Sky encore. Near crisis, averted. And we didn't even have to sign any legal documents.

Take care,
 - Brian