Phish-Heads Take Boston!! February 17, 1989 - The Gadfly (Burlington) Vol. IV, No. 4 by Thomas Baggott Anticipation of a wild night of friends and music was on the minds of the 47 people aboard the chartered luxury coach/bus on its way to Paradise. Many classes would be slept through on Friday, for Thursday, January 26 was Phish's performance at the Paradise Theatre in Boston. The Paradise has featured many of the world's top acts and is thought of as a big name on the club scene. Years ago, before they hit the charts, U2 played Paradise, as have numerous other bands before they made it big. The fact that Phish, a Burlington band that has attracted quite a following, was going to Paradise, was enough to cause some fans to hop in their cars. Rumors of record company reps and recording contracts inspired others to make the trip to support their hometown band. Once in Paradise, once could not help but be pleasantly amazed by all the familiar faces. It seemed that most of Burlington was dancing in Boston. To the people of Boston area who had come, this must have seemed like some sort of crazed exodus. "What the hell, did you guys bring a bus?!" asked one bewildered spectator. "Yes!" was the response received amidst bursts of satisfied laughter. Sure, they must have thought we were nuts, but when the music started there was no more reason to wonder why we had come this far to see Phish. Nor was there any more question about who was actually nuts. Obviously it was the band. They opened with an a capella rendition of "I Didn't Know (That I Was That Far Gone)", accompanied by Phish the drummer, wearing a dress and playing the Bone -- really its just a normal trombone -- with... shall we say, creative and original virtuosity. They ended the first set with a ripping "Good Times, Bad Times" that caused the sweat to pour in rivulets. But Phish wasn't there to play covers, though Jimmy Page would have felt at least a tingle in his spine. They played an assortment of their own rock/jazz/funk/hardcore originals. Listening closely, once could hear the influences of The Dixie Dregs, Frank Zappa, Robert Fripp and, why not even Max Roach, all twisted into some of the most energetic and danceable music you could ever move your mind and body to. This is not sycophantic fanaticism, merely a reaction yo Phish's technical mastery of their instruments and the single-minded tightness with which they play. Where the music is almost tangible, Phish's lyrics often take on a dimension of allegorical fantasy -- touching on themes like greed and avarice through a cast of characters developed in their songs. Many of these characters and songs are themselves derived from an epic poem written by guitarist Trey Anastasio in his days as a Goddard student. On the dance floor there was no time for analysis. The music seemed to pick you up and swing you around by the neck... the band looked on with bug-eyed gazes and foolish grins, they, too were under the influence of the music and the epileptic mad dancers. By the end of the night, few could say they had not totally immersed themselves in the sheer fun and enthusiasm of the show -- and they were probably Boston regulars passed out in the bathroom or something. Anyway... The good feelings carried back on the bus, as the sweaty t-shirts were removed and fresh ones put on, seating arrangements were rearranged and as the emergency hatch was opened for ventilation. We realized something special was swimming through the Burlington music scene -- and that somebody had better build a new aquarium, because nothing is going to hold Phish back. Best of luck, guys.