15 arrested outside second Phish show December 14, 1997 - Times Union (Albany, NY) By Staff Police made 15 arrests Saturday near the Pepsi Arena during the second night of performances by Phish. That total, combined with 35 arrests Friday, means 50 people were charged during the band's two-day Albany run. Officials said most of the Saturday arrests were on drug charges. About 23 people were arrested by city police outside the arena Friday night, according to Lt. Ted Flint. The arrests were drug-related or involved counterfeit tickets and scalping, he said, adding that the concert was peaceful and there were no confrontations with the arresting officers. Fans make Phish concerts a happening, gathering hours ahead of show time to socialize, sell merchandise and share their enthusiasm for the band that many consider heirs to the Grateful Dead's following. The Albany County Sheriff's Department reported 12 arrests Friday for alleged drug sales, resulting in seizure of three pounds of marijuana, LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, 1,500 illegally obtained Valium tablets and $2,500 cash. -- Chris Sturgis Article © 1997 Times Union