Phish Bassist in a Jam August 20, 2003 - New York Post By Aly Sujo and Lisa Pulitzer [Phish Archive Disclaimer: Because the purpose of this site is to Archive Phish's relation to the media, I am going to archive all of the press (including incredibly poorly written tabloid style pieces) published about this "incident." This was a misunderstood event that was blown entirely out of proportion by the media. A joint statement from Mike Gordon, the girl's family, and Elektra Records states: "We have had several discussions regarding the situation that occurred at Jones Beach. It is now clear to all involved that this was an unfortunate misunderstanding, and we look forward to putting this matter behind us."] A member of the multi-platinum "jam band" Phish has been accused of endangering the welfare of a minor after he was caught taking "art photos" of a Hells Angel's 9-year-old daughter after a concert in Jones Beach, authorities said yesterday. Bassist Mike Gordon, 38, was arrested Aug. 11 after friends of the girl's family found the two in a secluded boathouse in a dark backstage area of the open-air Jones Beach Theater. The girl's mother and father - he is a member of the Hells Angels - became alarmed after she disappeared, and members of the motorcycle gang reportedly beat Gordon up and held him until police arrived. Gordon and the Angels were backstage guests of the Dead, the name used by the surviving members of the Grateful Dead. "If you knew Mike at all, you'd know he doesn't live on planet Earth," said Ropeadope Records President Andy Hurwitz, who is releasing Gordon's solo album on Tuesday. "He's been making movies since he was a kid, and he's always taking photographs," he said. "He's an artist. This whole thing's a misunderstanding." A spokesman for the Nassau County district attorney said Gordon was issued a summons by the New York State Park Police. He is due in court Sept. 29 on the charges. The DA's office said it was evaluating a police report to determine whether to formally charge him with a Class A misdemeanor. "We're handling this like any other case," said the spokesman, Rick Hinshaw. A source close to the band said Gordon had spent the evening "chronicling" the concert and the backstage action with his camera. The source said Gordon had never been in trouble with police but had admitted "bad judgment" in this instance and apologized to the family. "They want to put this whole issue behind them," said the source, adding that Gordon spent the evening with the girl's family backstage and had taken the girl for a ride on his Segway, a two-wheeled scooter. "It's being blown all out of proportion," said the source. "There's absolutely nothing inappropriate in any of the photographs." WNBC-TV reported that Gordon told cops he wanted to take "art photos" of the girl. Article Copyright © 2003 New York Post