figured someone should post here.

2 days and counting till the boys burn down the spectrum....

actually its 3 days! Can't Wait :-)

Well, was up at Meadowlands. Great show. Crowd not as dancin' as a Philly show. Hope they get the mix and play it loud. The Spectrum is a tough mix for the sound guys.

Last show there was the UBC breakout. I'm scared!

We're having a Bill Kreutzmann Art show at the Holiday Inn Stadium (right next to the stadium and the spectrum), on Sunday from 12-5PM. Billy has been doing some crazy psychadelic artwork which is printed onto canvas and stretched on wood frames. We did shows at alpine and just a few days ago in boston so be sure to come by this one! Billy will be coming by to talk with buyers and sign art for a part of the reception. He was there in boston from 2:30-4 if that gives any reference frame. We also have some signed posters if your wallet is looking too thin for a big piece of art.

Check out the webstie at
http://www.ocean-spirit.net

And come say hi! I'm harry, have met some of y'all at the phil shows the last few years.

And by the way, the boston shows were GREAT and I am psyched for Hartford tomorrow night... woo hoo!! and then both phillys....

SEE ya all in Pittsburgh.I bet the burgh will be awsome.

HOOOOOOHAAAAAAAA!!! It's almost that time!! This show will be sick (although it will be hard to beat last night)...

Tonight will be a lot more mellow with some nice golden oldies. Susan will do another great one. I am intersted to se the energy level after Hartford and last night. They do love to play Philly.

word up:

Shakira concert right next store at the FU Center tonight

Shakira vs The Other Ones

Five old white guys vs One Hot Columbian babe

I'd go see Shakira

Rock en Espanol, es muy bueno

If I knew for a fact no one would see me at a Shakira concert I'd go to see that ass, damn...I'm goin to TOO MSG in NYC, anyone else?

Not only is Shakira hot, but think of all the hot young Latino girls shaking their booty

As visions of sugar plums dance in my head

Who is Shakira?

otherones.net is reporting 1st set thus far:

jam - liberty - cosmic charlie - queen jane approximately - i'm a hog for you, baby

otherones.net is reporting 1st set thus far:

jam - liberty - cosmic charlie - queen jane approximately - i'm a hog for you, baby - good morning little school girl - caution

are we still in Set 1? Hows the crowd? How is the "lot" tonight and security? "Hog for you" DAMN might get good ole FEEDBACK yet!!

What time does the show start on Phil Radio?

there playing last nites show now!

Wow, Ananda, thanks. I listened to that set through a friend's cell. This sounds much better!

Is Phil Radio playing tonight's show NOW?

I hear Playin' and they haven't played it since 11/20/02. So is that show on Phil Radio now instead of last night's show?

yes, there playing 11/20/02

It's the 11/20 show on Phil now.

good,I cant wait to hear the Stawberry/Scarlet/King Bee/Viola

How come the chat isn't working?

the chat never works for me i dont know why

Anyone enlighten us with a 2nd set update?

who's going to gund? heard hard rock's the place before the show to be. hope to see many old faces in the crowd!!!!

Just heard Midnight Hour last song on the cell--sounded rocking!!!!! Susan was strong!!!

I used to love hearing Brent sing midnite hour

Last night before FOTD they said they were having technical difficulties and the crew was going to work on fixing them. Then this music started coming out through the house PA. It was the descending guitar part to "Friend of the Devil"...it stopped and started, stopped and started a couple times. I searched the stage and NO ONE was playing, not Bob, not Jimmy, not Phil, not either keyboard player. The drummers weren't doing anything. Then Phil said something about "that music that you're hearing, you're not supposed to be hearing that" or something like that. Anyone know what he said?

It sounded to me like some kind of sequencer or something playing FOTD. Once they did start the song, I thought I could hear it playing behind the band, playing the changes, etc. (I was sober, btw.)

So what was that? Do they have some kind of sequencer or something playing along with them? Was it some kind of click track type thing that they're only supposed to hear in their in-ear monitors?

Anyone know what the deal was? And what was it Phil said?

thanks,

John

Houston, do we have a problem ?

1st Set: Liberty, Cosmic Charlie, Queen Jane, I'm a Hog for ya, Weir Blues ?, Caution, Jack Straw, 2nd Set: Uncle Johns, Playin, Scarlet, Fire, D/S/ Mr. Charlie, Rider, Midnight Hour, Golden Road Encore

2nd set was friggin' great -- real trippy start to Scarlet - great colors everywhere -- loved the Midnight Hour too -- loved Susan and Rob's exchanges during crazy set 1 jam -- very enjoyable night overall -- everyone seemed much more relaxed tonight compared to last night -- the whole weekend was just a blast!! see y'all Tuesday....

so how exactly can you listen to the shows?
on phil radio ?
wheres that
im not great the pcs....

Jimmy rock star god takes over the center of the stage. Susan steps up. Can it get any better than this?

But was it live, or was it Memorex?

This show was actually unbelievable. I had such a great time, the second set was near perfect. I still think I would rather see a Phil and Friends show even though the other ones sound much more like the dead.

Bucky..who do you think you are..??

Opinion8ed1 Kenobi ....

Good show, some great moments, but never really hit some of those peaks they did Saturday night second set. Bobby and Jimmy traded spots (Jimmy in middle). I liked it, but it was obvious (especially at the end of Midnight Hour and during Golden Road) that Phil wasn't seeing Bobby's stage direction. Bobby tried to end the Midnight Hour about 3 times before Phil and the rest of the band joined him. Bobby cut off Jimmy during his solo in Golden Road, preventing it from really going anywhere special. Still, that was the last 10 minutes of an otherwise solid show.

Sound was better Sunday than Saturday, but it was still sub-par for a band that used to pride itself in sound quality. They need to turn it up! Even the Phil bombs were barely noticeable.

JIMMY HERRING: Front & Center!!!
Did anybody miss Bob during the post-Playin' jam?
I didn't think so. See ya at the Garden>

As always, the Philly shows were something special - totally unique and unpredictable. WELCOME SUSAN!!! The boys really turned things upside-down. First, they opened up on Sat. with what i thought was going to be the predicatable encore, Sat. night - definitely a nice change. Secondly, I also thought Unbroken Chain was gonna be a definite, but was disappointed when they played it the night before. I better hear it in MSG tomorrow!! Third, I was taken completely off guard when Susan stepped up to sing Sugaree. Here I am with my eyes closed dancin away, then next thing I know I'm being carried even higher - I think I'm in love with Susan Then how 'bout Phil on those drums! (btw, I think those were the best drums I've heard on tour so far). Then Jimmy and Bobby switching it up. I wonder why...maybe for technical reasons, or maybe b/c Jimmy finally feels confident enough to take over Jerry's spot? who knows...
I love watching these guys grow together. Virginia was a cautious show, it seems like they were still feeling each other out, taking it one lick at a time. DC rocked, and E. Rutherford was insane - it just keeps getting better and better! Although there seemed to be some tech problems Sat as well as Sunday...was Bobby's acoustic guitar not on stage during the beginning of the second set, or was there serious tech problems? I couldn't tell from where I was sitting. It still sounded incredible though! PHIL ME UP BABY!!!!!!

Last night was a very different show than Sat night. This was ear candy from start to finish. Jimmy was center stage with fingers flying and excellent visual backdrops to boot.

The show started with clean, crisp jamming tunes that just kept going. Jerry's face from the late 60's was displayed, and then a group photo with Pigpen came fading in and out. I managed to snap off a few good pics, we'll have them later in the week.

Susan didn’t sing as much as last night, but then this was a night more about the instruments than the voices. We had seats in 105 with a whole section of kind people. Our minds were perfectly tuned with powerful vegetables, and the ushers were cool with everyone smoking. The air was thick with smoke as the lights beamed through the haze, very reminiscent of classic, trippy visual entertainment. Why should Susan have to play air guitar? I don’t get it. It was clear that she was itching to join in the music making, the more guitars the better. How sweet would that have been? Susan adds a playful, flirtatious air to the stage, which I think everyone loves. She encourages them to lighten up, relax and have fun.

Jack Straw closed out the first half very nicely after what seemed like one long jam session. During the break, Hunter was speaking about Jerry and the songs they sang together. Claimed to have been in contact with Jer recently, and that he was very happy with what’s going on. Ripple sounded real good as we sat, smoked up and listened.

The second set was more of a care free, good ol party time. UJB, Playin, Scarlet, Rider and Midnight Hour had us going nuts with much excitement. Two guys at the end of the row had their shirts off, dancing in the isle, center floor, a very funny sight. Rider is one of our favorite songs, as the sun shines in our back door today. Midnight Hour was very happy, jumping up n down, dancing with a sing along, we’re gonna wait…..WAIT…..wait…….WAIT…..….till the midnight hour.

What a GRATEFUL WEEKEND!

Mr. Charlie!!!! Good god that was something else! Jack Straw was a blast. And the I Know You Rider came out of nowhere. Sunday was an awesome, awesome show. It could've been louder, but the band is tight and Jimmy is really the most you can ask for. Soundin' great. The boys seemed to be having a great time on Sunday night and it translated into a great crowd vibe. Two Charlie songs in one night!

Let's get the bitch fest over with, then sink down to the music.

Okay, many years of sobriety under my belt, a total of three Wharf Rats meetings...my personal aside, who the fuck picked their meeting location at the Spectrum...you have some nerve. That was utter bullshit. The attendees to the meeting were bitching at the people trying to get by...so, idiots, why did you pick the main entrance to the arena, between seven entrances into the seating areas, and three kiosks for food and beer. As supportive of that scene that I am, your attitudes suck, and I will really go out on a limb, be rude and judgemental etc. If you are counting shows, and not days, you are indeed in the wrong environment. Heres to hoping that the WR's go back behind the stage at MSG, although the hallways are much more conducive to meeting up.

Security sucked from the beginning last night. Searched my cigarette pack...never left my section alone...escorting so many out of our section that there were ample seats there.

An adorable little boy was standing on the arms of two chairs dancing and playing with every balloon he could catch. He fell once, which freaked me and the dude next to me right out...hides it from his dad, blood be damned....I asked the dad to have him stand on the seat instead, and he says, don't worry, he won't fall....yeah right. Happened a second time and the kid came down.

The first set last night was a record booker for sure. The second set seemed flat, and I think it was the mix. I had perfect sound on Saturday, in and out sound Sunday. Go figure.

So, for the oldschoolers, blues hounds, breakout crowd, the first set was fairly awesome. For me, the highlight of the show was the Queen Jane. I have long felt, and posted that the only thing I really missed about Dead shows were the awesome Dylan tunes that the Dead recreated. Queen Jane is one of my all time favorites and hearing that I missed the Dead for the first time...it also happened to be downright terrific last night, and because of that...the full circle thing is completed. Jerry is dead, but the songs do fill the air.

I could barely hear Jeff last night...sound probs for my area of the arena...which took alot out of it for me...the new stage setup is so agreeable. Much easier to pick your performer and watch them do it.

The best thing, for me anyway, is the continuous break outs. They keep me interested. Without P&F, I doubt very highly that I would be so keen on so many of the breakouts...if I was only searching for a revue of standards. One more thing to thank them for.

Phil womped, trampled, welcomed, engineered the Caution...what a goddamn monster it was. Susan is great, and another vehicle Phil has utilized to get another fabulous artist out there to the people. The solos leading up to Queen Jane, the song and the leads out of it into Schoolgirl are mesmerizing...The first set gets 10's from me, the second set...it was damn good, but didn't move me personally, and I called every song...so, ouch, could it have been a tad predictable? Yup. Aron...so glad we actually met up and let your friend know it was pleasant to have that conversation with him.

Jimmy Herring and Rob Barraco.

Oh, and I met Jimmy is Amazing...folks, he is a kind dude with great vibe...hook up with him and get a treat. Nice guy for sure.

Stop Complaining and be happy for what we have right now. It is so annoying to read these and see complaining about this or that. If you liked then write, if you do not and just want to complain do it elsewhere man!!!!

Think...when the sound sucks and the lyrics are fucked up three songs in a row, then we have a right to say it wasn't up to par. Shove your attitude...the shows have been fun as hell...

In your face....considering the Dead set the bar for sound quality at any show, in or outside, and these guys are pushing for respect in the real world, then why on gods green earth does the SOUND SUCK, separation and volume wise? There is no valid excuse, and as a result, shows that are probably executed very well, are in fact losing wind in the sails. It takes away from the show, but not the fun factor.

I am not some submissive idiot Think...you want to start paying for tickets, and all the accoutrements, I will go and hang and keep my mouth shut...but I feel qualified to give a decent review of sound quality...lots of years, lots of shows.

>> If you liked then write, if you do not and just want to complain do it elsewhere man!!!!

Dude, these are reviews. They're not all supposed to be glowing. If someone thought somethin wasn't up to par they can say it. These are opinions man. If you don't let a man share his opinion than what else does he have. The topic isn't Other Ones Show Reviews (from people who liked the show).

Think - Where should the complaints go? Maybe we should put them in a review section. Then again we could create a new review section called “Reviews without Rose Colored Glass” or maybe create a section for your type of reviews “All Shows Are Amazing”.

Dew has been a contributor to this board for a long time and I value Her/His opinion (your secrets Safe . The majority of the post was based on the show. Now maybe the Wharf Rat comments and the inattentive parenting could have gone in the other stuff section. But these environmental elements have an effect on a person perception of a show.

HI Dewit I must have seen you at the WR table.I also agree they should have set the table somewhere else.I think the sound could been better hopefuly that will be worked out.I'm just happy to be able to enjoy the music again!!!! Next up MSG!!!!!!!

"Dew has been a contributor to this board "
-LOL! tell us about it.

"for a long time and I value Her/His opinion"
-me too. just dont get the boxing gloves routine. New Joisey, right dew?

Dew - my wife says the same thing you do about the sound separation and volume. Sometimes you have to strain to hear the vocals, if you can hear them at all. I wanted to meet you this weekend, and get a picture of you standing next to the Morning Dew soda machine in the hallway.

i thought the sound was great where i was, much better than the MCI center last fri. jimmy is the man up there- he took center stage both literally and figuratively. crowd vibe was also great.
and i never thought i would see a mr charlie

Dan, you never see me there...I drop sheckels in the jar...but my program doesn't cohabit will with those meetings. They help lots of people.

A six year old teetering and falling directly in front of you is distracting at best. The other much younger dudes surrounding me all spoke to the dad...I kept my big old mouth shut, but my hands ready.

Part of the show, is and always has been pretty black and white for me...

Musically, separation is foremost, always. If you have the separation you have the quality. Volume is seldom an issue, though it is here.

Getting around the venue, especially now that they are huge is another key ingredient. Hartford and the Spectrum are horrid for this. BB isn't the best, but security wise they get the gold award for last weeks show.

That said, Sunday's first set was a recordbreaker. It thrilled the hell out of me.

...a few months ago a present was in my mailbox. Mooseman had found a Dew shirt and sent it to me...I had it with me last night, but went for the Dose...what can I say? I love that Mule train.

Gregg, did you make both Philly shows, or stick to the plan?

I need to go keep my day job...these tours are killing me.

Dew, thanks for posting about the Wharf Rats and the kid on the chair. Thats all part of the "show/ scene" and brings it home to those who werent there !!

After the Garden, I may actually be able to write something about the songs...thank you.

What a time for some "Hometown Cookin'" Virginia was nice and cozy with a special first show of the tour flavor but you could just see that the boys were warming up. The highlight there was "Broken Arrow" with the dynamic screens and the "autumn" flavor they had. Leaves falling on the screens, Phil's silouhete inside them. Phil's soulful voice resonating throughout the tiny arena. DC was where I was finally lifted in the air a bit. New Speedway, just waiting for Phil to step up to the mike "This darkness got to give!!!" Then a spectacular second set, "Other One" bombs that I can take at every show if I had a choice. Jersey first set had all the right feel. Susan is definitely adding to these guys although I wish they would turn her up sometimes, kind of difficult to hear. And nice to see her breaking out Pigpen tunes, groovin on Jimmy's guitar, and also some stage movement that is quite rare to see, aside from the Cheese Man ;) More on that a little later.

With a hiatus of about seven years, I decided to eat a little for these two Spectrum nights. I finally thought this is the right time, the right place, and definitely the right friends. A wise decision and so much fun for us all. From the Sat. Night thru the Golden Road, the feelings inside the old Spectrum were electric. I like how they are mixing up all the traditonal places for their tunes. Unlike when they played as GD, you never know when or where something will pop up. Personal highlight the first night, besides getting Sat. Night out of they way for the opener, had to be the Terrapin. Usually not a fave, but this one had all the drawn out jamming at the end that made me a little lighter on my feet. And on GDTRFB, Jimmy stepped it up at the end that he was a little hesitant to do in Roanoke. Way to place Jimmy in the middle last night! Such a nice jesture to surround him with the warmth of the boys instead of having him off to the side, Jimmy is growing stronger and stronger each night! What to say about last night? I was in a world I haven't been to for quite sometime, and I could feel every note from my head right through my fingertips. Great way to start off with what are usual closers in Liberty and Cosmic. Cosmic gets me off more than most tunes. While not as hot as a PLQ version with the southern slide feel, still got me groovin'. Schoolgirl was nice, everybody moving along with Bob doing just a little struttin rock star style. (I think Bobby is finally getting the point about toning some of his antics down, he's behaved very nicely this tour, not to many "Naaaanannnaa" and stays put most of the time on stage). Jack Straw was as usual a good crowd favorite, but needed to be turned UP a little. UJB/Playin was tight, the Playin jam very spacey. Scarlet great/Fire ok, it really does let down when Mickey starts "talking", I can't call it singing. I understand he should be able to do this, it is his song afterall, and while I actually enjoyed Fire in Jersey, this one kind of let me down. Oh well, the Breakout of MR CHARLIE was what I was waiting for! That's the one I'm still moving to since last night, got both my "Charlie's" in one show! Before the encore, the lights are shining all over with smoke hovering overhead, a very peaceful setting. While the sound is subpar imo, the screens and lights have definitely made up for some of that and have been top notch. Golden Road had the place louder than it had been all night. Thank you OO, only one more show left, kind of bittersweet. See you all in MSG, where a Dark Star/Other One will appear. And how about my first Cold Rain and Snow EVER, and an "Unbroken" for my friend "Lstroseofsummer", that would be a sweet way to end this very nice ride we've been on!

Forgot to mention I met and talked with Pierre Robert from WMMR, thanked him for the speech he gave on 10/7/94 when they dropped the 50th show banner. "Grateful Dead" with 53 underneath it and in Flyers Orange and Black is the new banner they hung up for the weekend. Hope it stays there forever...

Nice review...

the "eating" has done you well Bro

Cosmic Charlie via cell phone was bitter sweet

UJB via cell phone was just plain bitter

CAUTION?!

Was hoping to see Phil rip up The Other One, but he killed me with this one.

Susan's renditions of I'm a Hog for You, Baby and Big Boss Man(E. Rutherford) blew me away. Pigpen's spirit was tangible!

Couldn' they simulcast that New Year Show? At least over the internet a la Alpine.

Saturday's show was the stress-filled one with some poor song choices, but still Jammy as all hell. Phil was having the time of his life, always smiling and grooving to his own little beat Like I said though, very solid musically, but song selection was a bit off.

However, Sunday was FANTASTIC!! Was a bit put off by liberty, but cosmic charlie set the mood off right ~ the beginning of the oozing jelly of the boys. With Queen Jane, spirits sank a bit as i thought the song selection would be a repeat of sat night. Could've done without the Hog song, perhaps schoolgirl>alligator>caution and then into that spacey/feedback-ey jam (and what the HELL was that great crazy rap between Rob and Susan)...incredible. Jack Straw...really good!

UJB>Playin...Very Nice. I didn't miss bobby that much (i'm pretty sure it was in fact tech problems). Scarlet is not my fave, but the jam into fire and fire itself was cool as hell - lava-like imagery here. Mickey's "rap" version is a bit off-putting, but still good musically. Drums was cool (not as good as last night), but the Space > Mr. Charlie 2nd set was IT, there's now way that anyone could've called this before the show or set, regardless of the years/shows attended. The Rider, eh...(part of that "a bit off" song selection from sat) but still jammy/jelly as hell...same with midnite hr. The golden rd though really showed what Warren did for PLQ though...compare Booby's version with his.

To Me, Sunday's theme was definitely blossoming ooziness with the band fully stretching out..MSG should ROCK!!! Their only problems, both nights, was miscommunication with ending songs and transitions and such, but that can be fixed with practice. I thought maybe Jimmy was in the middle Sunday so that he could be in on the cross-communication ~ or just more in center-stage. Either way, he's was smoking both nights. Without warren, Jimmy's killer licks really stand out.

Plus, no Samson on a Sunday...perhaps the boys are forging new traditions,e.g, the breakout of two new songs.

I'm Kent Brockman and those are
My 2 Cents

anybody know why jimmy and bobby switched spots??

Jimmy has the nicer beard, that's why>

good one......

Energy TRIANGULATION!!!!!! (Bob takes the elder's spot and Jimmy IS the Rock star. Maybe Bob will get that the SPOTlight is NOT always the place to be....) I will explain my theories about this at a later time....
but we are back in BK safely and ready for Garden. More to come...once I have eaten and slept...
BUT
of all the sets last night's second...well....it wasn't the BLOW OUT that I thought the SPECTRUM (hallways, hate m, INSIDE - love IT) deserved. HELLOOOOO. Banner?
The Quaalude Golden Road...so SLOW!!! half tempo...I thought it was to be the double E with a Brokedown (or Attics)...but no, as the Mr GC said IMMEDIATEMENT - "They are holding back for the Garden."
Maybe they are.
Susan steps UP. (she did the night before with the Sugaree...really...did you hear us screaming Susan? We love you!!!! Keep it Comin.) Big time love it...HOG, Mr. Charlie (Daydream with the call...give it to her PROPER)...MIDNIGHT HOUR...the caution was great....good morning schoolgirl (is this fast thing the way Rdog does it?) and in the good am I think Jeff DID kick it out (a little?)...maybe bc he plays this with dog.

ENOUGH. I need coherency for this and I am not really there yet.
BUT
it gets better every night. it's AMAZING. it is new. IT DOES embody the spirit of the the GD (but please don't call it that) and
Phil
Drives
The
Magic
BUS.

(and the lots are great before the cops come.
see you in the city, children. I'm just the biggest smile from all this shit...just BEAMING.)

All I have to say at this time is - HOLY SMOKES!!! Talk about a couple PHANTASTIC shows. The difference between Roanoke and Philly was like day and night.
So many highlights of songs, the company I was with, and the awesome voice of Susan made my weekend so very, very special.

In fact I skipped outta work tonight and am now heading to MSG! So watch out city.....I'm ready to ......Shake it down, shake it down, shake it down now!!!

See y'all tomorrow night!!!

oh - and I hope Bobby never gets the view of his bald spot that WE got in section 414 (or was it 40000?) YIKES!!!!
arrr....Love ya Bobstar!!!
Bob, hon...you can point heavenward for me ANYtime...mister lazy lightning man....
really, bob is great but the bald spot thing was a cracker upper.

lookin high
lookin LOW....

I agree that the sound could be better for sure!!! Could be louder and it is a bit muffled, I still thought the show was great and I was just happy to be there. Just as long as there are positives you are talking about too. I totally agree that they need help on this!!

Done...

Daydream, I laughed out loud after I saw you get to the hotie...your comments were priceless, and I definetely want to hook up with you tomorrow.

>>anybody know why jimmy and bobby switched spots??

seemed to me a logistic change for Hunter. when they were the other way, the stage crew would have to come out and tear down Bob's and Susan's mics. with the change last night, no stage crew involved and it gave Hunter the same amount of room to move around. (they also had Susan's music stand toward her right last night instead of toward her left)

oh...and Love the Liberty (bell)
rung well!
Philadelphia Freedom! ooooooooh......freeeeeeedom....
and The MISTER Charlie and the COSMIC charlie
BUD EEEEEEEEEE with the Scarlet call....nicely done. Midnight Hour WAIT wait WAIT wait WAIT! ooooeeeeeeeeeeeeee! How many people say Susan turns up the sex volume? Many, many, many people. It ain't just the skirts or the way that she swaaaaaayyyyyys - it's the
"and do all the things I told ya...."
man o man o man
(Indeed, indeed...it IS getting hot in here....)
and Dew...have to say in that Spacey jam pre Scarlet I thought for sure that we were headed to Dark Star territory. Passed through my head that you would hate the DS (sorta how it passed through my head that Bucky would hate Albany - hmmmmmmmm)...and then....they didn't play it. Tomorrow?

Dark Star, Lovelight...
and...well...when you move Jimmy to the middle...then tomorrow...when he starts the show there...it won't be odd or strange, like, oh, they might be making room for a second set guest? Shift the weight stage right...make room on stage left. HMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

now...I think Susan actually COULD sing Wrong Doin Woman. Blow my mind, gents & ladies (incl Candace et al oc, it aint ALL on the stage)....ah, whatever you choose....I will never predict tomorrow. Not sure I even want to try. ("Well, you lied and you cheated...WHa-O....for so long....you're a wrong doin' woman and another queen is onnnn your throne!") Or You Aint Woman Enough....suuuuuuure.... (I feel really insane being in the mindset that even considers these things potential. Did I hear King Bee, Big Boss Man, Hog For You, Caution....did I REALLY?


I think so.
(CANT sleep. MUST sleep. CANT sleep. MUST sleep. CANT sl-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz)

I heard the Dark Star, but I really don't think it was deliberate. My big letdown was them NOT going into the Lovelight after the Midnight.

after sitting on the lower level at two previous shows on the tour, and once on the floor, at Sunday's show I was sitting on the rail in the first row of the 300-level, halfway between the soundboard and the stage:

AND THE SOUND WAS INCREDIBLE!!!

it was much better than it is down low. I guess it's because the PA system is elevated so high off the stage, so we were right on the same plane with the speakers. and the view was great, too.

anyone thinking about stubbing themselves down to the back of the floor to escape those "nosebleed" seats should check the sound out up there before turning their backs on the "shitty" seats.

in terms of the playing, parts of the first set were choppy, and they took a couple of strange turns in Golden Road, but from Jack Straw through Midnight Hour, it was bliss.

Hi All,

This is my review and my opinion only


I have attended Albany and both Philly shows now. I must be honest here. The sound system SUCKS! I was in Albany/Philly and was surprized not to see the stacks the Dead used to have! The places both were echo chambers no matter where I was. Much lamer than 1995 on down to my first run of Spectrum shows in 1990. I remember it not being as bad with the echo then vs. now. I have no idea why back in 1990 my ticket was around $20 and now its around $50 give or take and the sound system is worse. IMHO I feel jipped on my $$ I spend now and what I get vs. then. THIS IS NOT INCLUDING THE JERRY FACTOR.

Now I got that off my chest. The shows in Philly were great as well as Albany musically they had great moments as well as bad. I.E. Bobby butchering up School Girl. Highlights Susan!!!

Sugaree on Sat. and that mix between her and Rob on Sunday was something special reminded me of Pig Pen and Janis on that Lovelight in 70. Killa stuff! The hog for you baby was sweet sounding and really good. I still think the band should ball gag Mickey Hart when they play FOTM he is ruining that great song for me and now when I hear it even w/ Jerry I cringe(SP?) I am going tomorrow to MSG for my last show for a long time. I am sort of disgusted with the fans/bunkers/wookies/ticket prices, and the sound system. I hope they do something to change my mind cause between Albany and Philly it hasn't happened yet.......


BTW Dewit sorry I had to grab Scaret>Fire from you @ the Holiday Inn on Sat. We had to meet our friends they were at the time standing in front of the Spectrum freezing waiting for their tickets which I had. I'm sure you both will meet again.

Jimmy is Amazin' hehehe I know that PHILly freak. Saw him and all the other kiddies last weekend.

Peace,

T. Wiley

Sound was excellent where I was (Row 5 in the 300's,directly opposite stage). Almost dead center between speakers. Big improvement over NJ. Here's a first: Phil's bass bouncing off my ribcage in a non-floor section. It was nice to see a full-blown lot scene. Good french-bread pizza. BTW: What's in a goo-ball?
See you at MSG. Grey Team Phil 9/11 fundy tee (torch front/Liberty back).

one thing's for sure.. the amazing JIMMY HERRING is by far one of IF NOT the absolute best overall guitarist today out there..

jimmy is a mix between steve morse and steve vai without the rockstar persona factor..

his abilities to play entire catalogs of phil, dead, allmans, etc.. are testiment to the fact he is this good indeed.. the reason he plays fast is becuz he can.. but when he slows down, watch out!!

and jimmy and warren together in PLQ is the best one-two punch in any band on the planet..

great job.. LOVE BOTH PLQ + O1'S !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>>>>jimmy is a mix between steve morse and steve vai

Hey, don't insult jimmy like that!!
He's got acres more soul than those two wankers.

(saw the dregs w/ morse about a year ago, wankity-wankity flashy guitar to nowhere. the technique that says nothing. but i agree that jimmy's great, so don't kick my ass)

I just wanted to thank everyone at the show Sunday night - I had a blast watchin all you crazy cats dancin, and the love and happiness seemed to rise out of every one of you to the top of the place...I Met up with my ex at intermission the second night, and sat with him, his buddy, and his five-year old the the rest of the show up in section 418 - i had more fun up there than I did sittin in 101 the night before - I hear ya, Huckelberry, on the bald spot on Weir - the "rock star" is catchin up the the rest of the boys...all i have to say was "Fire" kicked some ass up there...standing on top of the
"mountain," watching all the people in my hometown...if only the Flyers still played there Me and my buddies are in back of the stage again for MSG - can't wait! A very magical night...MSG is the last of my six-show run, so please, guys, pray for an Unbroken Chain for me, and a Cold Rain and Snow for my buddy Shakin Bones...see you all there!
ps - hail skins, sorry my birds kicked some serious san fran ass last night

Saturday nights show absolutely smoked! I was very impressed with how good they've come together. Sounded so much better the when Bob was with PLQ this past summer. OMSN opener was right on. Great to hear it in the first spot. Highlight for me was the St. Stephen > Terrapin.... oh yeah... and SUSAN!!!! Man she is amazing.

I thought the 1st set on Sunday was right on par with Saturday, but the 2nd set fizzled a bit. The energy in the room was at a fever pitch as the 2nd set was about to get started and they took the stage. Then there was an awkward pause as it became apparent Bob was having more technical problems which delayed the beginning of the set. I could literally feel the energy drain out of the room. It seemed to set the tone for the rest of the show. I had a really interesting perspective on Sunday night's show. I was directly on the side of the stage on Bobby's side in the 3rd row. I had a really great view of him and the rear stage area. I got a great show of him and his tech guy fighting with his electric guitar rig during the second set. His little techie dude brought it back out to him twice and it still wasn't working. He was so pissed and he ran off stage the second time to grab his acoustic again. The second time he brought it back Bobby looked at him and mouthed the words "Does it work YET?" with a very sarcastic pissed look on his face. A Priceless Bobby moment. Although rough at first, I really started to dig the change of flavor with Bob playing acoustic on the UJB>Playin>Scarlet>Fire.

The sound guys definitely deserve a scolding for their work product on Sunday night. The band was playing well but were being held back and distracted by the sound problems. I was directly behind the side stage monitor board, maybe only 25 feet away, and could watch what the sound guys were doing. The guys were clearly not paying attention at several crucial points. I counted at least 3 times during the set that Barraco had switched seats with Jeff and they never turned on his mic. He’s waving over to the sound guy frantically during the song and pointing at his mic. Then when he switched back to his seat, they forgot again and Rob had to franticly wave at them again. It was really bad, especially that it happened AGAIN later on.

All in all I was still very pleased with the weekends experience. Next stop for me is NYE in Oakland!!!!
Woooooo Hooooooo!! Will be my 3rd in a row!!

Was a little disappointed that I didn’t get to meet many Zoners. I didn’t see the Philzone flag anywhere or anyone in their Philzone tee shirts. I did run into Dewit in the elevator at the Holiday Inn, which was cool. She was very sweet but we only got to talk for barely a minute as we rode between floors. But it was still really was nice to meet her and put a face on the name. I was hanging out with Scarlet and her husband, but I already knew them so that doesn’t really count.

Peace,
JimmyPhan420

Saw 3 enjoyable shows (MCI and Spectrum). I have to say I think the sound has been pretty good. I agree with the earlier poster about checking out the sound from your seat before you move down. MCI was at the top of the 2nd level and it sounded good. Saturday floor and Sunday 1st level at the back, good sound both.

The Spectrum shows were the classic 2 night run. Ist set Saturday was warm up. 2nd set Sat and 1st set Sun WERE the show. 2nd set Sunday was a long encore. Agree that the technical problems that delayed the start of Sunday's second set took the edge off a little.

Highlights from the Spectrum for me were Shakedown, St Stephen, GDTRFB>Bid you Goodnight (thanks for singing it!), Hog for you, jack Straw and CAUTION!!! Man the Caution was wild, over the top.

That's it for me (if not the Other One)so everyone have fun and BE SAFE.

We were sitting in the box directly back from the stage both nights and no complaints here. Well one, I didn't get to see the banner. Other than that, these are two for the tape collection. Usually there's a song or two where getting up and moving around are perfect for but not this weekend. The music just flowed. I was even glued to Hunters set, the first night especiallly. Just unbelievable music and a great party to boot. Even with songs that are not my fav were just flawless. Couldn't help but just watch in amazement and enjoy the tunes. Thanks to the Dead for a fantastic weekend of music and to Flax as usual for a great party. See everyone in the Spring

All you need

>>>>Even with songs that are not my fav were just flawless.

Here Here.....what a refreshing take on things.
I whole heartily agree.

The Philly Shows were awesome!!!!
Bottom lines:
Jimmy Herring is the Man!
Phil is running the show!
Susan Tedeschi singing was downright transcendental!
Rob Baraco's keys and voice were prominent and appreciated.
Caution might have been my favorite part of the 1st set sunday.
Sat Nite>Cumberland definitely awesome opener!!

That said:
I'll take Molo over the Rhythm Devils any day, if only to ensure that someone doesn't rap FOTM. Otherwise, drums were cool, but nothing major from those two.
Jeff Chimenti was a non-entity. I don't think I heard a single discernable note from his instrument during about 7 full hours of music.
Bobby - vocals on schoolgirl - awful, vocals on scarlet - mediocre. Great job on Playin.
Bobby - Guitar - During the sick, sick, sick jams (Caution, UJB, UJB>Playin', Playin', Scarlet>Fire Segue, Fire) bobby's acoustic guitar was not even audible. I kept trying to hear what impact he was having. I want Phil and friends!!!!!!!

That said, I met phil on saturday at starbucks. He indicated that he would be taking off the first six months of next year. Let's hope in that time they decide to get the PLQ back together!!!!

awesome run in philly!
Top to bottom, thank you for a real good time!!!!!

>>I had a blast watchin all you crazy cats dancin, and the love and happiness seemed to rise out of every one of you to the top of the place<<

I feel ya--Mr.Sunshine shines from within--watching Phil have so much fun was the key for me. I'll ignore your other comment.

Philly Sat:

Great energy! Ups: Sat>Cumberland, Stephen>ElevenJam, Post Terrapin Jam

Downs: Phils Vocals (He does not do Terrapin any justice), Sugaree closer, cool but not really effective for a closer.

>>That said, I met phil on saturday at starbucks

SWEET, Dirk, what Starbucks was it? Just curious, as I was staying downtown myself.

>>Was a little disappointed that I didn’t get to meet many Zoners

Ditto, Jimmy! Was able to hook up w/Caps, but only because we exchanged cell numbers before Saturday. Unfortunately, the designated Zoner lot was closed.

Solid shows, both nights, I thought, technical issues aside.

The Starbucks at 16th and market. The ritz and four seasons are both close so I figured he walked down from the hotel. Septa had some problems between 30th and Market east, so we decided to jump off the shuttle at 16th by suburban station. My friend decided to grab a cup of starbucks to fight of the philadelphia chill on our way to McGillan's. We're standing in line and I saw, "Phil!! What's going on, man?" My buddy didn't even look at first, because I greeted him like I knew him. Asked for a request, which he was willing to oblige, but when I asked for Unbroken, he said, "Sorry, we played that last night." My response was, "That doesn't really bother me." Got a good chuckle. Definitely cool meeting the man. however, we have a list (in priority order) of things to review with Phil next time:

1) Thanks and Gratitude for the years of good times and great music. I told him how much I loved P&F and the new album and how great the music has been, lately, but feel like we could have communicated more clearly how much he was appreciated.
2) Upgrade for seats. GDTS somehow got me seats in the 400 level at the spectrum. Not exactly primo.
3) "Since we're in Philly, Phil. How about your John Hancock" - Debatable. We tried to play it cool.
4) Request - with back ups in case it's been played lately.

D

>>>Bobby - Guitar - During the sick, sick, sick jams (Caution, UJB, UJB>Playin', Playin', Scarlet>Fire Segue, Fire) bobby's acoustic guitar was not even audible. I kept trying to hear what impact he was having. I want Phil and friends!!!!!!!

I dont think it was by choice that he playy the acoustic. it was pretty obvious that he was having technical problems with the electric guitar. i saw a roadie carry away at least one of his electrics