The weather was perfect: hot, sunny, breezy, and (thankfully) rapidly cooling as the sun began to set. The Gorge Amphitheatre is known for its majestic views, with a surreal landscape serving as the backdrop to inspirational music. Even with those new giant black cloth panels blocking most of the view directly behind the musicians, the full effect of being outdoors while listening to great live music was strong.
When Phish stepped out on stage, the crowd roared. The stage was set much higher than it was on their 2009 Gorge Amphitheater tour stop, making it more difficult for me to photograph, but allowing for a much better view for the fans. Everyone was happy. It was an amazing show. 20-minute improvised tunes allowed for everyone’s attention span to not get cut off too early. Cheering was loud. Inflated beach balls and animal shaped floaties bounced up and down over the crowd. With the show not being sold out, there was plenty of space to kick shoes off and dance in. While walking in and around the crowds, I overheard mixed opinions about the show as it was happening. Musically, the quartet was flawless, tight, jammy and appeared genuinely happy, each member with a big grin on his face. Their long, (not as) bluesy/funky (as I would have liked) rendition of "Roggae" was a hit. It’s actually been described as their “best Roggae ever” by live tweets I read here and there.
What I love most about Phish shows is the predictable unpredictability of their sets. Will they stick to familiarity or will they surprise the crowds with more obscure and less played jams? You never know. The first night at the Gorge was definitely memorable for me. A great variety of jams coupled with classics like "Bathtub Gin." This show, once again, rocked my socks off, despite the way less than perfect photography pit conditions.
Set 1:
Kill Devil Falls
The Wedge
Bathtub Gin
Nellie Kane > My Friend
Cavern
Taste
Roggae
Walk Away
Funky Bitch
Roses Are Free
David Bowie
Set 2:
Backwards Down the Number Line
Rock and Roll
Boogie On Reggae Woman > Farmhouse > Show of Life
Julius
Character Zero
Encore:
Loving Cup
