In the months leading up to Festival 8 (Phish's first festival west of the Mississippi), fans were anxiously guessing what album they would cover on Halloween night. The wide range of rumors ranged from '70s rock classics like David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" to modern epics such as Radiohead's "Kid A." But by Halloween morning, all bets were settled when the show's program guide officially revealed The Rolling Stones' "Exile on Main St."
The 1972 double LP had a major influence on the band (Phish has been covering "Loving Cup" for years) and on Saturday in front of 40,000 people, the concept of covering the entire album became a reality. All four members (Trey, Mike, Page and John) took turns singing Mick Jagger's lead vocal parts, while a 3-piece horn section and background vocals (featuring Sharon Jones) elevated the classics to soulful new levels--while respecting the integrity of the original arrangements. Of course, a few of the songs were extended Phish-style, yet they jams were tasteful and never too noodle-y. Keep in mind: there are 18 songs on "Exile" plus they played two other regular sets that same night.
As for the other seven (!) sets, Phish satisfied new and old fans with all the heavy-hitters and weren't afraid to share new material from their latest album "Joy." Whether or not they're as good as they used to be can be debated (and often is), however, it's safe to say that their 2009 comeback tour has well exceeded expectations. And even veteran fans agree that the Stones set was the highlight of the festival, if not one of their best sets ever. Which is a bold call considering the group's 20-something year history of relentless touring.
The party's not over yet. Phish has 13 more shows scheduled this year, including a three show run at Madison Square Garden in New York City. New Years dates haven't been announced, however the fake ad in the Festival 8 playbill pretty much confirms that it will be held at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, FL.
See more pics from Festival 8:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ipetergavin/sets/72157622590558859/
The 1972 double LP had a major influence on the band (Phish has been covering "Loving Cup" for years) and on Saturday in front of 40,000 people, the concept of covering the entire album became a reality. All four members (Trey, Mike, Page and John) took turns singing Mick Jagger's lead vocal parts, while a 3-piece horn section and background vocals (featuring Sharon Jones) elevated the classics to soulful new levels--while respecting the integrity of the original arrangements. Of course, a few of the songs were extended Phish-style, yet they jams were tasteful and never too noodle-y. Keep in mind: there are 18 songs on "Exile" plus they played two other regular sets that same night.
As for the other seven (!) sets, Phish satisfied new and old fans with all the heavy-hitters and weren't afraid to share new material from their latest album "Joy." Whether or not they're as good as they used to be can be debated (and often is), however, it's safe to say that their 2009 comeback tour has well exceeded expectations. And even veteran fans agree that the Stones set was the highlight of the festival, if not one of their best sets ever. Which is a bold call considering the group's 20-something year history of relentless touring.
The party's not over yet. Phish has 13 more shows scheduled this year, including a three show run at Madison Square Garden in New York City. New Years dates haven't been announced, however the fake ad in the Festival 8 playbill pretty much confirms that it will be held at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, FL.
See more pics from Festival 8:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ipetergavin/sets/72157622590558859/
