Jun. 15th: The lure of Phish

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

Let's get this out of the way: I'm not a Phish fan. It's not that I don't think they're talented, or that I don't respect their music; I simply don't "get" their music, and I'm willing to admit as much. But yes, It's a beautiful thing that thousands of fans do "get" what they have to offer—you can't deny that.

The closest I've probably ever come to a Phish show is a String Cheese Incident performance at The Fox Theatre a few years ago, a show I went to for the overall experience, and what an experience it was. I remember the parking lot looking like a supersized imaginary circus. I remember smiling faces in front of the venue minutes before the show looking for an extra ticket. I remember the eldery ushers inside the venue wondering what the heck was taking place while The Fox's foyer was turned into a mini-dance party, full of barefoot hippie-like creatures catching stars while their shoes made a three-foot smelly stack in the corner. I didn't take my sneakers off, but I danced with them anyway.

I can only imagine what The Fox is going to look like come Tuesday evening. The show sold out in 3.478 seconds, freezing ticket servers (I only know because I unsuccessfully tried to snag a few tickets for friends), making it a scalper's dream. You probably don't want to check Craigslist unless you're loaded.

While this show probably should have been booked at a larger venue so that more people could witness it, you can't argue that there's something special about The Fox. In a few years, you won't have to tell your friends, "Hey, remember that Phish show at the Scottrade Center?" Nope, you're getting the best theatre in town, so enjoy it.

I have friends flying in from Seattle to attend the show. I know of another group of people who are driving in from Memphis. Just because I don't "get" it, that doesn't mean it isn't special. Just try to keep your shoes on. Oh, and be sure to check back Wednesday, because we'll have photos from the big show. Can't wait until then? Check out shots from the tour kick-off in NYC.

Five Phish videos to enjoy before the show: