JWelsh: An Ode To The Filler

Fillers were experienced in two ways. The first was an absolute surprise, leaving it up to the Trader to fill out that extra fifteen minutes with what he wanted, or simply continue with the music that was there from the previous generation. Maybe there were a few songs from the opening band that were worth hearing, or a great segue from the week before. Often, you could be turned on to a new artist whose only exposure to you was through the leftover length of analog tape. Another way to make the most out of Fillers was to request specific items. How long is this first set? Do we have twenty minutes of space? Can you put on, say, the Dead’s Raven Space from 04.19.82. Or maybe the Earthquake Space from the night before? I wanted to make the most out of the Trade or B&P, and it came down to time — how much time was left on the tape, how long would it take to send the tapes out and then get them back? Fillers helped in making that effort worth while.

As I have fully immersed myself in the “digital age,” I did not bring any analog tapes with me to New York when I moved two years ago. Where would I have put them? So, alas, I have a hard time recalling all of my favorite fillers. I do remember some, though. My favorite Rusted Root bootleg was from 05.02.92 (don’t laugh); there were a few choice songs from April of that year (early, primal Root). Then I think there was the collection of rare Phish songs — Dear Mrs. Reagan, Dog Log, In a Hole that took up some space. One of the most vivid recollections is a Great American String Band set with Maria Muldaur that was filler on the first Phil and Friends tape from September of 1994. The two seemed to go together so well.

It is not as though the practice is completely gone. Both the Grateful Dead and Phish have acknowledged the practice of their fans by placing fillers on some of their official releases. Soundchecks from 1998’s Island Tour, for example, were chosen by Phish to fill out that release. Or one of my favorites, the 09.02.80 post-Space filler that was picked for Dick’s Picks vol. 21.

These official fillers are nice treats, as well as a playful nod from these bands. But somehow they just aren’t the same as the hands-on practice of estimating time, scouring a setlist archive, looking over someone’s list, all so that you can hear ten minutes more of music to make you smile. As that is what it was all about. Simply more music.

What’s your favorite filler? Let us know by leaving a comment below…