Back in 2009 our staff put together a list of 10 Venues Phish Should Play (that they’ve never played at before) and number one on our list was the historic Hollywood Bowl. Tonight, Phish finally made their Hollywood Bowl debut as the second leg of Summer Tour 2011 continues.
For Phish’s first show at the Bowl they leaned on heavy-rotation staples throughout the night. The exception came in the middle of a fierce Weekapaug Groove during the second set, when drummer Jon Fishman made his way towards center stage where a mini-kit was set up. Fish led the band through a debut cover of Paul Simon’s 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover in which he simulated Steve Gadd’s signature drum part while singing the tune. The jam of the night came out of Piper and explored a number of different spaces quickly before melting into Mike’s Song.
READ ON for the setlist and The Skinny from Hollywood…
Words and Photos: Jason Gershuny
Phish kicked off the second leg of their 2011 summer tour at the picturesque Gorge Amphitheatre, which served as the backdrop to two terrific shows, each with their own share of highlights. This was Phish’s 6th trip to the Gorge in the last 14 years, and I for one have to say that there are few other places that I would rather see this band.
For those who have never been, imagine camping in a sprawling high desert landscape with a visible horizon for miles around. Thousands of travelers from all over the country create their own colorful worlds with whatever materials they happened to bring with them. Friends congregate to create sprawling tapestry villages to get out of the heat. During the day, the sun is merciless and shade is at a premium. But the incredible payoff lies in the beauty of the amphitheater itself.
As you finally find your way out of your makeshift shade structure to head to see the music, you get your ticket scanned and you are faced with a relatively steep hillside that blocks your view. In cresting the pinnacle of that hill, the world opens up before your eyes to an expansive view that covers miles and miles of the wandering deep blue Columbia River carving elegantly through the rock of the Gorge. All this is before your eyes with the stage in the foreground of your view.
- Previously on HT: The Skinny – Night One, The Skinny – Night Two
READ ON for more of Jason’s thoughts and photos from The Gorge…
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