This is my first post on PN and I am about to go to my first live shows in 19 years and I couldn't be happier. So take this in the vein that i am of contemporary age of the band and I stopped seeing them because of the crowds (not just the sheer numbers but the attitude (too much like late GD, too many frat boys and to many people there just to get fucked up)) The price for a Phish ticket is still way, way below any of the other big acts going around the country.
As far as the TABifucatuon of the band goes, is it not acceptable for the musicians to grow (age) as time goes by and for their writings and compositions to change as well? We all get older every day and our outlook on life changes with each day. I look in the changes of Phish from when I first saw them in '91 and became an instant fan (they hooked me the first time I heard Reba from Lawn Boy in '90) and have loved seeing them grow and change over the years. I like to think of their career as a long continuing improvisation, not only if their songs but of their attitude. There have been bumpy parts and break ups but what is great is that they have survives and prospered. It is in this train of thought that I don't have any problem with TABifacation (horrible term). It shows a growth and highlights the individual abilities of this great band that will continue to write and produce the music as they see fit to entertain us all. Looking forward to being back in the crowd for 3 of the Bakers Dozen shows!!