First I must add that to me, a "Phish show" is something like 7/15/98. Some quality songs, some funk, and banter that puts a smile on your face and makes you part of the show. I am a sucker for Phish stage banter...the more ridiculous the better.

There is also another issue which should be addressed. The whole being there vs listening/webcast. This is one of those shows where being there with the elements put a whole different spin on things. Did it change the music? Yes and no. At one point rain was blowing in on the band, they clearly added a little more slappa da bass, funk, and energy during another storm.

Set I (floor, Mike side closer to VIP bleachers): It was a sunny Sunday with clouds building when the show started. They came out, Trey saw a sign. It confused him and so he played it. Banter from the beginning with a funny "This is for yoooou!". Dinner and a Movie kicks it off. A fun way to start but it seems as if AC/DC Bag got the show on the road. Maze, three deep? Yes please. Great peaks and interplay. Mound is always a treat but this one seemed a little off. They slowed it down partway thru but pace of the lyrics forced them to speed it up which made it seem like it was going two ways. Funky Bitch brought it all back to a dance fest. Gin had some great moves by Page which interrupted Trey providing a good laugh and HOF gif. And, here comes the rain...again. I remember the rain picking up during Wilson as everyone seemed to be screaming at the heavens trying to scare it away. You could start to feel the energy pick up, and so did the rain. By the "can you still have fun?" part the was just POURING. Things just went crazy on stage and in the crowds from this point on. Water in the Sky had everyone laughing and I remember the rain coming sideways. I watched and danced with one eye closed as sheets of pain rain that flew by. Boogie was super funky from "go" and banter was there. Rain was coming in on the band and equipment as crew struggled to cover it only to be met by munchkin banter between Trey and Page to basically close out Boogie. At this point they were fully rolling. The elements had everyone energized but the wind the rain was just too much and they were told to stop. They seemed to be concerned with the lights and speakers swaying at the end of the set and into setbreak.

Setbreak was intense. Water up to your ankles on the floor and nonstop rain from what seemed every direction. Half of the floor left or ran for cover. Our group stayed and just walked up near the stage. It rained and rained and you got fully saturated. It was almost hard to breathe without inhaling water. There was lightning in the area no more than a mile or two away and everyone was hoping they didn't call it like N1...and they didn't. Rain begins to slow and finally stops.

Set II (mike side 20 yards back): They walked on stage and seemed excited to be back and that we stuck it out. Energy was a fun way to kick it up, the last minute and a half really starts going somewhere and melts into Ghost. I wonder how many fans had the 2011 UIC Ghost on their minds...well, it didn't matter cause this one delivered. Under 10 minutes but there's a lot in there. Page takes us beautifully into Lizards. You could feel it (and hear) it coming. Many fans begin to sing along and even if you hate sing-alongs this was one was a pass. Thousands stuck it out a weekend of a canceled show due to a crazy storm Friday, rain on Saturday, and a driving rain that night. The band was having a blast. You could see the relief on Trey's face to know ALL of the weather had passed and they can finally finish the last Chicago show. The "surrender to the flow" part was memorable, you can hear the crowd and Trey's reaction. The silence between Lizards and the next song was a rare moment for me. You could almost feel what was coming, you could see them discuss things on stage, and the whole crowd had it on their minds. HARPUA. It happened and I loved it. It made me uncomfortable at times, mainly because I was so confused and thought everything was derailed, but they trolled us. Troll'd hard. It was hilarious, narration slayed. The whole band was talking and I was cracking up. I know it will be one that will be talked about for some time with the debate revolving around what a poster nutbag "the right way" really is. Antelope brought everything back to reality and reminded us just what we endured. A proper way to close out the second set. I forget what time they stopped but they pushed curfew Saturday and I am sure they did Sunday. A one song encore in Character Zero to close out Sunday and a crazy three nights. It wasn't a long Zero but sure packed a punch and Trey threw a lot of notes in the end.

Overall, a great night and one that will be talked about for some time.