I just gave this one a relisten after many years. Such great energy this night. I remember the venue being a bit crappy in a lovable way. Like an old skating rink. It felt old school and a bit cheap, but right at home. Walking into the venue, the building is part of the Long Beach Aquarium complex, I think, so the whole circular building has a giant underwater scene mural with whale and fish and everything. Kind of great for a Phish show, a giant fish tank.
But, lest it be forgotten, I don’t think anyone’s mentioned here that, once inside, word got around the place that Justin Bieber was in attendance, I think with his GF at the time, Selena Gomez. They were at the soundboard all night, apparently. This was around the time when Bieber “borrowed” Chris Kuroda to run lights for his tour. So I guess he was there checking out the light setup. Anyway, you couldn’t help but feel that the band was almost showing off for the Beebs, trying to blow his mind. That’s what it felt like when Rock and Roll (so good!) got really weird. It was like, eat this, Bieber.
Anyway, it’s all speculation, but that was the buzz in Long Beach. Such a great energy that night. I sure would love to see one like this right now, but we’ll have to wait a year (or more) until the Covid passes. Stay safe, y’all.