The Life Boy was as good in person as described. Never thought that song would have been my most memorable moment of such a huge show. But it was special. I think I hugged like 4 people.
I listened to the next day on XM radio, i was on the road, uninterrupted travel, and golly...it was one of those transcendent moments I am so jazzed to get. Just brilliant. End of Set I & allll of Set II was exactly what I would want to hear, and a gentle Farmhouse?! Just a gentle landing, and an antelope run on into the distance.
The tweezer was a nice mellow jam vehicle to remind us of India or NYC traffic but on Xanax I noticed spectacular sound quality on the webcast I agree w your point of more shots of visuals and less band for these 4 nights we usually get just cool lights so to still focus on the band seems wrong in ER and Sand and I’m sure the rest of the night
You need to either be there or watch it an immersive environment to get the full experience . A 2D webcast won’t cut it. Saw U2 there twice- both times amazing.
Phish may play an Allman Brothers song because Dickey betts died. I was there when they played whipping post in Lakewood in Atlanta summer 99 I think. Actually we were riding the rail that night.
Crazy crazy show. Over here on the east coast I tried my best to stay up, made it till MYFE and had to tap. Seemed like a great time and they sounded fantastic. Looking forward to tonight, gonna try and stick it out a little longer. BOOM
Yeah best Lifeboy and Farmhouse ever. Mike’s > Lifeboy > Weekapaug conjures memories of my 18 year old self sitting by the pond outside Deer Creek 96 listening intently.
Agreed on most you've said here and would add that the sound was nuts and was the most surprising thing about this show. I thought it would be the visual aspect that would be most profound, and it was the sound by far. It's hard for me to explain and I suspect what they are doing sonically in the room is hard, and honestly impossible, to translate through a steam. The way the sound was moving around the room was nothing like I have experienced with audio. They were seriously bouncing sound all around the room. It seemed like they were trying to figure it out, like how to harness the sound movement in the first set, and they seemed to have it figured out in the second set because they were implementing that sound movement really well at that point. As far as visuals, there were a few lack luster moments but some truly awesome moments as well. I think the 3D effect was lost on the stream, but there were times when you felt like you could reach out and touch some of that stuff. Sand was like that, the cars in tweezer were like that, and that Antelope was pretty incredible musically and visually. You talked about the Mike's>lifeboy>groove and yes, that was beautiful musically and visually. I saw a little surprised on your take with Fluffhead. I have not listened to the stream yet and do wonder how that mix sounds, but I thought the band played that really well... like it almost felt like they actually practiced it a few times or something, because it seemed a little tighter than it's been lately. Though they could have done more visually on Fluffhead. All in all, it was a pretty cool experience and they are really pioneering what I almost consider the next generation of sound. It's like 3D sound, dude, I don't know how to even explain it, but it is wild. Someone else that was there may be able to explain the sound thing more eloquently than I, but it was pretty dang cool.
@@2000om28v yeah, I think there were maybe a few but I think most people stayed at their seat. I was curious if people would be sitting or standing at their seats and I would say like a typical show most people stood the majority of the time... though when you sat down the seats vibrated with the bass... like a Rumble pack for your booty, which was pretty cool.
The speaker technology is called beam-forming from a German company called Holoplot. The Sphere has 167,000 in the wall speakers that produce immersive, not projected sound. Trey and U2 mentioned that the sound can be individualized for each audience member, even in different languages.
I've never been too much into the band, but I've been watching your reviews the last couple months and you've got me very interested. I really appreciate your opinions on the shows, I look forward to hearing what you think about the rest of the run. Once it's all over with I hope you do a video covering all four nights and what you think about the run as a whole. Boom! 👊
The variety of opinions are interesting. People who were ‘underwhelmed’ are more likely Debbie downers then good critics, because musically and visually the show was pretty incredible. The Phish experience is not something that everyone will understand, and there will be an end to it. Best thing to do is enjoy them while they are here and lose the dumb critiques.
I'm always surprised that so many phish fans are this uptight. They always dwell on the negative and ignore or can't accept all the positive things I say. It's art, and you're surprised that opinions vary? Think about that
Thanks for this review, I know a lot of us were interested in what you'd have to say. Musically I liked it, and visually...sometimes it was awesome, and sometimes it seemed cartoony and like they were using video content because they felt like they were supposed to. And btw I think CK5 was there, but was maybe in a different role than usual, like calling the show over headset for the video people who don't know the band as well as he does. Idk. Cool show, but I'm glad I'm holding out for Mondegreen!
Everyone was so negative after first set last night, had me down a bit. But it seems like this thing requires patience and attention. I’m excited to have my mind blown Sunday! You’ll be there in spirit Kev.
Solid review I thought. Very hard show to review as well from the stream. It seems the experience was a lot different in person. New territory like this means its hard to know where to set expectations one way or the other. Interesting night 1 and looking forward to how this progresses.
Really think people were just reacting to first experience in sphere. Visuals were non existent, timing was off and surround sound “off” at different points you would be jarred out of flow by some loud guitar or Mike coming from side. This was like a practice show…hope it gets better
@skateanddonate Mostly hear this from people who were not there. Everyone I know at the show, seemed to be pretty high on these shows so far. Especially night 2 and 3.
@@BAM5636 sorry you disagree with my opinion. Night 2 was definitely better. Just wondering if everyone you knew at the show have seen other sphere events besides Phish?
@skateanddonate I have as there has only been one band to play there prior to Phish. This is brand new. Not much to compare really as that was also 40 nights of the exact same show. Not like this.
Phish fans are the worst every single concert is a gift they know what they are doing Most weren’t around when Jerry dropped dead and we didn’t realize what we had until we didn’t
Thanks for the upload. Seems all hype and a shame that people need gimmicks to experience a concert. Visuals that obviously need to be pre-planned might damn well take away from what Phish does best, improvise. Would have liked to have seen a nod to Dicky Betts on the set list, but maybe they couldn't because everything was pre-produced.
they shoulda maybe coulda why not mention DB? as much as phish has covered ZZ i felt for sure the night they played after Dusty Hill passed they would play a ZZ cover and they did not nor did they mention his passing...
Couch tour here as well. Definitely got momentum. Loved my friend. Farmhouse took me back to farm aid 98. Can’t wait for nights 2-4. See you at alpine?
Agree but you left out the northern lights in farmhouse. That was pretty amazing. Regardless it was all a little underwhelming. I think the biggest question is what’s the theme? Trey said there will be one that isn’t so literal and might take some time to figure out. I’m guessing it’s an evolution of graphics.
im older turn 70yo in a couple days on last night of Sphere Phishing 4/21 so maybe at my age as i was watching i still couldnt stop my morose sadness that Dickey Betts is gone from Earth
I was totally underwhelmed by the show on the screen. I thought with phish they would find the best person for the job and create some insane visuals behind them. Instead it looked like something that would be on a desktop screen saver while you played music right? The set list was pretty great. Not sure how night two can live up to this. But as far as visuals I’m not sure an improv band can have really specific visuals. Idk they could’ve had all the album covers kind of as one tapestry in a never ending loop going upwards. I noticed many people wearing sunglasses I guess because they saw clips of U2 and expected it to be super bright. For my money I would’ve expected more as far as visually at the Sphere. Music was great.
Can't go wrong with a set that includes Tweezer, Mike's Groove, Fluffhead, AND Antelope. I have to ask though, is it just me, or did they absolutely butcher Antelope? Asking for a friend.
I can't believe the flavor of the month is to hate on this show. Confusion? Too much? I don't get it I thought i was entirely transformative, but such is the nature of art. They took a huge leap tonight. Don't understand the hate (I'm talking about PT and reddit), but still, your confusion about it seems more like a you problem. Who goes into this event expecting typical Phish, or having expectations about what we should get? I must have seen a different show. edit : it seems like the change broke your recipe for reviews. doesn't seem like a good idea to approach this like you will a Deer Creek show, and doing so seems to leave you pretty flustered
Overall, very impressive. So different but refreshing. Funny, the cars during tweezer was my least favorite and had me scratching my head haha. Maybe supposed to play CTB or slave but Trey called an audible?
@@FZappa20 man, the first time I watched one of your videos (maybe 7-8 years ago) you said something along the lines of “and they went straight into Wombat” and I lost my mind. You will always be funny my man! Have an awesome Friday sir
Honestly felt like they wasted the spheres time, the visuals were muted, the capabilities of the sphere screens i expected so much more from them, compleletly embarassed they could have done this show anywhere it was very generic
Tweezer an A+ and Fire 🔥 Chris Ballard!!
The Life Boy was as good in person as described. Never thought that song would have been my most memorable moment of such a huge show. But it was special. I think I hugged like 4 people.
great set list imo
I listened to the next day on XM radio, i was on the road, uninterrupted travel, and golly...it was one of those transcendent moments I am so jazzed to get. Just brilliant. End of Set I & allll of Set II was exactly what I would want to hear, and a gentle Farmhouse?! Just a gentle landing, and an antelope run on into the distance.
R.I.P Dickey!!!
The tweezer was a nice mellow jam vehicle to remind us of India or NYC traffic but on Xanax
I noticed spectacular sound quality on the webcast
I agree w your point of more shots of visuals and less band for these 4 nights we usually get just cool lights so to still focus on the band seems wrong in ER and Sand and I’m sure the rest of the night
Back on tbe train was sick. Sometikes you just need great licks.
You need to either be there or watch it an immersive environment to get the full experience . A 2D webcast won’t cut it. Saw U2 there twice- both times amazing.
Spare a thought for the few of us in the UK. Shows do not start until 3 45am our time!
Maybe I was just excited, but the jam on Everythings Right opener is the best I've ever heard on that song. I agree with everything else
Good videos man.
The sphere is the new and improved concentration cinema
Phish may play an Allman Brothers song because Dickey betts died. I was there when they played whipping post in Lakewood in Atlanta summer 99 I think. Actually we were riding the rail that night.
Was there. Can confirm. Lifeboy was the magical moment of the night. Leaves a close second
Leaves was amazing. Farmhouse is up there too.
Was it worth the money?
I was one of the lucky few who purchased thru general public sale. Yes, it was worth it 😊
Crazy crazy show. Over here on the east coast I tried my best to stay up, made it till MYFE and had to tap. Seemed like a great time and they sounded fantastic. Looking forward to tonight, gonna try and stick it out a little longer. BOOM
Boom!
Yeah best Lifeboy and Farmhouse ever. Mike’s > Lifeboy > Weekapaug conjures memories of my 18 year old self sitting by the pond outside Deer Creek 96 listening intently.
We love you!
Sitting in 409, it was definitely steep af
on paper that setlist is amazing
It's only up from here!
first time ive ever heard Lifeboy get a solo. I really hope it stays because that was amazing
Spot on with Lifeboy. I absolutely love that song. Maybe god does listen to what I say. I didn’t think we would get it at Sphere.
Agreed on most you've said here and would add that the sound was nuts and was the most surprising thing about this show. I thought it would be the visual aspect that would be most profound, and it was the sound by far. It's hard for me to explain and I suspect what they are doing sonically in the room is hard, and honestly impossible, to translate through a steam. The way the sound was moving around the room was nothing like I have experienced with audio. They were seriously bouncing sound all around the room. It seemed like they were trying to figure it out, like how to harness the sound movement in the first set, and they seemed to have it figured out in the second set because they were implementing that sound movement really well at that point.
As far as visuals, there were a few lack luster moments but some truly awesome moments as well. I think the 3D effect was lost on the stream, but there were times when you felt like you could reach out and touch some of that stuff. Sand was like that, the cars in tweezer were like that, and that Antelope was pretty incredible musically and visually. You talked about the Mike's>lifeboy>groove and yes, that was beautiful musically and visually.
I saw a little surprised on your take with Fluffhead. I have not listened to the stream yet and do wonder how that mix sounds, but I thought the band played that really well... like it almost felt like they actually practiced it a few times or something, because it seemed a little tighter than it's been lately. Though they could have done more visually on Fluffhead.
All in all, it was a pretty cool experience and they are really pioneering what I almost consider the next generation of sound. It's like 3D sound, dude, I don't know how to even explain it, but it is wild. Someone else that was there may be able to explain the sound thing more eloquently than I, but it was pretty dang cool.
Curious if people were sitting or standing in the mezzanine/balcony. Couldn’t tell from the UA-cam freebie.
@@2000om28v yeah, I think there were maybe a few but I think most people stayed at their seat. I was curious if people would be sitting or standing at their seats and I would say like a typical show most people stood the majority of the time... though when you sat down the seats vibrated with the bass... like a Rumble pack for your booty, which was pretty cool.
The speaker technology is called beam-forming from a German company called Holoplot. The Sphere has 167,000 in the wall speakers that produce immersive, not projected sound. Trey and U2 mentioned that the sound can be individualized for each audience member, even in different languages.
They always need a show or two to get really fired up, imho
lifeboy was beautiful
Epic!
I've never been too much into the band, but I've been watching your reviews the last couple months and you've got me very interested. I really appreciate your opinions on the shows, I look forward to hearing what you think about the rest of the run.
Once it's all over with I hope you do a video covering all four nights and what you think about the run as a whole.
Boom! 👊
The variety of opinions are interesting. People who were ‘underwhelmed’ are more likely Debbie downers then good critics, because musically and visually the show was pretty incredible. The Phish experience is not something that everyone will understand, and there will be an end to it. Best thing to do is enjoy them while they are here and lose the dumb critiques.
I'm always surprised that so many phish fans are this uptight. They always dwell on the negative and ignore or can't accept all the positive things I say. It's art, and you're surprised that opinions vary? Think about that
Love This Guy!
More drones please
Dude! That set 2!
I felt we needed more Sphere shots too!!
The hatchlings in the beautiful Mike's Song lake were RHOMBUSES!!!.... Seemed like a glorious, outdoor, natural setting...and no GAMEHENDGE SONGS!!!!
Yes!
Thanks for this review, I know a lot of us were interested in what you'd have to say. Musically I liked it, and visually...sometimes it was awesome, and sometimes it seemed cartoony and like they were using video content because they felt like they were supposed to. And btw I think CK5 was there, but was maybe in a different role than usual, like calling the show over headset for the video people who don't know the band as well as he does. Idk. Cool show, but I'm glad I'm holding out for Mondegreen!
Hey stupid question here - how do you guys watch the shows on your TV? If I connect my laptop via hdmi it looks all grainy.
Alda Burgs
Good rundown bro
Great video as always brother!
I got to say that EV R and Sand were amazing openers. Loved this show. I agree that more visuals are needed but all in all. Well done to the Phsih.
Excellent re-cap, as always. Looking forward to the next few! 👊
This is clearly Grateful Dave’s son, right? Dude sounds nearly identical.
Everyone was so negative after first set last night, had me down a bit. But it seems like this thing requires patience and attention. I’m excited to have my mind blown Sunday! You’ll be there in spirit Kev.
Very rare lifeboy. Love it. Great re cap bro
My favorite song song not favorite jam song 🎶 never caught a live Lifeboy though!
You are my phish connex. ❤
No covers N1? That was a surprise. Was hoping for Jessica, RIP DB.
Umphrey’s encored Jessica on the beach in SC last night. Phish never does what you expect I’m not surprised
I was there and let me tell you there wasn’t a weak song in that first set. Guess you had to be there.
We got some 🍄 in the mail today. We saw it totally different. I thought it rocked. Kaboom 👊
Did I think it sucked?
Damn i want some through the mail!
@FZappa20 I responded prematurely. When you were meh on the beginning. As soon as the review ended I knew I had fucked up. 😀
@@DMBFAN90 just happened to come through unexpectedly. Fun fun!
@@spuddougherty7860 i wish that would happen to me. That sounds like the best day ever!
Solid review I thought. Very hard show to review as well from the stream. It seems the experience was a lot different in person. New territory like this means its hard to know where to set expectations one way or the other. Interesting night 1 and looking forward to how this progresses.
Really think people were just reacting to first experience in sphere. Visuals were non existent, timing was off and surround sound “off” at different points you would be jarred out of flow by some loud guitar or Mike coming from side. This was like a practice show…hope it gets better
@skateanddonate Mostly hear this from people who were not there. Everyone I know at the show, seemed to be pretty high on these shows so far. Especially night 2 and 3.
@@BAM5636 sorry you disagree with my opinion. Night 2 was definitely better. Just wondering if everyone you knew at the show have seen other sphere events besides Phish?
@skateanddonate I have as there has only been one band to play there prior to Phish. This is brand new. Not much to compare really as that was also 40 nights of the exact same show. Not like this.
Great to be back on the train with you Kev👊 nice recap...great stuff
People do not drink Pepsi. Knock it off, man.
Is My Fried OJ???
It was WAY better musically than you give credit for - strong first set! I loved some of the visuals but wasn’t there in person to gawk.
Display
Drum Mic Silllhouette's were sick
Farmhouse!!!! Woooooo!!!!
Phish fans are the worst every single concert is a gift they know what they are doing
Most weren’t around when Jerry dropped dead and we didn’t realize what we had until we didn’t
Thanks for the upload. Seems all hype and a shame that people need gimmicks to experience a concert. Visuals that obviously need to be pre-planned might damn well take away from what Phish does best, improvise. Would have liked to have seen a nod to Dicky Betts on the set list, but maybe they couldn't because everything was pre-produced.
I was looking for the same thing a Dickey Betts tribute of some sort…. Maybe tonight or tomorrow..
they shoulda maybe coulda why not mention DB? as much as phish has covered ZZ i felt for sure the night they played after Dusty Hill passed they would play a ZZ cover and they did not nor did they mention his passing...
Lately, ive been listening to full shows from 1992...........they don't sound anything like these shows..........
How do u NOT open the run with Round Room?
Add aquarium background with phish logo swimming thru. Slamdunk highlight.
We all just got a Papshere...
We have nothing to Sphere but Sphere itself
Definitely underwhelmed being there. Visuals were bad compared to other shows seen in Sphere
Crash ‘n ride, brother
Couch tour here as well. Definitely got momentum. Loved my friend. Farmhouse took me back to farm aid 98. Can’t wait for nights 2-4. See you at alpine?
As a late to the party phan.
(Jumped in during covid) Farmhouse is a top 10 song for me. Wooooo!
Farm Aid 98 is one of my favorite moments in life.
Agree but you left out the northern lights in farmhouse. That was pretty amazing. Regardless it was all a little underwhelming. I think the biggest question is what’s the theme? Trey said there will be one that isn’t so literal and might take some time to figure out. I’m guessing it’s an evolution of graphics.
Second set was so lit. Trey's guitar tone was kinda thin and flange heavy for start of the show.
It is a screen for the record.
im older turn 70yo in a couple days on last night of Sphere Phishing 4/21 so maybe at my age as i was watching i still couldnt stop my morose sadness that Dickey Betts is gone from Earth
RIP🕯️🌹🌈🔥🎶🎸Dickey
Dickie gave us Rambin Man, Jessica, Blue Sky and helped invent Southern Rock, a pioneer, thanks for sharing your gifts, RIP
Ahhh!! Stop saying ‘this trumped’ that!!!! It’s bad enough with he who must not be named running for prez.
I feel for you, Brother before I told Fish we were seeing the Allman brothers 12 night stands at the Beacon you’re able to sneak into thoseshows.
Trump 2024 Love it or Leave it.@@absolutelypositively
I called the farmhouse and sand!!
Nice!
it's a Windows 95 screensaver
The shots of the band on screen seemed like an afterthought. Especially the stacked old TV’s…. Just not special enough
I tuned out at Blaze On..
Set 1 C+ or B-, also, where was my hydro 🤷♂️ 😭 😭 😭 💥
I was expecting a hydro too 😂
I was totally underwhelmed by the show on the screen. I thought with phish they would find the best person for the job and create some insane visuals behind them. Instead it looked like something that would be on a desktop screen saver while you played music right? The set list was pretty great. Not sure how night two can live up to this. But as far as visuals I’m not sure an improv band can have really specific visuals. Idk they could’ve had all the album covers kind of as one tapestry in a never ending loop going upwards. I noticed many people wearing sunglasses I guess because they saw clips of U2 and expected it to be super bright. For my money I would’ve expected more as far as visually at the Sphere. Music was great.
Can't go wrong with a set that includes Tweezer, Mike's Groove, Fluffhead, AND Antelope. I have to ask though, is it just me, or did they absolutely butcher Antelope? Asking for a friend.
Look at that “e” in antelope. Hahahah awesome
With all the hype, opening the Sphere with Everything's Right was probably the worst moment of the 4.0 era.
I can't believe the flavor of the month is to hate on this show. Confusion? Too much? I don't get it I thought i was entirely transformative, but such is the nature of art. They took a huge leap tonight. Don't understand the hate (I'm talking about PT and reddit), but still, your confusion about it seems more like a you problem. Who goes into this event expecting typical Phish, or having expectations about what we should get? I must have seen a different show.
edit : it seems like the change broke your recipe for reviews. doesn't seem like a good idea to approach this like you will a Deer Creek show, and doing so seems to leave you pretty flustered
What was I confused about? I don't really know what you are talking about. Some stuff I loved some I thought was not so great. What is the problem
You ain’t been following FZap too long, have you? It’s just his style. Relax, or go elsewhere
Boom👊
Wasn't there supposed to be a theme for every night? If so, what was last nights theme?
I gada hear the fluffhead for myself
Ohio is the East Coast? 😄
Nice review.
Overall, very impressive. So different but refreshing. Funny, the cars during tweezer was my least favorite and had me scratching my head haha. Maybe supposed to play CTB or slave but Trey called an audible?
jam vehicles?
@@FZappa20you're so sensitive bro it's pretty damn funny
Thanks for staying up I literally stayed up to see this clip! Lifeboy lyrics stand up to any GD lyrics.
RIP antelope Greg.
Yea I figured that encore was a nod to him.
So I guess comparing Phish lyrics to the Grateful Dead means they're the gold standard?
lol @ pepsi and a pretzel
I didn’t listen to the show, I don’t even like phish (yes I’ve seen them plenty), but fuck you’re funny man. Thanks Kevin!!
Thanks although I didn't feel like I was funny this time. Thanks for watching
@@FZappa20 man, the first time I watched one of your videos (maybe 7-8 years ago) you said something along the lines of “and they went straight into Wombat” and I lost my mind. You will always be funny my man! Have an awesome Friday sir
Sorry I know you probably didn’t want my whole life story
These shows suck. Anyone thinking the screen isnt just windows media player is kidding themselves
The tracks they showed on the webcast had really lame visuals.
Maybe that was intentional but it was lame.
I just caught the free setlist openers on UA-cam because I'm cheap, but the visuals on Everything Right and Sand were seriously underwhelming.
1st thumbs up 🎉
Worst recap bro. Was there. Musically could have been better but energy and moment I time....
Honestly felt like they wasted the spheres time, the visuals were muted, the capabilities of the sphere screens i expected so much more from them, compleletly embarassed they could have done this show anywhere it was very generic