Review of Phish – Toyota Park Bridgeview, Illinois
Phish @ Toyota Park Bridgeview Illinois – August 11, 2009
From the moment the cab dropped us off ya knew it was gonna be an exciting musical event. Kids in the lot with their fingers in the air hoping for tickets and unlike some of the past shows this summer there weren’t very many to be had. It seemed like everyone was there for the show and not just what the parking lot scene might have to offer. I will say though that the 3 for $5 swiss and cheddar grilled cheeses were incredible. After we took a walk through the shakedown getting 2 for $5 Newcastle’s, seeing some great glass art and some rather clever lot t’s we decided it was time to go in.
Once we showed our tickets and got in we did the usual, got a high priced drink, got with our friends and began to find our spot. The crowd was amped and the place was huge. We worked our way down to the floor and as close as we could snake our way to the stage, we stood around and waited for the show to begin.
Phish opened with “Kill Devil Falls” which is a new song from their upcoming release “Joy”. It wasn’t surprising since they have been opening with new songs on and off this summer. Went into “Sample In A Jar” which is a crowd favorite. Then they did “Ocelot” another new song from “Joy”. This started a first set run of new songs and one they hadn’t played live since 1998. That song came next and it was “Paul and Silas“. The next song was “Windy City” a new song from “Page” and the first time they played it live. Then they went into this run of great songs; “The Curtain With“, “Train Song“, “Gumbo“, “Heavy Things” and then they ended the first set with “Time Turns Elastic“, yet another new song from “Joy“. The first set all together was good but too new and mellow for my blood. I was hoping the second set was gonna be more rockin.
They kicked off the second set with “Backwards Down The Number Line” which is another new song from the upcoming CD. This made me skeptical that I was gonna get the rockin second set I wanted and then they played one of the rockinest “Carini’s” I’ve ever heard then straight into “Gotta Jibbo”. That’s when I knew I was gonna get what I wanted. After “Gotta Jibbo” they played “Theme From The Bottom”, one of my top favorite songs. They then pulled a song from “Gamehendge” and threw down a very awesome “Wilson”. They then just tore up the rest of the set with “2001″ went straight into “Chalkdust Torture” then a sweet “Harry Hood” and then ended the second set with “The Squirming Coil”. The band took a few minutes and came out and encored with a touching “Loving Cup“. So I got my rockin second set to make up for the mellow first. As always Phish didn’t fail to bring it to the stage and give a full house the music they have been waiting for.
This review was written by guest blogger, Jerry Welch. Thank you!
Phish’s 11th studio album Joy
Phish is also performing a few more dates this summer and the Festival 8 in Indigo, CA at the end of October, 2009.
| Fri. 08/14/09 | Hartford, CT | Concert Tickets |
| Sat. 08/15/09 | Columbia, MD | Concert Tickets |
| Sun. 08/16/09 | Saratoga Springs, NY | Concert Tickets |
| Fri. 10/30/09 | Festival 8/ Indio, CA | Concert Tickets |
| Sat. 10/31/09 | Festival 8/Indio, CA | Concert Tickets |
| Sun. 11/01/09 | Festival 8/Indio, CA | Concert Tickets |
