New Year’s Eve was my favorite night out of the two that I attended. The energy in Madison Square Garden was like nothing I have ever experienced. Two out of the four of us that went in together had floor tickets, so we were able to sneak the other two down with the ticket stubs. Because Phish phans are generally happy people, and the fact that we are girls which is rare, no one around us cared that we were taking over seats that weren’t ours.

Set I opened up with “AC/DC Bag” which is a fun way to get the crowd going. However, I didn’t really pick up speed until “Scent of a Mule.” Interestingly, I have never loved this song, but I found a new appreciation for it during the show and now its on my list. I also love Mike Gordon insanely more than I ever have. Trey was always kind of my favorite, but I think Mike stole my heart! Phish started playing “Stealing Time from the Faulty Plan” and I got just a tad bit sad that my dear friend Sara was not at the show with me. It is because of this song that she and I have become such good friends, and I would have loved to share that moment with her and her husband, Jared. I immediately pepped up during “Jibboo” and broke into a dance party with my surrounding mates. “Pebbles and Marbles” was a much needed break from the insanity, but such a lovely song. Set I ended with “Fluffhead” which made the crowd go nuts! I was dancing so much and it was so hot and sweaty, and to top it off a guy started hugging me for a good 2 minutes. It was a beautiful gesture, but it was SO HOT!! Regardless of the sweaty hug, “Fluff” was a perfect way to end the set.

Set II was probably my favorite of all. The energy started with “Party Time” into “Light” and then “Golden Age.” I cannot explain how much I dig this song. It might be my favorite cover that Phish plays. And I may have cleared a few people out to make enough room for a dance party during this tune. I LOVE THIS SONG!! The turning point of the night happened once “Ghost” started though. The guy in front of me turned around and said, “I hope it is long and dirty.” Well, it wasn’t quite the long jam that we were hoping for, but it got kind of dirty. But what rounded it out was “Sneakin’ Sally,” “46 Days,” and “Suzy Greenberg.” I went nuts! However, I can kind of see now the disappointment that some felt during this show. The guys just didn’t seem to want to let these songs grow the way they could have.

Set III is where the magic happened. The new song this year, “Steam” started the chaos. I heard this song for the first time in Chicago this summer and thought it was pretty sick. It has a funky groove to it that makes you want to move. Yes, it is a bit gimmicky with the smoke billowing out of the stage, but it’s Phish. Everything is gimmicky and for show. That’s part of why we love them. I have tried to put into words what happened next, but nothing I write seems worthy of the experience. Luckily, Oh kee pah Blog captured an amazing video of the whole thing. Do yourself a favor and watch this.

I had to take a bit of a breather during “The Wedge” which I am kind of sad about, but I am no spring chicken anymore. I found a new friend that danced it out with me during “First Tube” and we all came together to end out the night with “Slave to the Traffic Light.” The entire night was magical and went by so fast I have to keep taking moments to think back and remember my time.

“You won’t find moments in a box, and someone else will set your clocks. I took a moment from my day…”

Peace, love and a very happy new year! I love you all!

Hippie Chick