Phish 12/5/2009 Expectations Game

Phish 11/29/09 Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, ME, originally uploaded by phishfromtheroad.

With good weather and good health, Flying Spaghetti Monster willing, I will be headed down to Charlottesville Saturday to take in a concert from my favorite Vermont-based musical ensemble.

This is something I’ve been looking forward to for years. Seriously. Back in 2004, I had a jones to see Phish but didn’t act on it, and then they called it quits. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

This weekend, it dawned on me that I’ve got to dial down my expectations.

So, here it goes – the show might not be all that great. I don’t think it’s going to suck, but the potential for disappointment is real. Here’s why.

I’m older. Last time I saw these guys was 1994. I was 22.

They’re older. If you listen to shows of that mid-90s era, the energy is absolutely crackling. I’ve seen reviews around indicating that the band is bringing some heat these days, but they have to have slowed down since I last saw them onstage.

I’m probably going to be sober. I still haven’t figured out how I’m going to get to this gig. At this point, driving just looks like the easiest option, which means no liquoring up. I’m not saying I can’t enjoy a rock show without booze, but, let’s face it, it helps.