Lots has changed since 2011 at dicks. I was skeptical of going in 2011...the year had been up and down at best. But Denver is the closest area to my home that phish plays. It’s my second hometown in many ways. It just made sense. I took my fiancé (now wife) and went w two of our best friends and show companions.
If you weren’t there in 2011 it’s hard to describe just how easy everything was. Today it’s impossible to walk in at 745-800 and walk right up to about 50 feet away on mikes side. It was easy in 2011. It took me and my people about 4 years to realize those days are over. Best to be in the venue just after 7 if you want a floor spot near-ish the middle in front of the Sbd.
S was just a fantastic surprise. About 4-5 songs in im talking about all songs starting w ‘s’. A young fan seemed amazed by my knowledge of this...lol. The sabotage closer was the cherry on top. Awesome.
We camped in the mountains...that drive was long...we haven’t made that mistake since.
Night 2 set 2 and night 3 are among the best sets of 2011. Lots of great playing there...and the harry hood on N3 will always hold a special place for me.
Flash forward 7 years. I’m married. My two tour buds have two children now and they relocated to Denver. I’ve only missed 1 dicks run (2012!!!). My new wife and I hit DC and alpine. Will not happen in leiu of dicks again. The band has better chops now, plays more deeply...jams more. Frankly, they’re just better than 2011. And people flock to it. Friday was as good as any dicks show. Sunday was a communal dance party. As good as it gets. I thought Saturday was generally well played but I’d quibble w song placement and selection. Oh well...still awesome. I do love the venue. Parking sucks now, and it’s infintely more crowded. Metal detectors as you walk in? Woah. But it’s still the spot. It does have the most lively and sprawling shakedown. And the band throws down. Love this place.