Phil Lesh's 4th Annual Birthday Celebration at the Cap

Have Beers and Green Bowls On Tap ! PHIL 78

WoW !!!!! Fresh Girl Scout Cookie BOWLS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So bummed to be missing this run, but I am so fucking sick. Have fun freaks, last night sounded like a train wreck to my ears hopefully it gets better with Scofield on board

Phil's totally going to see that. He has Viva on the screen on his amp. 

Good evening Phreaks.  Nice looking thread. Happy Birthday Phil. Bombs away!!!

Me too Jeff....

its not just the show, it’s the people.  I am bummed not to be in the building with Phil and all our peoples.

The whole experience...pregaming at the Philton, drinks at Garcia’s, and then the show.  It’s all of it.  :)

Right on Jimmy, miss ya brother

Same same brother...

Feel better soon my man.

and here we go

Happy Birthday Mr Lesh! Thank you for sharing your day with us once again!

Hi phreaks!  Sending lots of love from the high country, wish I could be there with you. Eat some cake for me!

Love,

Merri

Video Link?

Hi Merri...

Miss your face. :)

This Baby Blue is a travesty.

Not liking RMFJ’s spin on it at all...

"...Sending lots of love from the high country,.."

Happy Lesh Day,  MWG.

Are you in Nepal ?  Alps ?

Not in Kansas,  anymore.

not a fan of this version

>> its not just the show, it’s the people.  I am bummed not to be in the building with Phil and all our peoples.

The whole experience...pregaming at the Philton, drinks at Garcia’s, and then the show.  It’s all of it.  :)

You took the words right out of my mouth! I miss your beautiful face too and could use an awesome zoner hug from you

"...This Baby Blue is a travesty..."

It's sort of like a Bay City Rollers version.  Perky.

Hi Stu! I wish I was somewhere exotic... I'm in Colorado again for the season. Not much snow but the view is nice. Will be back east in a couple of months, just in time for the heat and humidity. Hope all is well in Jerseyland. Give H.I.M. a scratch behind the ears from me

jimmy, check your facebook messages

Got it...Thanks brother!

Henry ..... Bart in Heaven .... Grass Valley  Our Friend WE Love You Says All Zoners......

I've been wondering for over thirty years if this tune (Henry) is about Harry K.  who wrote the book entitled Weed.

If you ever see a copy at the book sale,  grab it.  Rare  & out-of-print.

Reminiscing about Phil's 50th at the Cap Center... I pregammed with some fungus and then headed from the lot to the gates. Total clusterfuck of crowds to get in. I am so short I was lost in the massive pack and couldn't breathe with all the tall guys around. Before I could say anything I dropped like a rock. Someone scooped me up and took me through the doors, I don't think they even checked my ticket, Next thing I knew a total stranger had a cold rag on my forehead and was offering me a soda. I was so out of it and this kind soul made sure I was ok. Never really did have a chance to say thank you. I love our family

The only other time I fell out was at a shopping mall in the July heat. People stepped over me and left me for dead!

What's wrong with the drummer? Does he not know any of the songs?.....
I can bang pans in the kitchen better than this...

I was at that show Merri....the Revolution encore.  ‘‘Twas quite the night!

Had a similar situation at Nassau.  Went down in the halls and all the spinners made a circle around me until I came to.  They wouldn’t let security see me down.  Every 30 seconds or so, someone would tap me saying we got you brother.  They got me some water and pretty much nursed me back to health.  Ha.

But then I came back and we danced our fucking asses off for the next hour!  It was a very spiritual experience.

Nice Jimmy! Our sweet Merm was part of the spinner crowd for a while. I love how we always have each others back. Family is forever.

During the Dear Jerry show at Merriweather a crowd of 20 or so Zoners did the same thing for Mermaid when she was hurt. She laid down on a blanket for the whole shoe and our circle of love kept her protected. I saw a crowd shot of that show and I couldn't believe with all those people no one broke through our ring. The energy of all of us was so freaking special that night. I really love you all so very much. 

Sco finally bringing some heat!

Showin the kids how it's done.

Here's Phils 60th 3-10-00 for Set break if ya want

https://archive.org/details/2000-03-10.paf.sbd.bertha-ashley.8637.sbeok....

Is this jam kinda' boring or is it just me?

lmao this is setbreak isn't it? D'oh!

this jam is better than anything in that 1st set

{{{{neal}}}}

Hi Mr Poz! I think the last time I saw you and your beautiful bride was at Phil's 76th! Hope you and the family are doing well. Wish I had a copy of that picture taken on the balcony of the Philton. What a beautiful group of people! Grateful for the music after all these years. Enjoy your evening!

Ha ha cheese, thanks for the laugh.

*waiving* to you and hope you are well

cyber hugs to you merri, feeling like shit after being in estes park last week, altitude sickness kicking my ass

Awesome ! a Poz sighting - hope all is Well Alex.

All is well in Candyland, so great to "see" you all!

Vocals are sooo soooo bad!

Sounds like the dude has to shit at the end of every phrase.

Great photo Druba

phil's babysitting. awful stuff. 

I'm guessing that's it.

Hope he feels better.

Im so sorry you are sick J. Hope it didn't ruin your time in Co. Altitude sickness is rough. I always worry about my family when they visit. Between that and the dry air us Easties have a hard time. I cant tell you how many times my lips get chapped in the winter. I feel like a snake shedding my skin all the time! Gross.

Hope you get to feeling better soon

You're  welcome btw!

Thanks Noodler for the set list and our dear TR for the stream!

checking in for set 2 for a bit. no quarter is a new one to the repertoire, no?

looking forward to hearing scofield and crosby's take on this one.

vocals are always subpar, figured there was no need to discuss anymore.

oh well, so much for no quarter.

Too bad the drummer can’t really bring the thunder....because he has a pretty good voice.

Stephen Hawking sound byte...pretty fucking cool!

Grate Bass Lesh Lighting -  Upstairs at the cap, happy birthday Phil! 

hard to believe the ol man is 78!

happy birthday PHIL!

Nice job on the set list noods...

From the Dark Star on has been pretty fucking good.

Happy birthday Phil.

Is this called sleep drumming? 

Good vocals though...

That DS duet between Scofield and Jason was pretty sweet. The violin was a nice touch

Yes...and Sco just melted a hole in that stage on that dew.

Man, when he decides to turn on the heat....fucking intense.

thanks for the stream taperrob

happy birthday phil, thanks for all the bombs.

G'night phreaks

Happy Birthday Phil and thank you for the music.

Words of gratitude seem pale compared to the energy you give the universe

Would have liked even more of the Stephen Hawking looped into the Dark Star, very cool.

Sco dismantled the Dew, could have had more of that too.

Happy Birthday Phil you crazy cat.  

Cool, looks like a great show with Scofield! 

Don't know why I thought there would be some sort of collaboration between Winwood and Phil

>>> Don't know why I thought there would be some sort of collaboration between Winwood and Phil

Apparently there was supposed to be a full set together the first night, but Phil's plane got delayed so they couldn't do it.

Overall I thought that was a pretty good birthday show.  I don’t know if it’s because of the duo shows or being his birthday, but Phil’s bass sounded much fuller and more out front then usual for TFB. Like a darker bolder roast of coffee.  Crosby isn’t a bad singer at all. Real nice Shakedown.

Thanks Poz!

Dark Star

www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2sz8Roi6TA

https://archive.org/details/pltfb2018-03-15.litz.schoepsmk41v.flac16/plt...

The whole gig

Is special guest Scofield again tonight? 

Nobody gonna talk about Phil taking a seat for big chunks of the second set? Definitely notable

"nobody gonna talk about Phil taking a seat for big chunks of the second set ? Definitely notable"...this.. a bit unnerving to see for me, as it really lent an air of the winding down (and by extension myself  growing older) of this whole journey that seeing Phil has took me on....bitter sweet when juxtaposed with the love and admiration in the room..

What's funny is it was a very clear contrast to Radio City a few weeks ago when he was almost hopping around the stage, goofing with Bobby, etc. It's definitely possible he's just tired after that tour. Also sounded from the raspy Donor Rap like he might be fighting off a cold, so that might be contributing as well. Still, somewhat jarring to see

2 sitting 1 asleep. Got to give Phil a ton of credit, playing 4 nights in a row, Arizona tomorrow I think

100

Is Scofield the guest again tonight? 

I take back all the bad things I said about the drummer.  He was like a metronome, as far as I could tell.  I read people complaining that his playing lacked energy.  It did, (I think intentionally), but I also think he was way down in the mix.

He's always kept time. Unfortunately, that's about it.

"A band is only as good as its drummer."  Duke Ellington.

Hey Now Zone -  Just back from NY.  I was at Day 1 and Day 2 and had a ball. Was it the best Phil shows I've ever seen...probably not. But, was it really, really good and did I have a ball and really enjoy the music, the people and the band?...ABSOFUCKINGLUTELY! I personally thought it was worth every penny. As everyone knows, Phil was not feeling great and with his plane being late and all, night one, he definately seemed a little off. But, he seemed great on night 2, maybe a little under the weather, but he was smiling all night, having a ball with Sco and the kids. Big smiles, laughs, etc...To me, he looked like so much better and happier on night 2. As for the drummer, Alex may not be the best drummer, strongest drummer, but he sings pretty well and he can definately keep the beat and I thought he sang pretty well also. And, he has great chemistry with the rest of the "kids" and certainly with Phil.  They all seem to really love playing with each other. It was pretty neat seeing the two "old guys" on one side of the stage and the four younger guys on the other side of the stage. Super fun and entertaining watching the interplay all night. The "kids" really seemed to be running the show/calling the shots. Grahame was front and center and I thought he did a great job. I haven't seen him in about a year or so and thought his playing and especially his singing is much improved. This was my first time seeing the TFB live. Again, I was really impressed. Now, suffice it to say, I have a very open-mind and am very optimistic about whoever Phil brings...I trust his judgement and consider it a blessing that I still get to see Phil play live. So, I'm pretty stoked to see him no matter who he brings. And, that seemed to be the case with about everyone I spoke to at the shows. Most people I spoke to had seen the TFB before and love them. Hence, the reason they were all there.

I was mostly hanging out with Shakedown14, but got to hang with Jilllluvsphil, Alex and US Blues on Night 2. I did see TaperRob and his fiance on Night One. Always a pleasure. But, other than that, hardly saw any Zoners at show or Philton. Not that I know a ton of Zoners. But, usually see my share. Philton was awesome as usual. The rooms are pretty run down, but in the middle of renovations. So, next time we go up, should be much nicer. They did knock $100 off of my bill and gave me $50 in free food/drinks at bar. I didn't even complain really. They just kind of offered it up. But, the folks who work there were AWESOME as usual and the grounds are fun and had a ball partying with others from the family. Also, they were filming a TV show in the Grand Ballroom which added to the fun a little...

So, on to the shows...

Night One - I am not commenting on every song...just some thoughts..Had a ball with Shakedown14 - As usual. :-)

Apparently Winwood was supposed to do an hour, then Phil then an hour together. But, due to plane issues/airport delay, that didn't happen. So, Winwood played for 1:40. That really threw everything off. And to me, great show, but just a warm up for the next two nights...

BCE>Cream Puff - smoked. Great 1 2 punch to open

Rolling Stone - had no idea what it was for the first 15 seconds or so due to totally different tempo. I loved it. Listening to it sung in that slow manner really tells a different sort of story.

Jack O' Roses - Never seen this one, so it was treat to me even though it's a pretty even middle of the road tempo sort of song. Nothing spectacular, but it was great to see something I hadn't seen before that Hunter wrote.

New Speedway - I HATE when Phil closes with this. It's twice in the last few shows I've seen. It was a decent version, not mindblowing though at all.

Deal - decent encore..

Overall, fun, great first night, but definately getting psyched for night 2. The band (no grahame or Phil) was hanging in Garcia's after show, shooting the shit with everyone. Pretty cool.

Night 2 - This night, with Shakedown14, JillluvsPhil and Alex about three rows in front of board - dead center. Amazing spot and plenty of room to dance. Also got to see US Blues at setbreak but hardly any Zoners in the house that I knew. Ditto for the Philton. We were in a great spot surrounded by really cool people. And again, other than 1st two songs of each set, plenty of room.

Bertha and Rider were the highlights of the first set IMO. As always, great to see something new and that was Henry. If you don't know the tune, look up the lyrics. They're pretty awesome. 

I didn't really like the Baby Blue at all. 

Playing was also very good

Set 2 ripped IMO - For starters, singing Happy BDay to Phil was great and the Fire Dept. Ceremony was moving and amazing also. The helmet they gave him is so cool and the guys who were up there doing the presentation were awesome. There was one guy in the back, tall, longer hair...he definately seemed like the person who put this together to me!  Although all of them may be Heads, he definately seemed like the dude who was the most into it!!!   :-)

Onto the Tunes...

Music was very solid - not earth shattering, but a solid opener

No Quarter was great - I love that tune. Mule does it also and slays it. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, especially excepting to see mostly GD and not LZ. But, i personally LOVE that tune and am psyched to see it anytime it's played. I don't believe they played the whole thing. As I recall, it was just a couple of verses.

Shakedown also great. They tore it up and then when that added the Funkadelic tune - Shit, Goddamn, Get off your Ass and Jam - that was pretty neat. It was just for about  30 seconds or so. But, went right into it and out of it pretty well.

Dew was solid. The singing was good, the playing was great. Sco absolutely slayed this. I took a bunch of pics at the end with Sco and Phil when Sco is tearing it up and have the exact same pic that is above of Phil closing his eyes and digging the music. That is a great picture!

At the end of Dew, when Sco is tearing it up, I felt they had another few plateaus to hit, but Alex came in and sang the end a maybe two minutes too soon. But, that is just one person's opinion. It's much different when you are up on stage playing, listening to what everyone else is playing and watching the clock. They ended at 11:45 exactly and when the encore was done, it was midnight - exactly.

Ripple - I was not a fan of this version at all. But again, I take what I get and make the most of it.

The rest was also very good. Again, none of it was probably the best versions of anything I've seen. But, I go to shows to have fun, listen to great music and be entertained and hang with my friends and family! I don't need to see the best of the best of the best every time. Would I like to...damn right! But, I know that is not reality, so I take what I get and am pretty darn happy about it! 

We hit the Taqueria across the street after Night 2 as per usual. Pedro and Team were amazing. It's such a fun after show place to eat, drink and hang!

Overall, I had an absolute blast as I always do. It was a great time, great music and such a great community who I love so much!  It was so great to see and hang with everyone I saw and hung with!!!!  And, would go back and see the TFB in a minute.

Hope everyone has a great Saturday!  

What a great birthday party.  I wish the birthday boy was feeling better.   Nice to see you Shakedown14 and TracyUSBlues.   

Pete!

Trailhead!!

So good to see you both!!!

Pete thanks for taking the time to put it all down. It was a pleasure reading it and so glad it was all you wanted it to be.  Taqueria is the best preshow and post. I make it a ritual to go preshow where I lay my extra tix on the table to sell or ask around when I need one.