Phish w/Billy Strings

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Sitting in with Phish for the last two nights was nothing short of a surreal experience, like something out of one of my wildest dreams — A couple days ago I remembered they were playing van andel and I hit up Trey for tickets.. he replied and said we should blow it up and I just about shite my pants.. I was just trying to come see the show and I had no idea I’d be in it for the next two nights. I’m thinking “okay maybe I’ll have to learn a song or something” and I ended up playing a bunch of the second set and encore both nights which means I had ample time to go swimming with the band. It was just magic. As a phan, to be on that stage with those fellers and just hear it.. to feel it all so close.. and then to be able to interact with it. To poke it a little bit and tickle it and pet it .. and then to have it react!! I know it’s sacred.. and that band is AIRTIGHT after playing together for all these years .. I didn’t want to get in the way too much, I was already feeling like I shouldn’t be up there fricking up their show .. they’re so good. They don’t need me up there wanking all over the joint.. but they asked me to so of course I’m gonna go try!! The crowds energy was one pulsating organism, speaking us into existence. Defining and deciding the notes we all play as one collective heartbeat. The camaraderie and seamless interplay between the band and crowd was never so evident. To see it from that perspective, it was just so concentrated. I can’t speak enough about the kindness of the band as well.. I only really knew Trey and I didn’t know if the other guys wanted me there too or what.. but when I got there for soundcheck, it was like walking on stage to jam with old friends. They were all so welcoming and nice. The nerves instantly melted and we just let the music carry us off into the evening. It all settled into place and we had an absolute blast. Thank you Trey, Page, Mike and Jon for inviting me into your space .. it is something I will never forget as long as I live

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