@lititzphan said:

I thoroughly enjoyed this essay. I too would probably be considered a newer star gazing phan as when the boys were really taking off in the 90's I was trapped in a "No band will ever be able to make me feel like the Grateful Dead".
Last night was my 15th show and by far I have it at the top,sorry 11/1/13.
Yes, their might not have been significant Jamming as in some shows of the revered Phish hall of Phame, but this show left me satisfied where at other times I felt hungry.
As much crap as this venue gets, my 1st show here was GD 84, and last night was about my 10th, Phish seems to really dig IT here,feeding off the positive vibes of the crowd.
Thanks all for making it a blast.

I hear you. I have great memories of the Dead in this venue.....saw my favorite Shakedown Street ever here in '85. There's something special about the place.

Merriweather is the Wimbeldon of garage bands.