I went to see Phish’s Coventry performance in a movie theater…  that was a live concert broadcast.  It was surreal, and took us a little bit to break away from conceptually going to the “movies” and being at a show.  But, within a  few songs, plenty of people were standing and dancing in their seats and in the aisles.  And while it kind of freaked out some of the theater staff, they did not stop us.  And movement, as many of you might suspect, completed the experience.  We could see it, hear it, and by moving, become participants in, and therefore realy feel it.  It was like being at Coventry, (minus the mud).  All in all, a great experience of sharing music with a group of people really into it!

In that spirit, I encourage you to go see this film in a theater!  Be with people, friends you have met, and some you have not met yet.  Like stepping into a time machine, we can all be transported to JFK in 1989 together!  Maybe you were there, or maybe you were not even born yet, but for 3 hours – we can be transported together.   To a show!  With Jerry! And Brent! Wow…!

Deadheads being the picky opinioned bunch they are, I already have heard some balk at this being the show to be released, with so many other great Philly performances available.  And some have complained about it being the next show after the Grateful Dead – Truckin’ Up to Buffalo: July 4, 1989  release, Blair Jackson on Dead.net says: “…why, it’s practically like being on tour without having to pitch in gas money, eat bad road food, swelter in the heat or score a miracle ticket.” 

I think being in the theaters air-conditioning will be the one constant reminder that you actually are not there.  Otherwise, I think the theatrical screening is a great chance to get lost in the music.  Together!

Enjoying the rides? Join Deadheadland on Patreon!
Become a patron at Patreon!