Phish's Epic Japan Tour: A Look Back at the Opening Night in Tokyo
Phish embarked on their first and only tour of Japan 25 years ago, starting with a show at On Air East in Tokyo. The band, comprised of Trey Anastasio, Page McConnell, Jon Fishman, and Mike Gordon, played a series of seven concerts across various cities in Japan. Dave Calarco, writing under the pseudonym "Mr. Miner," documented his experience attending each show on the tour. Calarco later went on to create the popular blog Mr. Miner’s Phish Thoughts and published a book titled Mr. Miner’s Phish Thoughts: An Anthology By A Fan For The Fans. Calarco shared his thoughts on the opening night of the tour in 2000, highlighting the unique aspects of the show and the enthusiastic crowd in attendance.
The On Air East venue in Tokyo, where Phish kicked off their Japan tour, was a small yellow building located in the bustling Shibuya district. Despite its unassuming exterior, the club was packed with eager fans, creating an intimate atmosphere for the performance. The first set featured a mix of songs, with standout moments including a drawn-out and funky rendition of "Funky Bitch" and a high-energy "First Tube." The second set was highlighted by a 30-minute experimental "Tweezer," which showcased the band's improvisational skills and culminated in a climactic jam that had the crowd roaring with excitement.
Following the epic "Tweezer," Phish continued to deliver a memorable performance with songs like "Mango" and a Japanese version of "Meatstick" that had the audience laughing and dancing along. The show concluded with an unexpected encore of "You Enjoy Myself," leaving fans in awe of the band's musical prowess. Overall, the opening night of Phish's Japan tour was a resounding success, setting the stage for an unforgettable series of concerts across the country.
In conclusion, Phish's tour of Japan in 2000 marked a significant milestone in the band's career, with each show offering a unique and memorable experience for fans. Dave Calarco's coverage of the tour captured the excitement and energy of the performances, highlighting the band's musical talent and the enthusiastic response from the audience. The Japan tour remains a cherished memory for Phish fans and a testament to the band's enduring popularity and influence in the music world.