Ah Tube…a phan favorite, definitely in my top 5. There is hardly a greater catalyst for a euphoric dance party then the initial licks of Tube. When those three notes emanate over the masses, you know that a gritty funk tsunami is near- So grab your proverbial life-vest (most likely just your bag of molly), take the poll above, and lets delve deep into the tube…
On new years day of this year I woke up, face down, fully clothed (including shoes) on the floor of my ridiculously over-priced studio hotel room in South Beach. I scan the room for evidence of what had occurred the previous night. The 9-iron, inflatable kiddy pool, garden shovel, and empty handle of Smirnoff do nothing to jog my memory. All of a sudden, I hear 2 girls moaning and look up to find the nastiest hardcore porn playing on the giant flat screen in our room. Vague memories of my buddy Crane, molly in hand, claiming it was his destiny to order “Backdoor Whores 9”. It was at this moment, as girl #1 was being defiled on the television, that I had an epiphany…an epiphany that turned my frustration due to a Tube-less Miami run, into a moment of sheer clarity and understanding…
The lack of Tube in Miami ’09 was most-likely a calculated move by the band, knowing all-to-well, that it would be virtually impossible to top their Tube-stravaganza of Miami ’03. On 12.30.03, Big Red led a full-fledged funktual assault on the senses. The over-11-minute onslaught melted every marble in my head. Then, without returning for the last verse, the boys bust an epic U-turn, letting Tube fade into LA Woman. I figured I just missed the end of the song due to a funk (and mushroom) induced mini-blackout. I wouldn’t find out just how wrong I was until the next night….
Big Red kicked off New Years Eve ‘03, by emerging from the darkness with the simple phrase – “Blap Boom Ba-dep-a-boom Dep-a-boom!” (don’t judge me, that’s how I hear it in my head). I began to wonder if there was an emerging theme. After First Tube, the boys jumped right into the conclusion of Tube. The jubilation was palpable. I thought the place was coming down. Although anytime the boys bust-out Tube is a blessing, and there are many close seconds (see below), for me the Miami ‘03 Tube stands far above the rest. 12.07.98: Dayton, OH
Some claim this is Phish's greatest Tube of all-time...
11.02.98: Salt Lake City, UT
Rumors of Big Red’s extensive inebriation in Vegas were all but confirmed when Trey walked off the stage during Ghost, apparently way too spun to deal with life. Perhaps an attempt at Redemption, perhaps the result of total impulse, the band blessed phans in Salt Lake, with the now fabled, 2nd set rendition of Dark Side of the Moon. The boys kicked off this monumental show with a monumental Tube, one of the longest to date, clocking in at over 14 minutes…
4.02.98: Nassau Coliseum
This epic and storied run of shows has etched its place in Phishstory. The boys kicked off the 1st show with an equally epic Tube. Along with the Miami Tube, this scorcher is one of the funkiest Tubes to date…
6.18.09: Star Lake
This Tube was a welcomed release from a composition-heavy 1st set, characteristic of early Phish 3.0. Leo is the clear MVP of this Tube, proving again that he is indeed the master of the boards…
I'd have to say the Dayton 98' Tube is my all time fav.. not only was I there, but that Dayton funk jam they went into ala Tube was so SICK!! Too bad it was only like 7 mins or so.. ahh, the memories of fellin' free!
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