Phil Lesh - 40th Anniversary of Terrapin Station

He certainly does wtfhw whether or not it's a "right" and I keep buying tickets so…
The New Years show was a treat this year. It was fun non ego driven. I think I'll target shows that lend to that with Phil.

I can't really disagree with your assessment.  But Phil was, like THERE for so long. During my active Deadhead days, I saw a lot of shows hanging out in "the Phil Zone", it really was a different sort of perspective. He never sang through most of that when I was there. Until that one epic show when he broke out with Box of Rain. The whole crowd went so bonkers you couldn't even hear the first couple of lines at all. That was a moment I will never forget, along with some other more personal moments during the times I was in that Phil Zone.

But, yea, he was never a "front man", even after he started singing a few songs. And I'm not fond of much of the "Phil and Friends" stuff that he has done lately either.  But I still have a lot of respect for him because of all those amazing moments I experienced that he was a major part of. So there's that.

Oh, and please, PLEASE do NOT let Phil sing I Know You Rider!!!  Can't someone please stop that travesty from happening any more???

At some point don't we hold artists we've always loved to still be accountable to fans today?

I appreciate old rockers still doing their thing but my loyalty still has to be earned today. Doesn't mean I don't love them for the joy they have given me, but I also don't feel a need to have to enjoy everything they do currently.

I though Robert Plant's set at Lockn was an interesting twist on his craft on the flip side Alice Cooper's voice is shot so I won't see him again even though I owe some high school years to him.

Yes! Absolutely!  And it sucks when they act like thank you for a real good time but I have a new fan base and don't care if you don't like this direction. The question is, do the artist or the fans owe each other any loyalty or respect. Those things are usually earned and not just given. 

After 35 years in my trade in a small community I have developed a reputation that affords me some luxuries in the way I choose clients and jobs. Potential (new) clients are often put off when they have to wait 9-12 months if they want me. Some are rude, some are polite, some get on the list and wait.  What do I owe them if they do wait?  My best, I figure!

I have regulars that have a project or two every year, some for over 30 years. Am I obliged to give them preference?  Are they obligated to wait for me. It's all a balance. 

I travel almost 3000 miles when I go to Lockn, does that entitle me to a certain level of service? No, not anymore than the guy who lives by the Food Lion and rides his bike. We deserve the same. 

the artists owe us nothing but need to attract people to make their scene go. Piss me off, disappoint me, offend me and you won't sell me another ticket. Please me, entertain me and I'll make that annual journey. 

Based on recent performances I do not think that it's a question of what if, he sings Terrapin. It ain't pretty either.

Phil's response...

I agree 100%. I was at Hampton, and remember Bobby stepping up and saying something along the lines of "Hope that practice makes perfect" and then Phil stepping up and belting out Box of Rain. The crowd was stunned for a microsecond before losing their shit. It was the last song of the first set and when Phil finished, the crowd was demanding an encore for the first set. Still gives me goose bumps to this day. Now I have to go listen and figure out exactly what Bobby said.

Just listening to Phil at the Capital from this past weekend and during the show he sings Terrapin. Got me thinking about the 40th anniversary set at Lockn and wondered if he would be taking the vocals for this performance. In looking at the track list here is what I think...

Estimated Prophet - BW
Dancing in the Streets - BW and Nicole Atkins
Passenger - BW and Nicole Atkins
Samson and Delilah - RJ
Sunrise - Nicole Atkins
Terrapin PL with BW coming in at the inspiration part

No. He was there in 15. He performed w/ Billy and the Kids (and Mickey too) and sat in a few songs with TTB as well.

Question: When was the last time Bob & Phil played together?

Well then, thanks! ;-)

There is a lot of room this year for Bobby to sit in with various artists. I'm hoping he'll do what he did in 15 and just kinda sneak in and out for a song or two with everyone.