After Midnight: Phish's Big Cypress Festival

John Fishman, the dynamic drummer for Phish, shares captivating memories of the legendary Big Cypress Festival. He reflects on the whirlwind of emotions as the band wrapped up a staggering 7-hour set. Fishman discusses how the festival influenced the music industry, setting new standards for future events. He highlights the sense of community felt at Big Cypress, contrasting it with the chaos of Woodstock '99. Their journey post-festival reveals a blend of nostalgia and evolution, marking a pivotal turning point for the band.

Join Tom Marshall, Phish's lyricist, who shares his VIP experience at the Big Cypress festival, and Lars Fisk, the sculptor behind the event's stunning visuals. John Paluska, the manager, recounts the unique challenges of the midnight gag while Michael Collori, a Wired senior editor, navigates the crowd during a seven-hour show. Dive into the chaos of hot dog props, the playful cheesecake chant, and reflect on the unforgettable community spirit that made this night truly legendary.

Trey Anastasio, the talented guitarist and vocalist for Phish, joins John Paluska, the band's astute manager, to share their unforgettable memories from the Big Cypress festival. They delve into the vibrant atmosphere and communal spirit that transformed the site into a lively mini-city. The duo also recounts the meticulous planning behind the festival, addressing challenges like crowd management. Listeners will love the nostalgic stories of adventurous moments and unexpected encounters, culminating in memorable performances that showcased Phish’s unique musical evolution.

John Paluska, Phish's manager, shares the wild logistics of organizing the Big Cypress festival, detailing the monumental task of creating a temporary city for 75,000 fans. Promoter Dave Worland discusses the chaos of traffic jams and law enforcement challenges. Visual designer Lars Fisk and artist Russ Bennett describe their creative contributions, highlighting the festival's unique atmosphere fused with art and nature. Together, they unveil the joys and hurdles of throwing a cultural phenomenon on Seminole land, while fans endured a surreal experience during the New Year's event.

Trey Anastasio, the iconic guitarist of Phish, shares engaging stories about the band's history and the monumental planning behind the Big Cypress festival. John Paluska, the former manager, discusses Phish's anti-commercialism stance and unique festival approach. Promoter Dave Worland dives into the logistical challenges faced while organizing these legendary events. Together, they explore the incredible commitment to artistic integrity, the vibrant fan culture, and the remarkable experiences that defined Phish's journey into independent music festivals.

A preview of After Midnight, a podcast celebrating the 20th anniversary of Phish's Big Cypress festival. Subscribe today on our show page. Episode 1 comes out on Thursday, November 14.This five-episode series, hosted and narrated by Jesse Jarnow, will include interviews with Trey Anastasio, Jon Fishman, John Paluska, Brad Sands, Beth Montouri-Rowles and many other people who played a key role in making this amazing festival happen.And we also hear from you—the fans. We received hundreds of emails and audio clips with your memories, and you'll hear that throughout the series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.