“Phish Heads” Descend on Worcester

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Friday, June 08, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Fans arrived early, and lined up their cars and trucks to sell shirts and hand made crafts.

Phish rocked the DCU Center for the first of back-to-back shows here in Worcester and if you know anything about Phish, you know that when they come to town, they bring a crowd.

Thousands of "Phish Heads" packed into parking lots across downtown to prepare for the show. For Billy Sandose, who came to Worcester all the way from Madison, Wisconsin, it is not just about seeing one of his favorite bands.

"Coming to these shows keeps things interesting," Sandose said. "It's not your run of the mill going to work down highway five again. Every day is a new scene and every day is a fresh breath, so that's what we all get out of this."

Phish is perhaps as famous for its loyal fans that follow it across the country as it is for its music. The band's two night set in Worcester is its only stop in New England on its summer tour, and Phish will soon depart for Tennessee to headline the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival this weekend.

The fact that Worcester is Phish's only New England stop is certainly good news for local hotels. You might expect "Phish Heads" to fill downtown lodging establishments, but Beechwood Hotel General Manager Mark Waxler says his hotel is sold out as well.

Emily Derra (right) with her friends before the show.

"Phish is a great show, and if you want to see them in New England, you have to come to Worcester," Waxler said. "It's a two day event, people have been following them for years, and it sells out the city."

Emily Derra, a Palmdale, California native, has traveled a long way for her first Phish experience. But, she has certainly heard a great deal about the shows, and pre-parties, from her friends.

"This is my first Phish show," Derra said. "I am expecting an amazing time. I've heard a lot about it, and I've heard that it's just an awesome experience."

Phish will perform again tonight at the DCU Center at 7:30. For tickets and more information, click here. For a look at Thursday's set list, click here.