Wading in the Velvet Sea - 2004-08-15 | Coventry, VT

[@treebeard8475]

Paige is possibly one of my favorite musicians right along side Brent Mydland.

[@carlyygeex3]

Thank God Trey got sober. Peace and Love

[@ebitdareadthebook1535]

so happy for that.

[@TheSteakStyles]

When page cries, we all must cry

[@Dolphus1111]

Heartbreak is honest. This song is both

[@Area51AlphaZulu]

This is what COVID feels like every fucking day.

[@wolfmansbrother854]

It hits me deep every time. Especially seeing Trey now vs then

[@Dustin1047]

I can’t like this comment enough!

[@joshuamccorkle1]

Every time

[@79steelymatt]

If you are a true Phish fan this is always going to make you cry-Page never let his emotions out that often but man this one is like losing your dog true heartbreak

[@kriddaz]

I'm so thankful these guys are still alive and sounding so good 13 years later. And that Mike got a haircut.

[@edkerry87]

and Trey finally heeded Mike's nagging to play fewer notes

[@werewolf1978]

That about sums it up!

[@bluecollar825]

Im with you on everything but the haircut. Weird Cactus is definitely alot cooler than fashion show Cactus. Imho of course.

[@Roll_Todd]

Had me til mike haircut

[@DRourk]

You had me until the haircut.

[@Umberto2]

I took a moment from my day to watch this and cry because I needed a good cry

[@werewolf1978]

same

[@benallen12]

I'm not crying, you're crying.

[@Phillyfast]

As much as it sucks seeing Page choke up at the mic and to see the boys like this, it makes me that much more glad each time I see it that they cleaned up, especially Trey and got back together and are out there kicking ass again

[@Dolphus1111]

Don’t blame drugs. Blame heartbreak and heartache this is real

[@jamescannon7340]

I was at the concert. It was so rainy and wet. I thought it was my last time seeing them. It wasnt

[@JoeBoomerMusic]

And I’m glad. Glad glad glad

[@JoeBoomerMusic]

P.S. We waited 54 hours in traffic to collectively cry like this.

[@kip4966]

@@jamescannon7340 it was my 1st time seeing them, surprisingly one of my favorites of all time. How often can you stuck on a highway for 3 days with your best friends? 😉👍

[@edubz1906]

The pain and sadness exhibited by Page is just as evident in his playing, as it is in his words. The raw emotion he puts into that piano opening is just so heartbreaking. I remember as the already somber crowd is seeing this close up view of Page choking up trying to sing, this heavy and powerful feeling of sadness ascends onto me an the crowd. It was probably the most moving experience I've ever had. That joy and energy you get from a Phish show, the ever present vibe in the air that manifests itself when a large group of like minded phans all gather filled with anticipation and appreciation, and when all those thing line up just right: the band, the place, the people, and "IT" happens. That special moment, when everyone gets "IT" at the instant of realization, for a moment you snap out of it as your brain tries to comprehend Whats going on then as you start to look around and realize everyone else has got "IT" too. Once your brain comprehends "IT" you are overwhelmed by sheer bliss and ecstasy. With a phish show and everything it entails the people place, a=band that same power it possesses to endow joy ecstasy and permanent smiles, can also inflict sadness pain and tears and magnify each aspect beyond a single persons capabilities. The power of gathering of that many like minded people in that place under those difficult circumstances is enormous. The same way the band can give you that "IT" feeling, can just as easily endow sadness and sorrow. And on this day I experienced just how powerful and moving that such a large group of people can be, this video doesn't do it justice

[@ebitdareadthebook1535]

Couldnt have worded it better myself. They bring out every emotions from all the highs, lows and in between of my life. I love them and love you all. Its such a special community/family, and am happy it got through the nasty times towards the end of 2.0

[@ChrisJConte]

Wow. Incredibly put

[@TedCruz-dn4nf]

Spot On. Well Said. Perfect. As perfect as this song.

[@DIFFERING4EVA]

Wow. Yes

[@lenphish]

i was there, u could feel it like a wave of sadness came over the whole crowd when page choked up.... i actually just felt it again watching it!! my hair stands up every time!!

[@Sou1So1di3r]

I just cried a little watching this. I love you Page

[@ericahawley3465]

This is one of my favorite songs. This represents to me how much phish has turned around and how I've turned myself around too!

[@davideaton5371]

you can really tell that Page was playing that song like it was the last time it would be played. Beautiful

[@loganwhite8375]

He felt it, we all did. I can't imagine what it must have been like to start playing these songs, and every, single song, "this is the last time we'll ever play this, the last time we'll ever jam on this song together"

[@bunkaccount]

In '04 I was doing catering with a company that was contracted for the second half of summer tour including Coventry. In my recollection, the mood backstage wasn't all that somber but there were certainly times when it got tense - especially the first day with the all the chaos surrounding the parking/mud situation, Mike addressing the fans, etc. The traffic was also a nightmare for catering since most of the food was locally sourced...I assume very few people know about this because all of three (maybe four?) people saw it, but Page had a full on meltdown the first night because we didn't have...wait for it...Subway(!). I understand he was going though a lot and I can assume his emotions were displaced but in the moment it was very concerning. I'm glad they all made it through.

[@hrviews00magnaball]

this video makes me cry every time i watch it

[@rockyarmstrong7345]

36 hours camped on the highway in the rain waiting to get in.. unforgettable moments and a long rainy ride home.. priceless..

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

So beautiful. I love that he is not afraid to cry because 5 years without Phish is too long. I seen them return in 2009 amd never looked back. I just seen them last night too in Camden. Great show.

[@thomasbenwall7110]

we cried with you Page, ugh SO GLAD this wasn't my last Phish show!

[@mathewjohnson7804]

Some will never understand the bottomless ocean of love and emotion over the years till this moment. Never felt closer and more apart of something then this moment. This is what it's suppose to be about.

[@MsAsmodious]

No, you were just high dude.

[@Foxybishscousin]

Yes! I was there. We all felt it and it was beautiful!

[@travtimms6779]

As a 22yr vet of seeing these cats and 50+ shows under my belt, I balled like a baby at this show. You could literally feel all 4 of their exhaustion and sadness of letting go of something they loved so much. At the same time doing what was needed for their families and health by cleaning up. Not a good show by technical standards but epic with emotion. Thank you for this.

[@piperchel]

I was there. He wasn’t ready for it to be over. Guess it’s never really over when it’s over.

[@Dustin1047]

That look on Fish’s face at 2:50. Wow. So glad Trey got pulled over and healed.

[@bgreenshoes1]

openly weeping at work...love u Page!!! :')

[@ebitdareadthebook1535]

Who is cutting onions? I love these guys so much. I can't put into words the emotions different songs bring out from different points in my life. The highs, the lows, and everything in between. So happy they are back together, and HEALTHY. Love you all!

[@briancandreva2212]

Still brings tears to my eyes.....

[@michaelbleau4536]

Phish is better than ever. I was at this "last festival ever". It was straight up refugee camp status due to unprecedented rain and mud. We deserted our car and walked 10 miles w what we could carry. So did everyone else. It was beautiful. We love you all.

[@chrisgoff9410]

It almost felt like they were each trying to convince themselves not to let this be the end. I was at this show, filled with so much emotion, I remember telling myself (and whoever would listen) that this wasn't the last time we'd see them onstage together. Most of the music was played utterly horrible, but with the emotion surrounding it, one could wonder how they even made their way onto the stage!

[@kennyhanson7543]

Awesome sentiment, Chris, thank you. I'm fairly new to Phish (2007/8) and have been wading through their Velvet Sea of music ever since. Earlier this year I burst into tears on a bus home from work listening to Velvet Sea from Hampton Comes Alive, totally spontaneous and uncontrollable. People around me thought I had gotten horrible news, most were shocked to see they were tears of pure joy. I've never had music touch me like that before, it felt like an awakening. Now I'm going back through all the music again with a newfound appreciation for why they are such a dominant force in my life.

[@biegs28]

All the Coventry videos are so hard to watch. I'm glad they came back, but I am just so phucking grateful that Trey didn't die.

[@scottflowe2875]

I was a manager/projectionist at a movie theatre in NC that played these shows via satellite . I led the crowd through sing a longs and chants like Possum . Got as many people as I could to come to the floor and dance under the screen . Wading in the Velvet Sea was a reality check for all of us . Sad faces leaving the theatre that night . I had many heart to heart talks with Phish fans . This is what I told them : " When Trey sobor's up he will say " Oh my God I broke up the band " . Then they will reform . Just wait . You'll see . I promise

[@km4peace]

One of my favorite Phish songs… and even tho this version is filled with sadness, the emotions can be felt. They all knew this was the end of an era for them. But Trey prevailed and they began a new era and we’re all so happy they did. 🐠✌🏼

[@Pun2404]

This was a dark time for the band too. For many fronts, glad everyone is okay now. I remember when this whole Coventry thing was happening I was just starting to get into the band, about to go into my first year of college. Much love to you all, Let's be Cool and share the love, turn on your lovelights, let'em shine let'em shine let'em shine shine shine.

[@josealvarez141]

So much emotion, this puts me in tears! It was a goodbye :'(

[@toastyplatters70]

I was in a movie theater when this happened. I could not believe the emotion, even though I had not considered going to this even until a friend took me. I was taken, alright.... :')

[@jacyn2397]

I remember being backstage, and what an emotional time. I remember saying "nobody can mention trey, mike, page, or jon; without of thinking of the entire friendship of the band". Great memories

[@claymationwaves]

Page is an angel they all might be angels

[@samdaley3984]

There's not a more emotionally charged piece of music for me. The dramatic shift this song took from its conception (visible in Bittersweet Motel when they're first working through it) to this, the "last" Phish show is so staggering to see, the joy and love making it is directly proportional to the pain and sorrow that lies under the surface of this haunting beauty.

[@JD-by3qz]

Fucking breaks my heart. But then I think of all that this band has accomplished since this moment and I smile. Thank you Phish.

[@peterjones7531]

Exactly!!! lets be thankful and appreciate that the band Is still playing while maintaining happiness and health. Was any one expecting them to play 7 straight years ?!? That's like going from 93-2000 !!! Just happy to see these fellas live and share in the grove with so many great folks and feel IT. Thank you Phish!

[@Throwawayjim119]

You won’t find moments in a box....but I’m sure glad we found another 15 years happy and healthy. Here’s to 20 more. ❤❤❤

[@oreokookie1000]

I was definitely there then...one of my few sober moments the whole weekend....I was deep in "my cups" that summer, had no clue about trey's struggles, my drug was booze primarily, I would not get sober till 2013... I know so many into the "d" here in new haven, it knows no social class, the ones I know are all solid upper- middle class like trey. I have tried heroin, hated it thank god, but whats the difference.?? Booze reduced me to a fat, farty 44 year old red - head then,...... not wading in that velvet sea no more....cant wait for winter tour.

[@zippy007woot]

Hits me so hard in the feels EVERY single time that I re-watch. Count my blessing every day that it wasn't the last Velvet Sea.

[@mofo6724]

I guess I'm a weirdo and a Masochist, but this is my favorite version of this song. I just love the emotion. I know this was to be their last show. No acting hard. Just being human. Brothers. Also, it reminds me of my fallen brother who turned me on to these guys. Changed my life in so many ways. Like so many, taken too soon. Fuck Heroin. If you are struggling, think of all the pain and heartache you will leave behind literally FOREVER when you die. Get clean. Go to a clinic. Whatever it takes! No excuses. I'm among the VERY few left of my huge group of wonderful loyal friends. Most have been gone for many years. It's very lonely and sad. I haven't seen Phish for over 10 years. I wouldn't wish this feeling on anyone. It's what keeps me from slipping. The devastation one leaves behind is unbearable. Also, for the love of GOD... don't start doing hard drugs in your 30's!!! You either did it too young and that's why you struggle, or just SKIP IT! I mean if you're ANY age leave it alone. Anyway, that's a very rare semi-public soapbox. Peace and Love to all of you. Especially those who understand. If someone you love is a drug addict it's YOUR responsibility to do EVERYTHING you can to help them. Just don't give up on them. Remember who they WERE before. That's who they ARE! Even if you're mad and they owe you money. Deal with it AFTER.

[@douglasknight1107]

Yep touching moment. This is why I live these guys. They are real just like all of us. It must be tough being put on a pedestal. It's awesome that they are their own entity. They can be real and make mistakes just like everyone else and not be brought down. We all should know that we are no more or no less than the next person wether u r a doctor or a homeless person. We are all the same.

[@Smozi]

This was my very first Phish show... gotta say I'm glad to have seen them a few times since then!

[@tomjamraz5238]

Smozi terrible show to have as your first. But it still had a few high points. But also with that being your first show it can only get better from there

[@Roll_Todd]

This could have been equivalent to the dead’s so many roads at soldier during their late show. So thankful the trey was able to accept his flaws and the new opportunities life was presenting him through this deep struggle in a persons life. Trey is a beautiful soul and I feel so happy everytime I see all 4 guys up on stage rocking and grooving and doing it with a smile

[@bigbossman7991]

This will always be a tough one to watch. Something told me to go back and watch it for the 5,683rd time. I’m glide I did……….

[@thejonnytexperience4414]

the heartbreak in their eyes.... being there was a disaster of emotions but it was also one of the greatest moments in my life sharing the love we all had for so many years... and im so glad were still going to shows and seeing how amazing phish still is .. life is so beautiful

[@rockyarmstrong7345]

sad ..happy.. grateful.. that one gets me every time. thanks for the upload : )

[@jerrysnub]

I started seeing Phish in the mid 90s and every so often these days, when I'm getting frustrated by Treys decline in skill or that the band can't jam like they used to, I'll listen to some Coventry and remind myself that we're blessed to have any Phish at all. And it's still pretty good.

[@glyph241]

I Was Finally Ready For This... In 2021...

[@TenholderMusic]

Wow I never thought my guitar playing would sound like Trey but here we are! 😎

[@starrlightmighty5789]

We love you page

[@musicianu7124]

Great moment in a weird and incredible festival. The mud fkd us all up

[@Foxybishscousin]

MusicianU™ absolutely would do it again. So awesome!

[@andrewjohn6638]

Maybe this comment will sound like it has a little too much cheese on it but I’m going to write it anyways: My experiences on earth, i.e., through reflection with others and self, continue to tell me when to close my eyes, when to divide my attention, and when to turn the volume up. It’s truly amazing how a 7 minute episode, one that can be normally displeasing to the senses, becomes one that is normally appealing and similarly taken in by those with open arms. This show was packed with people of all shapes and sizes! People presented with varying levels of spirituality, emotional intellect, and relational functioning; multiple moral codes and epistemologies, and innumerable differences in sensory perceptual experiences. Nevertheless, in spite of ALL these differences (established over the course of a lifetime), the strength of a bond was intuitively amplified throughout the crowd. The “missed notes” of the tune didn’t matter. The only thing that became important and meaningful during those 7 minutes was for Page to know that he had the support he needed from those he supported during all those years behind the keys and mic! In the words of J-Lo, “my love don’t cost a thing.”

[@robertmanfredi6822]

We love you, Page.

[@redwingsphan]

At the time this was a complete train wreck. And musically it still is. Now though, it seems like an on stage intervention and is beautiful to me.

[@philsphreak]

This brings years to my eyes every time.....

[@wrm591]

you must be looking pretty aged then

[@mofo6724]

Well said

[@jonathanleitch6176]

You’re right. It can never end.

[@FunnyBecauseItsTrue]

...thank you for sharing...

[@777jones]

They did their bitter farewell early in life. Now they can kick it without having to worry about anything.

[@rlilien1]

Single saddest incident of all time.

[@sinisterjuggalo4364]

Check out Rod Stewart Unplugged

[@ClueVios]

I took a moment from my day Wrapped it up in things you say Mailed it off to your address You'll get it pretty soon unless The packaging begins to break And all the points I tried to make Are tossed with thoughts into a bin Time leaks out my life leaks in You won't find moments in a box And someone else will set your clocks I took a moment from my day Wrapped it up in things you say And mailed it off to you

[@maryandjonkoonce3141]

Our song love!

[@vanessssaa]

PHISH SHREDS

[@TedCruz-dn4nf]

Great Song.

[@andrewdyke5561]

This hits mega mega hard

[@pango-y8j]

They closed Big Cypress with this 🍄🍄🍄🌵🌞🐟🔥✳️at about seven in the morning 💥

[@vervor]

I really love knowing this is pages heart

[@Reddog5546]

This is the most emotional version of this song.

[@mmoonnchildd]

Trey's solo in this song has always been special to me. That said, I remember watching this live at the theatre webcast, but geez I didn't remember it being that terrible. The whole band pretty much stops after Page gets emotional, instead of trying to plow through it. And Trey is hitting some really bunk notes there during the solo. I'm glad that these weren't their final shows, and that they got a chance to redeem themselves. I'm even more glad that I caught a couple of renditions of this tune in it's first two years, and that they were exceptional.

[@ButtersGarcia710]

Good tour, this show was hard on all. Expecially cause Katrina had hit and we all had to walk on the highway to get there and only a quarter of the people showed up

[@usedtobequeenpineapple6228]

I tried to sing along...I cried to much, so I stoped You can tell they are having a hard time singing.

Page cried for everyone in that field that night. He couldnt even look in treys direction without showing signs of crippling fear and worry about him. Crazy times man, crazy fuckin times.

[@HairGlitter]

I was there. Walked 10 miles woth my stuff, Ate some bad pot brownies. But the music was worth it

[@werewolf1978]

I needed a good cry

[@NolanOpper]

Yo this version fucking slaps!!!

[@MrGottsacker]

When you need a good cry...

[@strongbad1521]

Everytime I see this, it gets to me hard because a lot of people talk about page but the painful look in fishmans face kills me. Mike is just trying so hard to keep it together and fishman and mike saw tray take the bump.

[@hereforthestruts3987]

Lest we forget.

[@DAVINOENTERPRISES]

:crying:

[@andrewdyke5561]

Jon fishman look like he wanted to cry breaks my fuckin heart

[@bunkaccount]

In '04 I was doing catering with a company that was contracted for the second half of summer tour including Coventry. In my recollection, the mood backstage wasn't all that somber but there were certainly times when it got tense - especially the first day with the all the chaos surrounding the parking/mud situation, Mike addressing the fans, etc. The traffic was also a nightmare for catering since most of the food was locally sourced...I assume very few people know about this because all of three (maybe four?) people saw it, but Page - I kid you not - had a full on meltdown the first night because we didn't have...wait for it...Subway(!). I understand he was going though a lot and I can assume his emotions were displaced but in the moment it was very concerning. I'm glad they all made it through.

[@music6577]

Please tell me this is real and not some ‘page loves sandwiches’ meme

[@OGKush555]

lame comment, custie.

[@96phjams04]

Somehow I believe you. At this point the pressure was overwhelming and they were all multimillionaires. They all had their vices or habits and the pettiness of not having what they want makes sense. Considering after this they fired everyone on staff. Well, cause they couldn’t have an honest conversation with anyone anymore. But, when you point fingers at other people you have three pointing back at you.

[@tw8454]

god this is heartbreaking. treys solo fires up pretty nicely around 4:02 have to say. so glad hes sober. this is true junkie shit. heroin and opiates have no digression they’ll get literally anybody and everybody that gives them a chance

[@claymationwaves]

remember kids you are not and never will be jerry garcia STAY AWAY FROM THE HARD DRUGS!

[@Isaac.Garcia666]

douglas jardine I'm 13 and being a musician from everything I've seen from some artists like trey and gene ween when they were at rock bottom it really looked horrible. It always tells me just to stay away from drugs. Maybe little bit of pot later when I'm 20 or so but nothing else.

[@claymationwaves]

the idea of taking drugs is not only to have a different perspective but to hopefully to become a vessel and have something bigger channel itself threw you that represents something meaningful that you could not express by yourself and create a collective around it, but if you and your idea are not more powerful than the drugs you are taking then you may fail. YOU CAN DRINK FROM A VESSEL AND THEY HOLD WATER WELL BUT THEY ALSO SHATTER ALL OVER THE FLOOR LEAVING NOTHING BUT A WASTED MESS. TAKE CARE OF THE VESSEL!

[@JacksonCook99]

I almost cried watching page try to find the words.

[@bluecrystalsgaming8583]

Love you phish

[@futuragrabados9458]

Phish por muchos años mas !

[@houndsman911]

❤️❤️❤️✌️❤️🔥

[@paulpaulsr1535]

I made him cry. It was me.

[@Roll_Todd]

Page was the real dr Frazier in another lifetime

[@TedCruz-dn4nf]

TED CRUZ. A PITBULL POLITICIAN WE CAN TRUST

[@jefflove5829]

How come every time I see a live vid from a few years back it looks like it was shot on my dad's 30lb camcorder from 1985?

[@jerryseinfeld9815]

Jeff Love this was probably recorded onto a vhs or dvd from the already low quality screen feed

[@mofo6724]

Cuz it basically was. I know exactly what you mean

[@joshuarosenwasser8376]

I was there

[@kylehenderson8569]

I remember when every fan thought they were done for good lol

[@hernanrios4590]

Terrible, muy conmovedor, sabiendo por lo que estaban pasando con Trey, suerte que este no fué su último show

[@lokispeicher8103]

is this still Lawn Boy?

[@DGREENE39]

Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm reading it wrong. But there's a split second there where Trey looks almost annoyed that Paige can't hold it together. Right before "and mailed it off to you." It was like when he first broke down, trey was touched like the rest of us. But once it continued, it's almost like he was saying "ok enough already. We still have a show to play here." Again....I could be way off base. But I've seen that look before. He used to give it to Mike every time Mike would mess up. And I know Trey is everyones hero here. And hey, he's one of my heroes too. And I think he's a fantastic human being. But it's no big secret that he also has that sort of douchey side of him that makes an appearance on stage every now and again. Not so much anymore. In fact I haven't seen or heard about it in years but back in the day, if one of his band mates made an error on stage, he made it pretty clear he was pissed. Lol. I don't post this comment with any malice or anything. I think it's comical actually. But there's just that one part in this video in particular that I always wondered about.

[@bridgelaurie9490]

Nah dude trey isn’t a heartless douche. Paige wasn’t messing up he was emotional.

[@luckeyma79]

man Trey sounded bad, I didn't even realize it back then.

[@ronniewauhob419]

So no to drugs kids

[@claymationwaves]

Sphinal Tap

[@Sean991]

Jesus christ, Trey was a mess that weekend.

[@runme69]

So horrifically painful

[@ButtersGarcia710]

Not only the break up and heroin addiction on Trey's part

[@andrewdyke5561]

It's wasn't heroin more like pills