The first exphosure was the demo tape with Reba and Antelope in 1989, but my first show was Nietzsche's. I remember the demo was enough to hook me, but that initial firsthand experience really gelled things.

By this point, I was begging to be involved with the next Buffalo show and my buddy was friends with the promoter, so we were the four security guards that night. Official uniforms were generic purple tie-dyes from the Other Dyes. I suppose the idea was to blend in and manage the crowd from the inside. Good thing we were so educated in the scene already.

Our first order of duty was to supervise the Duck, Duck, Goose game in the middle of the floor before the show. Yeah, it was the Oregon crew and some of the Burlington folks too. Decorum was maintained, while silliness ensued.

The crowd soon piled in, but it didn't even nearly fill the entire expanse of the rink, which became an important factor in the evening. Openrink+skates+Phish+lightshow=Pretty cool.

The band was electric hot and jumping around like loose live wires from the get go. While there are more polished shows from this era, the Rink show exemplifies the raw fire of Phish.

The first set rocked throughout, finishing with a classic acapella Memories. Second set was totally energized and free floating fun. The Antelope and Lizards are highlights, but everything shines.

People quickly began borrowing skates from the rental racks. We discussed our options ... try to stop a bunch of loonies from liberating the skates or stick to our strengths.

We chose wisely. I think. The scene at the back of the Rink was totally surreal, people rolling in circles, flashing out of the dark, narrowly avoiding each other, the hiss of something near the back door.

Hey, the back door is open. What's going on?

It's cool. No worries man. Everybody has tickets. We're just getting some air. From these ballons.

Okay. Please keep the door closed whenever possible. Thank you for your cooperation kind citizen.

Trey's solo through the crowd in Groove was pretty intense and it's hard to tell from the recording when he bumped into a person. He's clearly a good skater.

The BBFCFM maintained the trifecta of BBFCFM Buffalo encores, 4/28/1991, 9/28/1991 and the Riviera Theatre show in 1992. One wonders at the message.

John