Scott Gries/Getty ImagesGet ready for some free Phish.
Those unlucky fans unable to score tickets to the jam band's hugely anticipated reunion concerts this weekend can take some solace in knowing that Phish will be serving up gratis high-quality MP3s after their performances Friday-Sunday at Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Va.
The three-night stand, which marks Phish's first dates in nearly five years, sold out in seconds back in October. Phishheads subsequently began lobbying the band to beam the shows into movie theaters similar to the band's send-off concert in 2004. Instead, the band decided to give away free downloads.
"We really wanted to show our gratitude to all the Phish fans for their support and the overwhelming response they've had to these shows. It's going to be an amazing celebration, and we only wish everybody could be there," says frontman Trey Anastasio.
The MP3s will become available within 24 hours of each night's concert at livephish.com and remain up for a limited time. Sound geeks who want higher-quality downloads in FLAC format will have to pony up $12.95 per show or $23 for three-CD set.
But while Phish giveth, they also taketh away.
At the same time Phish is releasing their music for free, the foursome is asking a federal judge in Virginia for an injunction allowing their security forces to crack down and confiscate bootleg T-shirts and other merchandise expected to be sold outside the venue.
U.S. District Judge Raymond Jackson is scheduled to take up the matter at a hearing on Thursday afternoon. No reaction yet from Phish Nation.
Vermont's Phinest are due to kick off a sold-out summer tour with a two-night run June 4 and 5 on Long Island. Also in June, they are joining Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band as coheadliners at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn.