This show and the Middle East show from last week have opened up a new category of Breakfast greatness all their own. The playing at both shows is as good as anything I\'ve ever heard from The Breakfast. But it\'s what\'s
not on the recordings that is really making these shows incomparable to all others. The Ron subplot and the associated crowd energy are like nothing we\'ve ever created before. The emotion, desperation, and comraderie everyone has brought to these two shows is the most incredible thing I\'ve ever felt.
I really got a full sense of closure for Ron at this show. The fantastic video and the fact that it was the last Ron show for a lot of significant people (especially Lisa Spears) really brings it home that this is it. Consequently, I left the show anticipating a bit of a more chill vibe in Utica. Not that it will be a bad show or any less well-played...it is going to be awesome. It just can\'t match tonight\'s hometown Toad\'s show for overall sendoff bravado. It\'s a good thing though. Getting all this out now should help people relax and enjoy the last show and NYE a little easier.
Musically, the whole show was a spectacular showcase of all that The Breakfast is. Personally my standout moments were the flawless Reba, Eppy II, and the entire encore. But like I said, the whole show was really one greatest moment after another. (BTW during first set there was also a football game on of such unprecedented magnitude that it was a noteworthy angle even upon such a heavy show. I wrote about that
here but this post is for the show.) I was really feeling the encore and I went up to Dave and said, "This is just as good as Phish ever was. It\'s the same product. Unbelievable." Clearly we were in agreement, as Dave instantly declared it "greatest encore ever" which carries a lot of weight since we\'re both guarded when it comes to "greatest ever" comments.
It was great to see everyone tonight, and by everyone I mean EVERYONE. So many people who have contributed to getting the band to the peak it is at right now were in attendance. The guys in the band obviously work hard and get first credit. But the combined number of hours of Breakfast efforts and support amongst all attendees in the room is literally in the hundreds of thousands. I can\'t even fathom it. I\'m glad we all got to share this night together. Thanks everyone.
