@iam2me3 said:

And true new-comers to the band wouldn't have been able to fully appreciate what they were seeing if they got an obscure song or some kind of crazy drawn out jam. Would it have made made the experience better if they had to later listen to and understand what they were hearing during that show? Maybe. Probably. But when you're playing on a stage like Bonnaroo's Main stage, you almost have an obligation to cater to the crowd. I'm pretty damn sure there were plenty of Phish virgins at that show and when you're catering to them it works well to play a bunch of recognizable, solidly played classics. By doing this, you don't really alienate anyone, you appease most major Phish fans - at least until their next show, and you expose a giant audience of people to an awesome band that they can later really dive into and explore.

I am just not convinced that a band like Phish needs to cater to anyone. And I certainly don't agree with simply because you are on Bonnaroo's What Stage, you need to cater. As you acknowledge, Bonnaroo is a lot about discovery of a band as they bring the absolute best that they can. This is who I am, and I am going to leave it all out there on the stage. Not, here are some songs that maybe won't scare some of the crowd; or, here are some hits to make sure everyone is happy. Of course bands who don't vary their setlists up that much may play what they usually play -- but they are damn sure they are going to do it well.

But what I tried to get across is that Phish isn't like any other band. They don't need to prove themselves, and we have come to expect some chances, stepping above and beyond. Wouldn't you introduce a fan to some of the best versions of songs, the best jams, and say "This is what this band can bring! This is why we see as many shows as possible!" You don't offer up a studio album and say "It is kind of like this, but with lights."