@lumpblockclod said:

Few among us wouldn't acknowledge that a Phish show is best experienced live. point conceded, if it was ever in doubt. And most of us, whether consciously or unconsciously probably elevate shows we have seen, even if only to a small degree. But can we please put to rest this notion that what is experienced at a show is SO different that someone who wasn't there doesn't have a valid opinion on the music.

Suggesting that if someone wasn't at a show that they don't have a valid opinion or "would never understand" is such a preposterous notion, it is a genuine embarrassment. This approach asserts exceptionalism that almost boggles the mind. It presumes that the "scene and vibe and sound and buzz" (and anything else not the music) were SO different than EVERY OTHER [event, festival, show etc] EVER, that only the people there could ever understand; or, worse, it presumes that that nobody else has ever had those types of experiences. Live music is best experienced live; it is an analog, human experience that only happens in that moment; nobody denies this. This article talks about the music, on the recordings of that experience. This isn't hard.

Saying "you weren't even there, dude, you couldn't understand" is an admission that you don't have an argument, or really even understand the concept of discussion, opinions, etc. It says "I need some non-thinking way of rejecting any thought I don't like." Other clubs in this bag include calling anyone who doesn't trip over themselves praising a show a "hater," suggesting that they "are living in the past and it will never be like it was in 19xx" or, my personal favorite, that "you just don't get it and shouldn't even go, man."

My advice: try not to let opinions scare you. The minute anyone says "I'm trying to claim a universal truth" then that is a different story, but until someone does that, you disagree, fine. Engage in a discussion or assert a different viewpoint or ignore and move on. But trying to shout people down and invalidate them as a class is simply childish. Every bit as childish as rejecting an opinion because someone is a "n00b." Have a little more respect for yourself and everyone else; have respect for the conviction of your own experiences to not freak out if someone experienced any music/event/whatever differently.

Great article, Chris. Thanks also to all those who engage in positive and respectful discussion in this thread and throughout this site, as those doing so weaves the lasting fabric of this community.