Historical photos capture Phish’s Maine show 35 years ago
Multi-genre band Phish has a long history with Maine, including massive festivals in Limestone that attracted more than 60,000 fans in 1997, 1998 and 2003.
Years before that, one of their most historic shows took place at Larrabee Farm Field in Auburn on Aug. 3, 1991. Tickets were free, and the outdoor concert attracted about 2,500 fans.
Sun Journal photographer Russ Dillingham wasn’t working that day, but felt the show should be documented. So he showed up with his camera and shot several photos. Two of them ran in the Sun Journal on Aug. 4, 1991, along with an account of the show written by staff writer Stephanie Dueger.
“The free concert is just a gesture to Phish fans who have been faithfully buying tickets over the years,” said the band’s manager John Paluska to Dueger.
Here are five of Dillingham’s photos from that day.
To celebrate their 8th anniversary as a band, Phish played a free show on Aug. 3, 1991 at Larrabee Farm Field in Auburn. More than 2500 fans attended. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)
Happy Phish fans on Aug. 3, 1991 in Auburn. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)
Phish on stage in Auburn during the free concert. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)
Phish drummer Jon Fishman during the band’s performance. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)
Guitarist Trey Anastasio. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer)
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Tagged: Throwback photo
Aimsel Ponti is a music writer and content producer for the Portland Press Herald. She has been obsessed with – and inspired by – music since she listened to Monkees records borrowed from the town. More by Aimsel Ponti
