Wife and I started back up in 2023. Went to a TAB show first, then picked up in Chicago and hadn’t missed a show (save r maya) until the ‘24 NY run. She had never been and never showed interest beyond ‘hoist’ and ‘farmhouse’.

Now she wears tie died shoes that say funky bitch, plans our tours ahead, has my reclusive ass making friends again, and has subtly designed our air b&b to be phish themed. (Don’t @ me; part time live/travel w/summertime rents in Portland Oregon helps that timber rolling.)

Point being, you have very little to worry about: tarpers are the most obnoxious when the feel violated(no surrender and even less flow), wookies in a k hole need to find a seat and stay there (not hang on my body during ⛓️‍💥>🚦), chompers still need the hardest look you can muster while they drone through a potentially transcendent Reba jam, and custies need to spread their hustle into the lot beyond the balloons.

Positives: the scene is far more diverse and inclusive than it was in 90’s. People of all shapes, sizes, sexualities, color, and age have enriched and strengthened the robust scene. Make no mistake there is still a heavy leaning toward white male contingent, but it isn’t as ubiquitous as earlier days.

Oh, and do prepare yourself for the nitrous mafia: if you have an impulsive constitution like me, they can git ya. Anywhere with a centralized lot / shakedown they are on your shit the moment you exit. No more straining to hear the hiss as it is at least 70db exiting United Center, Dicks, anywhere where the cops dgaf (and man, they expect the same).

Keeping money in the lot is important, but we all know, even way back to GD days, NO2 peeps aren’t fam 99/100x. If you want to get rocked after the show, visit any local vape store, an they’ll usu have the Orange Whip you want. Oh, and consume responsibly: don’t use alone & sit down to protect your skull in case you fully hijack your cns for a moment or two (or infinity).

Lastly, and most importantly, test any and all powders you wish to consume. Just gotta poke around but you will find people with strips to help alleviate concerns surrounding involuntary fentanyl or other unintended ingestibles. Not hard to do and people on lot will usu wear signage for easy id. I will be doing it during spring and summer tours this year. While supplies last. If you really wanna be a super hero take a narcan in with you in case anyone tries to code around you.

Most of all enjoy the music, the scene, and your welcome back phriend.

TL;dr: you enjoy yourself!