Coventry
110,000 people were expected to attend. It was simulcast to thousands more in movie theaters across America. The event was also simulcast on XM Satellite Radio. Unfortunately, a week of rain had flooded the concert field to the point where people were turned away, causing gridlock on the highway and roads leading to the site. Rumors circulated that the stage was sinking. Mike Gordon got on the radio and told everyone who wasn't already in to turn away and that no more cars would be allowed in. At that point, only about 20,000 people were in the concert area.
Instead of turning away, tens of thousands parked their cars on highway medians, in breakdown lanes, and on the sides of roads. Then they hiked in to the concert venue, some walking as far as 30 miles to the venue. Among those that made it was Danny DeVito. Star of the former television series, "Taxi" as well as numerous movies, including "Renaissance Man" and "Twins." About a half hour before thousands upon thousands of fans were let into the concert site, a he was seen strolling along the grounds, taking in the artistic sculptures and various vendors set up around the venue. DeVito said he had been a fan of Phish for many, many years. And his 16-year-old son, Jake, is a guitar-player who attends the Oakwood School in California.
