East Coast college-bound Phish fans who are serious about getting their phix might want to see if it's not too late to get a fall semester deferment.

Phish leader Trey Anastasio has announced plans to get his solo rocks off one more time before the band's eagerly awaited return to touring (see "Phish End Hiatus, Schedule Winter Dates").

Anastasio will take his nine-piece solo band on a nine-date East Coast swing of theaters and small arenas that'll kick off with an October 22 benefit for an arts organization in his hometown of Burlington, Vermont. According to a spokesperson, given the bandmembers' busy schedules and Anastasio's Phish commitments, the dates will likely mark the last time this lineup tours together.

While keyboardist Page McConnell's Vida Blue side project are taking a break, drummer Jon Fishman will tune up for the upcoming Phish shows by taking his side band, Pork Tornado, on the road beginning October 9 in Northampton, Massachusetts. The spokesperson said bassist Mike Gordon will announce a string of tour dates with guitar virtuoso Leo Kottke next week.

Phish will end their nearly two-year hiatus with a New Year's Eve show at New York's Madison Square Garden, followed by three shows January 2-4 at Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia. More dates in 2003 are expected, and the spokesperson said the group plans to show off a "considerable" amount of new material at the shows.

Trey Anastasio tour dates:

  • 10/22 - Burlington, VT @ Burlington Memorial Auditorium
  • 10/24 - Portland, ME @ Cumberland County Civic Center
  • 10/25 - Utica, NY @ Utica Memorial Auditorium
  • 10/26 - Bethlehem, PA @ Stabler Arena
  • 10/28 - Charlottesville, VA @ University Hall
  • 10/29 - Louisville, KY @ Palace Theatre
  • 10/31 - Asheville, NC @ Asheville Civic Center
  • 11/1 - Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle
  • 11/2 - Pompano Beach, FL @ Pompano Beach Amphitheater

For more sights and stories from concerts around the country, check out MTV News Tour Reports.