A Week Before Phish’s IT Show at Loring Air Force Base: Behind-the-Scenes Photos
In August 2003, the legendary rock band Phish transformed the quiet, sprawling landscape of Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine, into an unforgettable venue for one of their most iconic festivals—known simply as “IT.” While thousands of fans arrived for the weekend spectacle, a week of intense preparation and palpable excitement built up to what would become a hallmark event in Phish’s history. These exclusive photos reveal the unique energy, the backstage hustle, and the growing anticipation that set the stage for IT, giving fans a rare look into the quieter moments leading up to the big event.
For the week before the show, Loring Air Force Base was a hive of activity as dedicated crew members, vendors, and early-bird fans began arriving. The sprawling airfield, once home to the U.S. Air Force, was transformed into a mini city, with everything from food stalls to merchandise tents, parking setups, and the vast concert stage itself taking shape day by day. Each corner of the site was carefully curated to ensure Phish fans would experience a festival unlike any other, combining the band’s signature improvisational style with an immersive environment.
For longtime Phish fans, this was a gathering of community and spirit, where camping areas buzzed with friendly conversations, and spontaneous jam sessions sprang up throughout the grounds. Early arrivals explored the site, creating a sense of camaraderie and excitement. The photos capture these priceless moments, from the massive lighting rig setup and sound checks to candid shots of the crew at work and fans beginning to populate the grounds.
By the time the gates opened, the energy was electric. Fans who had witnessed the week’s build-up knew they were in for something special, while those arriving for the weekend felt the magic of a site prepped with love, effort, and the anticipation of a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Through these photos, relive the lead-up to Phish’s IT show at Loring Air Force Base, a time that’s etched into the hearts of all who were there.
