In a recent development, a Phish fan who was previously banned from attending shows at Sphere and other Madison Square Garden Entertainment-operated venues has been granted permission to return. The fan, who goes by the handle @acid_farts on social media, was initially banned after taking a bong hit during a performance at the Las Vegas venue on 4/20.

A spokeswoman for Sphere Entertainment stated in a statement to Rolling Stone on Saturday that there had been a breakdown in the ban application process due to a personnel change, resulting in the ban letter being unintentionally sent. However, the spokeswoman emphasized that while the fan is no longer barred from the venues, smoking, bringing glassware, and disrupting other fans' enjoyment of the event remain against their policies, in line with local laws.

Upon learning about the lifted ban, @acid_farts expressed his gratitude and respect for the band and their management in an interview with Rolling Stone. He reiterated his desire to attend Phish shows, share his love for music with friends, and be a respectful patron. The fan mentioned that he would be reaching out to the representatives involved in the ban being lifted.

Speaking about the incident that led to the ban, @acid_farts explained that he had uploaded a video of himself taking a bong hit at the venue before a Phish set on 4/20. The video went viral, and he had tagged the venue in the post. Although initially he faced no repercussions since smoking was prohibited at the venue, the situation changed when he purchased tickets to see Dead & Company at the Sphere for June 6. He received a legal notice via FedEx informing him of the indefinite ban from various MSG venues.

In an Instagram Story on Saturday, @acid_farts humorously shared a copy of the statement from the venue spokeswoman and joked about the facial-recognition technology used by Madison Square Garden Entertainment. He also expressed his readiness to turn the ban into a badge of honor and hinted at the possibility of selling T-shirts inspired by the incident, with proceeds going to the Divided Sky Foundation, a new addiction recovery center founded by Phish frontman Trey Anastasio.

The fan's journey from being banned to now being allowed back into the venues has sparked interest and support from fellow fans. This incident reminds us of the power and influence that social media can have in shaping discussions and overturning decisions.

As the fan eagerly looks forward to attending future Phish shows, it remains to be seen how his experience will continue to unfold within the Phish fan community and the broader entertainment industry.