Possibly due to a perceived absence of second-hand patchouli in public parking lots, or perhaps to curb the disappearance of unlicensed grilled cheese vending, Phish have decided to reunite in 2009. The band's website announced early this morning that Phish will return to the site of their most notorious arena shows -- Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia -- for a three-night stand beginning March 6. Ticket's go on sale through Ticketmaster on October 18 (for about, um, maybe 10 or 15 seconds.)

Phish reunion rumors ran rampant during the past few months -- first when they appeared together to accept a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jammys, then when three of the four members made cameos in each other's sets at the Rothbury music festival. More recently, the band performed three songs together at their road manager's wedding reception.

Phish officially returns after a four-and-a-half year breakup, during which time all four members either formed new bands or participated in various side-projects. Additional tour dates for 2009 will be announced shortly.

The announcement was made just hours after the end of guitarist Trey Anastasio's birthday, but the news gave the best birthday gift ever to an entire nation of Phish fans.