Controlling the Phish population

Hoping to avoid a Woodstock-like overflow crush of fans, promoters of Phish’s farewell festival in rustic Coventry, Vt., are renting a local radio station to broadcast the music so ticketless fans can groove without overcrowding the premises.

The iconic jam band’s Aug. 14-15 shows are sold out, and fans will be turned back if they don’t have tickets, state police have warned. Fewer than 70,000 tickets were sold, but 80,000 people are expected to show up.

Promoter Dave Werlin said the radio station will operate live 24 hours a day, starting two days before the festival. There also will be live, worldwide radio broadcasts of the shows by XM satellite, and fans will be able to view the performances at selected movie theaters around the country.