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Phish in Concert
Probably no other band around today is more about the live experience than Phish. As the undisputed kings of the jam-band movement that began in the '80s and exploded in the '90s with bands like Widespread Panic, Blues Traveler, and The Spin Doctors, they defined a style that was song-based but also about improvisation and the magic of the moment. When they brought their creative collision of rock, jazz, funk, folk, and country influences to a quickly expanding grassroots fan base in the '80s, a movement was born -- one in which the music was constantly developing before the audience's eyes and ears. Trey Anastasio's guitar, Page McConnell's keyboards, Mike Gordon's bass, and Jon Fishman's drums engage in a four-part conversation that's constantly evolving. Whether the band is playing tunes off classic Phish releases like 'Billy Breathes' and 'The Story of the Ghost,' or performing one of their famous Halloween shows where they cover another artist's album in its entirety, like The Who's 'Quadrophenia' or Talking Heads' 'Remain in Light,' Phish is always in flux. While headlining festivals like Bonnaroo, or hosting their own, like The Clifford Ball and Magnaball, or keeping an event all to themselves, the band maintains an unbreakable connection with their huge, hardcore audience of Phish Heads.
Phish Background
Phish got its start at The University of Vermont in 1983, when guitarists Trey Anastasio and Jeff Holdsworth, bass man Mike Gordon, and drummer Jon Fishman started jamming informally. But by the mid '80s, when Holdsworth had departed and keyboardist Page McConnell arrived to solidify the band's lineup, the band was truly beginning to define its sound -- a mix of Grateful Dead-inspired psychedelic jamming, jazzy fluidity, and funk-savvy grooves. Phish released its first, self-titled album in 1986, but like the Dead, they were always more about the live experience than the recording studio. And by the end of the '80s they were hitting the road hard, building up a hefty, dedicated audience and pretty much creating the jam-band circuit in the process. Their songwriting shone on albums like 'A Picture of Nectar,' 'Billy Breathes,' and 'The Story of a Ghost,' while their concerts became a nexus for thousands of hardy Phish Heads. You can't keep Phish out of water for long, and these days they continue to take their idiosyncratic but infectious sound to the people, creating new generations of Phish fans along the way.
I had a great time - my 11th show in 09 and 34th show since 95 - the boys almost always bring the heat! Merriweather is a dump - it's impossible to see the band from the lawn if you aren't 6 foot 5... parking is terrible... but phish makes it all worth it.
Really good show overall. Enjoyed a lot of the new songs. Busted out some straight up classics. A couple of killer runs. Although, two jams kinda dragged (at least for me).
Toyota Park was surprisingly intimate for a stadium. Climbing the steps to the top level, I was pleased to see its relatively small size, although the general admission floor was obviously pretty big since it covered the whole soccer field. Other good points for the venue: good variety of food and beer, and enough bathrooms that were large enough so that the lines only got two or three deep at any moment that I was there anyway. They were also placed well so that it was a relatively quick trip from the seats, meaning you didn't have to miss much show. I'm always happy to see Phish, of course. There was a huge amount of crowd energy and the band seemed to feed off it. The second set was full of big songs that have spots for the crowd to sing along. Overall a very fun time, and I'd definitely consider seeing Phish there again if they go back.
Without going into a lot of detail...What a smokin show! There were some new tunes out which I was not that familiar yet they sounded great. However, the older tunes were just so "on". Good job guys. It's great to have you back.
Phish was REALLY on last night. They were having fun and played to the audience the whole time.
Fun show; they played a bunch of new tunes which took the crowd a while to warm up to, but by the second set, people around me were not yammering as much and the energy built.
Phish not only is one of the greatest jam bands ever, but puts on one of the best live shows I have ever seen. It was without a doubt the best concert I have ever been too and will definitely be grateful that I was able to see Phish on their reunion tour.
This was my first time seeing Phish, my husband used to follow them around for several shows when they used to tour. I gotta say it was great. The band sounded so good, the silly things they do are great, you really feel they are apart of the crowd & are there to have a great time with their friends. The crowd was great too. The absolutely beautiful back ground just added to the ambiance. I felt right at home & am looking forward to seeing them again. Now I see why they have such a great following & people will travel from show to show.
Great Venue to host the greatest Band alive. Although the 1st set was laid back ( after a 32+ hour drive from their previous venue The Gorge) the boys delivered a powerful second set....breaking out an unforgettable CARINI !!!! Loved it!!!
Since Phish reunited in March, I couldn't have been more happy! Hippies rejoice at last! I can't wait to download the entire set list (they played some of their new songs!) Their new album is gonna be sick!
Phish first set was great....................once they came out to begin their second.........it was legendary
Another epic Show! Awesome as always! They broke out a new song called "Windy City"! What better place to debut the song than Chicago.
What else can i say but phish is the most cutting edge band out there. This show was alot of fun, everything from the people that come to these shows to the venues they play to the unreal sound they produce... Amazing! The second set was he hottest, the carani, coil and hood were among my favs. I took two of my friend to this show wth me, they had never seen or heard phish before. They both agreed this was the first of many to come! Thank you mister minor!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll keep it short and simple... Phish rocked it hard! The show was phenomenal! I was skeptical in regard to Toyota Park as the venue but was impressed with the stadium and service. I wish I was back there watching this show at this very moment!
Backwards > Carini > 2001 is all you have to hear.
had a great time at the show, just what I was hoping for!
Phish as always was musically amazing. First set was well played, just not my favorite group of songs. Second set blew my mind. Completely awesome, and even a song I haven't heard in years live.
Good show, the venue was very cool and not overcrowded, it was easy to stand close to the stage, great view, the two first sets were enjoyable
The show was amazing! There were so many people and the light show was spectacular! Phish sounded great! I haven't seen them in years and was happy to hear Carini and Lovin' Cup!! Venue was cool too! Great to be outside,just took awhile to get there!
Awesome band. Awesome show. Awesome venue. Awesome Period.
