After a 26-year hiatus, Phish returned to Grand Rapids with a bang, proving once again why they are one of the most dynamic and beloved live bands in the world. The anticipation in the nearly packed Van Andel Arena was palpable, and Phish did not disappoint, delivering a night filled with deep jams, surprise collaborations, and a setlist that kept everyone on their toes.
The evening kicked off with a pair of eclectic covers: the psychedelic funk of Shuggie Otis' "Strawberry Letter 23" and the intricate, jazzy "Peaches en Regalia" by Frank Zappa. Nestled between these covers, Phish slipped in "Sigma Oasis," setting a perfect tone for the night. The band then launched into "Tube," an old favorite that got the Michigan faithful grooving. The nostalgia continued with "Theme from the Bottom," seamlessly bleeding into a solid "Stash" that had the crowd on their feet.
The mood mellowed with a beautifully placed "Train Song," offering a moment of reflection before the band ignited the arena with "Steam," "Rift," and an epic "Bathtub Gin" to close out the first set. The "Bathtub Gin" jam was nothing short of legendary, a must-listen for any Phish aficionado.
The second set opened with "Free," a fitting prelude to the magic that was about to unfold. Midway through, Trey Anastasio welcomed hometown hero and local musician Billy Strings to the stage. Speculation about this collaboration had been rife, but nothing could have prepared fans for the sheer brilliance of what followed.
Billy Strings added his unique flair to "The Moma Dance" and then took lead vocals on a rip-roaring "Possum." The synergy between Phish and Strings was electric, culminating in a euphoric "Everything's Right" that perfectly encapsulated the evening's vibe.
The encore was a bluegrass delight, featuring "Nellie Kane" and "Beauty of My Dreams," both showcasing Strings on lead vocals and acoustic guitar alongside Trey. The night closed with a high-energy "Carini" that sent the arena into the next stratosphere, leaving fans buzzing with the high of an unforgettable show.
Setlist:
Set 1:
Strawberry Letter 23 (Shuggie Otis cover) >
Sigma Oasis
Peaches en Regalia (Frank Zappa cover)
Tube
Theme From the Bottom >
Stash
Train Song
Steam >
Rift >
Bathtub Gin
Set 2:
Free
Sand >
Ruby Waves>
Harry Hood
The Moma Dance (with Billy Strings) >
Possum (with Billy on lead vocals)
Everything's Right (with Strings)
Encore:
Nellie Kane (Hot Rize cover, with Strings, Billy on lead vocals, Trey & Billy on acoustic guitar)
Beauty of My Dreams (Del cover, with Strings, Billy & Trey trading verses, Trey & Billy on acoustic guitar)
Carini (with Billy)
Phish's return to Grand Rapids was a reminder of their unparalleled live prowess and their ability to surprise and delight audiences, making this a night to remember.
