Phish returned to the home of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, for a blast from the past set list last Friday in Bethel, NY. The beautiful weather yielded a mild evening in a historic and natural setting that the Vermont based quartet has not played in since 2011. They certainly channeled the peaceful vibes and delivered a set full of classics.
The evening also included an early performance by Philadelphia, Pa based future fusion trio Muscle Tough, who performed on a side stage within the Bethel Woods complex. Fans entered the venue early to grab a good lawn seat, purchase a poster designed by legendary artist Jim Pollock, catch the Muscle Tough set or explore the vast property that encompassed the venue. A museum dedicated to the history of the festival is attached to the venue, which many fans took advantage of as well.
The festivities kicked off with an entirely Phish 1.0 set list, starting with the high spirited "Golgi Apparatus" which transitioned nicely into a tasty fourteen minute "Sample in a Jar." This included some interesting percussion from drummer Jon Fishman. "My Soul" was up next, and got the crowd fired up. An unfinished "Gumbo" followed and segued into "Saw It Again." The music didn't stop as the disco dance party kicked off with "Timber (Jerry the Mule)" > "Meat." The mellow Story of the Ghost tune was driven by bassist Mike Gordon and rooted in bass.
"Lawn Boy", last played at the Chase Center on October 17, 2021, was short but sweet with organist Page McConnell front and center leading the vocals. This classic transitioned quickly into the dark "My Friend, My Friend," followed by another short transition into the infrequently played "Guelah Papyrus." This was last heard on December 8, 2019 in North Charleston, SC.
The smooth "Brian and Robert," last played at Shoreline on September 1st, 2021, was up next. The set wrapped up with the high energy "Walk Away."
Set two followed after a short break with "Mr Completely," which launched into a twenty four minute "You Enjoy Myself." This quintessential tune had a delicious jam that flowed nicely into "Fuego." The jam sandwich was completed with "Joy."
The funky "Boogie on Reggae Woman," oozed with melodic goodness from McConnell's clavinet. "Scents and Subtle Sounds" started the final jam sequence of the set. This segued into a fist pumping "Wilson," which included the fiery call and response exchange with the crowd. The energy was sustained as the music transitioned into a wild "Possum." The raging set closed out with frequent set closer, "Cavern."
The band returned for one more tune, "A Life Beyond the Dream," the inspiring song from Ghosts of the Forest.
Phish brought another face melting heater to the iconic site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, and successfully channeled the peaceful vibes from the many musical legends who have played before. They continue to roll across North America on their summer tour. Hop on over to their tour page for more details on shows in your region.
Check out more photos from the show!
Set One
Golgi Apparatus > Sample in a Jar, My Soul, Gumbo1 > Saw It Again > Timber (Jerry the Mule) > Meat, Lawn Boy > My Friend, My Friend > Guelah Papyrus, Brian and Robert, Walk Away
Set Two
Mr. Completely > You Enjoy Myself > Fuego > Joy, Boogie On Reggae Woman, Scents and Subtle Sounds > Wilson > Possum > Cavern
Encore
A Life Beyond The Dream
Notes
1. Unfinished
