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After playing three out of four Holiday Run shows at The Garden in 1997, Phish decided to make it four of a kind in 1998. Staging an entire New Years’ Run in a single venue for the first time ever, the band chose the largest stage on which to do it. The peak of a incredible year of Phish, these four nights showcased the diverse jamming styles that defined the year. From groove-based improv to ambient jams, this show presented a microcosm of 1998. As a bonus re-post, I am including my favorite show from the run – 12.28 – an odyssey through darkness that included the inter-galactic warfare of “Carini > Wolfman’s.” With three MSG dates just announced, I can hardly wait to get back inside the greatest arena on earth. Here are some memories to tide you over.

12.31.98 Madison Square Garden, NYC, NY < Torrent

12.31.98 Madison Square Garden, NYC, NY < Megaupload

I: 1999* > Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove, Ghost > Ha Ha Ha, Cavern

II: NICU, Character Zero, Tweezer > Cities > Wading in the Velvet Sea, Run Like an Antelope, Frankenstein

III: Runaway Jim > Auld Lang Syne > Simple,  Harry Hood, Tweezer Reprise, Llama

E: While My Guitar Gently Weeps

*Phish debut.

Notes: Prince’s 1999 included dancers on stage and synchronized steps from Trey and Mike, who wound up lying on the stage with the dancers surrounding them. Weekapaug and Runaway Jim subsequently featured 1999 teases. For this show, the Holiday Run dancers’ costu