Phish crushed so hard in the summer of ’98, that I could fill an entire week of playlists with highlights from this tour alone. Between their fortnight in Europe and month in America, the band churned out amazing jams at a ludicrous pace, while remaining on point for the entire season. Here are a handful of jams from what has to be considered the greatest summer tour of the late-90’s.
“Curtain > Free” 7.31.98 II, Columbus, OH
The laid back funk of Summer ’98.
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“Tweezer” 7.9.98 I, Barcelona, ES
In a small and sweltering club, Phish dropped these filthy grooves.
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“Reba > Fast Enough” 7.16.98 II, Quincy, WA
Quintessential summer Phish with an uncharacteristic rhythmic take by Trey.
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“Ghost > Lifeboy” 8.2.98 II, Noblesville, IN
One of countless standout “Ghosts” of Summer ’98—the peak tour for the song.
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“Wolfman’s -> 2001” 7.24.98 II, Houston, TX
One of the lesser known highlights from this summer, and a soundboard, taboot.
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“Bathtub Gin” 7.29.98 I, Maryland Heights, MO
The Riverport “Gin” needs no introduction; my favorite version ever played.
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“Ya Mar” 7.25.98 I, Austin, TX
One of the most exploratory “Ya Mars” in history—a jam that is so cohesive that it sounds composed.
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“Tube” 7.16.98 II, Quincy, WA
A personal favorite featuring the open-air, chunky grooves of the Gorge.
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“Drowned -> Makisupa” 7.20.98 II, Ventura, CA
A dark horse combo from the begininning of Ventura’s second set that features a silky-smooth segue.
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“YEM” 7.26.98 II, Dallas, TX
A mid-second set explosion of swanky summer grooves in which Gordeaux thumps prominent “The Way I Feel” bass lines—a late-90’s trend that started a week earlier in Shoreline’s standout version.
