“This One Goes to Eleven—My First Eleven Shows” by Ryan Baird

“Ghost > Halley’s > Tweezer” 11.24.98 II, New Haven, CT

After being shut out at my first phish show 4/4/98, getting arrested days before the Lemonwheel, and missing the first set of this show due to traffic on I-95, I was not off to a good start to my phish show career. This second set trifecta was just what I needed to be hooked for life.

***

“Gumbo” 11.28.98 I, Worcester, MA

For the first night of the tour finale [the night before] I found myself in a familiar place, on the outside looking in. Things were not looking good for this noob, but once again, these first notes I heard [on night two] reaffirmed that I was in the right place.

***

“Bathtub Gin” 11.29.98 II, Worcester, MA

$$$, I got IT for the first time.

***

“Foreplay/Longtime” 7.12.99 I, Mansfield, MA

I was beginning to understand that Phish could do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, with a bit of humor, and completely nail it. This was my first outdoor show, I was front row, and the place exploded for this one.

***

“Tube > Boogie On” 7.17.99 I, Volney, NY

My first festi of any type, and I was in way over my head. Completely broke after about five minutes of being on lot, but happy as I could ever be. There’s nothing that compares to the vibe of a Phish festival, and this opening sequence set the tone for the weekend.

***

“Runaway Jim” 7.18.99 II, Volney, NY

“It was so hot!” was the understatement of the year. I can remember the start of this set, and thinking that I can’t believe that they’re going to play another set after this one. Festivals are sometimes overwhelming and after my first one, I was happy to have made it out alive.

***

“Walk Away > Rocky Top” 12.7.99 E, Portland, ME

I honestly do not remember seeing the CCCC “Halley’s.” This might be one of the best jams that I was in attendance for but have no recollection of. And since it gets so much love around here, I don’t need to restate the obvious. However, I do remember the encore, which I thought was bitchin’!

***

“The Lizards” 12.8.99 II, Portland, ME

After hearing Trey’s thesis and listening to Great Woods ’94 a few times that fall, I had greater appreciation for the epic tale. This was my first real trip to Gamehenge that I can remember to this day. I think that Trey’s solo might be my favorite piece of composed phish.

***

“Sand” 12.13.99 II, Providence, RI

After hearing it for the first time live a week earlier in Portland, I was hooked. “Sand” has remained my favorite song since December of 1999. This version is pure fire, and foreshadowed what was to happen at my next show/festi.

***

“Light Up or Leave Me Alone” 12.30.99 I, Big Cypress, FL

“Water in the Sky” got everyone’s attention and “Light Up” set the place on fire. This special event needs the Shapiro treatment, asap. The swamp is one of my most cherished memories, every aspect, especially the amount of music they packed into two days.

***

“After Midnight Reprise” 12.31.99 II, Big Cypress, FL

The birth of my children, getting married to an amazing woman, and “After Midnight.” There are special moments in life, but as far as Phish goes this one can’t be beat. The vibe circulating within my friends, the crowd, everyone in the Everglades was pure bliss. Phish was sending a clear message, and I was pickin’ up what they were puttin’ down!

 All selections and text by Joe M.

“YEM” 12.28.93 II, Washington, DC

The first of many “Oh man, you really should have been there last night!” lot conversations. Some fiery work by Trey once the jam hits stride.

 ***

“If I Could” 7.1.95 I, Mansfield, MA

I had this tape from the FM broadcast (RIP WBCN) in my car and played it exclusively for quite some time. Love this rendition which came early in the night.

*** 

“Simple” 12.31.96 II, Boston, MA

Another WBCN tape that doubled my collection at the time. Not a noteworthy two-night stand in most people’s opinion. A highlight was night one when the sound went out and we couldn’t figure out if they were just fucking with us. This version of “Simple” is pretty compact but brings back fond memories of my beat up Toyota Corrola.

*** 

“Timber (Jerry)” 11.28.97 II, Worcester, MA

My one and only time in the front row. Epic staring contests with Trey all night. This is the second set opener. Gets into a pretty dark place in the jam before coming back to the lyrics.

 ***

“Maze > Shafty” 4.5.98 II, Providence, RI

My buddy’s first-show-going girlfriend dropped to the floor between us during the middle of this one. The lights and jam were a little too intense for her.

*** 

“Piper > Dog Faced Boy” 12.8.99 II, Portland, ME

The night after everyone’s favorite CCCC ’99 jam [‘Halley’s Comet”]. General Admission in the whole building for those two nights. I have vivid memories of being really moved by “Dog Faced Boy” after an intense “Piper.”

 ***

“Harry Hood” 7.6.00 II, Toronto, ON

In honor (honour) of the band’s return to Canada this summer.

***

“Cool it Down” 7.29.03 I, Burgettstown, PA

A swanky take on the Velvet Underground cover.

***

“Backwards Down the Number Line” 8.16.09 II, SPAC, NY

The second set opener from first summer tour closer of the return. Gets pretty far out. I wish they’d tack on an abstract jam to this tune again.

***

“Undermind” 11.29.09 I, Portland, ME

Another song from ’09 and another one from Portland, ME? This ten tune thing isn’t as easy as Mr. Miner makes it look after all. Love the sonic freakout portion of this one though.

All selections and text by @HeadyBrosevelt

Picking ten Phish songs for other folks to listen to is a difficult task. The easiest and most fun method, I found, was to pick selections from shows that I attended (with the exception of “It’s Ice,” explanation below.) While picking from “my” shows, I omitted classics that constantly get played and/or discussed (obvious picks from Fall ’97 and Summer ’98 were left off.) While there may be a few classics below, I don’t always hear them getting hyped. Some selections may not deserve any hype, but they all hold a special place in my mind, body, and soul.

“It’s Ice” 4.8.94 I, State College, PA

While I didn’t attend this show, “It’s Ice” is the song that turned me on to Phish.  I remember hearing it in my buddy’s car and thinking to myself, “I need to go see these guys.” I loved the imagery. There was no looking back from that moment on. This version from Penn State is wonderful. Cool digi loop jam

***

“2001 > Halley’s > Bowie” 6.24.95 II, Philadelphia, PA

This was my first Phish show and it took place two days after seeing the fat man for the last time at the Knick. I drove the twenty minutes from my parent’s house over to the Mann and got my mind fucking blown. The “2001” and “Halley’s” are integral to the flow of this three pack, but the “Bowie” is where we blast off into the psychedelic stratosphere. A good version of “Bowie” from Phish’s most psychedelic summer.

***

“Gumbo” 8.13.97 I, Burgettstown, PA

Summertime “Gumbo” at it’s finest. This is a stellar version of a song that may be the epitome of outdoor Phish.

***

“Drowned” 12.11.97 II, Rochester, NY

Fall 1997 was the first time I went on the road with Phish. I caught Philly through Albany. While most nights consisted of funky throw-downs, this “Drowned” was a helpful reminder that Phish could still scare with psychedelic wizardry.

***

“Swept Away > Steep > Caspian” 12.12.97 II, Albany, NY

An absolutely rad version of “Prince Caspian.” In my opinion, this is a must hear. The jam is a brilliant mixture of machine gun assault and heavenly patience.

*** 

“Down with Disease” 12.29.97 II, NYC, NY

I felt like I had to add something from the holiday run that hasn’t already been discussed. MSG ’97 was an incredible holiday run filled with multiple highlights.  This “Disease” flies under the radar because of the stupendous playing throughout the run. Spacey and weird, but eventually finds it’s stride—this “Disease” is worth a listen.

***

“Reba > FEFY” 7.16.98 I, George, WA

Gorge ’98 was one of the best Phish experiences of my life (despite the raging heat.) I had just finished working in YNP for the summer and was following Phish tour home. The Gorge started my mini tour back to the east. This “Reba” is not one of the best “Reba’s” of all time, but it was a majestic complement to the sunset on the Columbia River. Phish was playing to the sunset and as went dark they segued into “FEFY.”  That sunset moment is etched very clearly into my memory.

*** 

“Ghost > Free > Birds” 7.23.99 II, Columbus, OH

Originally, I was only going to post the “Birds,” however, after listening back, this is a triumvirate (as Miner would say) that needs to be listened together. The front half of a great set.

*** 

“Ghost” 10.9.99 I, Albany, NY

“Ghost” is my favorite Phish song. I admit it, I have a slight infatuation with it, thus I am placing a second “Ghost” on this list. This is a unique “Ghost” that reaches the nether regions. Phish takes a lot of risks in this version and they are successful in every aspect.

***

“Mr. Completely” 7.15.03 II, West Valley, Utah

I only saw two shows in 2.0 and this Utah show was one of them. I saw this show by accident. I was driving from Colorado to Washington to climb. and I stopped in Little Cottonwood Canyon to boulder. Some hippies saw my Colorado plates and long hair/beard and asked if I was going to the show. I inquired who was playing and they told me Phish. I hopped in my car, scored a ticket at a gas station for $15.00, and saw this “Mr. Completely.” I left the show so stoked that I made it into Idaho that night. I have had a mild obsession with 2.0 Phish ever since.

All selections and text by Chasin Holden

“Drowned” 12.3.97 I, Philadelphia, PA

Eight days later, Phish would use “Drowned” to bring us the debut of “Roses Are Free.” On this night, they hit on Stevie Ray before finding their way to the sacred fall ’97 sound. An outstanding 1st setter from a cold Wednesday night in Philadelphia.

***

“Slave to the Traffic Light” 12.3.94 II, San Jose, CA

“Slave.” Horns. Enough said.

***

“Maze” 12.31.94 II, Boston, MA

A standout version from an overlooked NYE show.

 ***

“Timber” 7.26.97 II, Austin, TX

The Bob Gullotti sit-ins worked very well during the Texas shows in Summer ’97. This “Timber” is one of the highlights.

 ***

“Harpua > Waterloo > jam > Llama” 6.23.95 II, Waterloo, NJ

It’s hard to find the silver lining in what will always be remembered as a bad show because a fan lost his life [in the traffic mess], but this sequence is fun and rocking and will bring a smile in the face of sorrow.

***

“Simple” 11.21.95 II, Winston-Salem, NC

I’ve always loved this “Simple.” While not earth-shattering by any means, it runs through teases of “Maze,” “Possum,” “Bowie” (twice) and “A Day In the Life.” Very cool to hear for the first time or the 50th time.

***

“Mike’s -> Rotation Jam -> Keyboard Cavalry > Mike’s” 11.25.95 II, Hampton, VA

The first ever rotation jam is interesting, to say the least. What surprises me about rotation jams as a whole is how they usually stay pretty melodic despite the band members playing outside their element. This one is my pick for the best of the three.

*** 

“Curtain > Halley’s > Roses > NO2”  7.13.99 I, Mansfield, MA

One of my favorite runs of tunes ever. A lot of people focus on 7-25-99, but this sequence is better than any part of 7-25-99 in my opinion. The “Halley’s” in particular is top notch and the segue into “Roses” is maybe one of the most overlooked of the band’s career.

***

“Let It Loose”  10.31.09 II, Indio, CA

Page at his best vocally.

*** 

“Harry Hood” 12.17.95 II, Lake Placid, NY 

The last “Hood” of a tour rich with excellent versions. While probably not the best version of the tour, this one still finds the stratosphere and is a precursor of the all-time great version from the Garden two weeks later.

All text and selections by @Kayatosh

“Mango Song > Jam” 9.17.00 II, Columbia, MD

A loose, tired sounding version that feels like it might fall apart at any moment but doesn’t thanks to Page Piano. After the triumph of successfully holding it together, a dark, percussive, free-form jam emerges.

***

“Yamar” 11.2.96 II, West Palm Beach, FL

One that slipped through the cracks the last time Miner covered 1996. Karl Perazzo enhanced.

***

“David Bowie” 6.24.95 II, Philadelphia, PA

This long form version starts off promisingly with a spacey intro.  The “Low Rider” flavored jam hints at the funk the band would actively mine in the next few years.  From the chunky funk, the jam journeys into a slower, softer vibe that retains the trademark 95 dark edge. A subsequent move into speed metal features Trey out front blazing a white hot path with the other three matching his intensity.

***

“McGrupp” 8.7.93, Darien Lake, NY

A confident version of a favorite Phish tune from a golden era. Page tickling the ivories; Fishman tickling the washboard. See also, 11.30.94 McGrupp for more of Page channeling Keith Jarret.

***

“Jam > Leprechaun” 8.24.93 Sndchk, Vancouver, BC

Four-way bluesy, uninhibited play. A pocket so deep you could lose a joint in it. Listen to Fishman’s super human fills. Midway through the 10 minute jam, Fishman settles on a steady groove, and the jam becomes a composed sounding romp. And then the elusive Leprechaun does his jig.

***

“Chalkdust Torture” 7.16.94 II, Sugarbush, VT

A take no prisoners, almost off the rails, “Barracuda” teased Dust, featuring Trey in berserker mode.

***

“Sneakin Sally > Frankie Says” 4.2.98 II, Uniondale, NY

Slower, thicker version of a classic phish groove vehicle. Your head will involuntarily bob as the laid-back, syncopated riffs start bumping up against your brain.   “Sally” jam slides smoothly and gradually into “Frankie Says,” which features a nimble fingered Trey.

***

“Ghost > Drowned” 12.28.97 II, Landover, MD

Silky, late ’97 funk feel with a healthy dose of clavination. “Ghost’s” jam is of the hypnotic variety with intermittent hints of “Psycho Killer.” After you’ve been mellowed to the point of floating, the jam inconspicuously swirls into a funnel cone (twice), stops on a dime, and then launches into “Drowned!” Trey’s strong Hendrix impression in the “Drowned” jam finishes off the listener. Listen for The Note. “Drowned” jam concludes in soft, spacious fashion.

***

“Makiuspa Policeman” 11.23.96 II, Vancouver, BC

“Woke up in the morning. Border Guard in my Bunk.” Listen for the Star Wars effects.

***

“Bathtub Gin -> Cities -> Jam” 7.1.97 II, Amsterdam, NL

July ’97, Amsterdam — a time traveler’s dream destination. There’s a segment mid-“Gin” that mirrors the feeling of falling down stairs in slow motion. After a slick “Gin” theme tease, the jam patiently builds to a murky, not quite peaked conclusion that becomes the intro to “Cities.” The “Cities” jam sonically represents what it might feel like to be adrift at sea on a gelatinous raft. After all “Cities” flavor has been wrung from the jam, an ambient, looped section takes hold of your dome and places you right on the back of the worm. By mid ’97, this band was an ear candy machine.

***

“Timber Ho!” 7.26.97 II, Austin, TX

More liquid gold from July 97 with a looped out, cosmic jump rope jam conclusion before the “Timber” themed coda.