[We would like to thank @unocrew for recapping last night’s show. -Ed.]

Hello everyone, thank you for taking the time to read my first official recap! After a 5 show run in 6 days I find myself with a short break before heading to Forest Hills next week.

Let’s first start off by taking a second to appreciate where we currently are - witnessing one of the greatest rock bands consistently throwing down heaters over four decades into their careers! If you had told me back in August 2004 I would be here typing a review with a gigantic smile on my face, I would never have believed you.

I feel The Mann is a great summer venue for Phish to play. From free parking, water stations, excellent sound and pleasant staff - it all makes for an enjoyable experience (despite the sweltering heat every run). This show will always be special to me. It is not because it is the 225th time seeing the band but because my 8 year old son is finally able to experience the joy along with me. The 8 year old (going on 18) is a big music lover and a seasoned pro when it comes to concerts. He has been asking to see Phish for a while now and it was just a matter of finding a family friendly venue for my wife and I to take him to.

Well, enough about me… let’s get down to the nitty gritty!

Set 1:

Kicking things off with “The Dogs” was a fun treat and easier on the ears than “Your Pet Cat.” My wife and I caught the Halloween show in 2014 at the end of our honeymoon so all of the Chilling, Thrilling material will hold a special meaning for us. The crowd seemed to be conserving energy but were certainly grooving and enjoying the show. “Fluffhead” is always a treat and this was fitting for my son to hear as this was one of the very first songs I heard in the 90’s that got me into the band. (Thanks again Steve and Sticky - RIP). “Gumbo” got the crowd in funk mode and was a bit extended but the “Roggae” was what really stood out to me. Around the 6 minute mark Trey shifts and the jam heads in a slightly darker direction. I would consider this one of those micro-jams where it rapidly strays from the song and heads into uncharted territory where you briefly forget what song they are playing. Bless the micro-jam! Set 1 continued with standard yet well played songs with a very fitting “Split Open and Melt” to close out. Melt can be hit or miss at times and often sends folks into a certain headspace. This version was one of the better ones I have heard in recent years.

Setbreak: Love the short setbreaks!

Set 2:

The band was back onstage and if you weren’t in your seat then you would not have noticed they started playing “The Curtain With” to open (first 2nd set opener since 1988!) Very well executed and then “A Wave of Hope” leads us to our first full on jam of the night. This song has been a favorite of mine since Trey released the “Lonely Trip” sessions. I was hoping some of those tunes would cross over into the Phish universe and look forward to hearing them when given the chance. This “Wave” was a nice ride, as most versions usually are. I understand not everyone loves this tune but it has been a very consistent jam vehicle and the crowd can get into it. A breather "Mercy" call was a good choice as it felt even hotter as the rain and lightning started creeping near the venue. The entire family was singing along to the "Simple" that followed. At this time, the family and I opted to walk over and enjoy the Philadelphia skyline when my son immediately stops and starts dancing “The Macarena!” It was pure fun which is what Phish is all about! We all had a great laugh and danced together. There was a 33 years later shout out during “20 Years Later” which was a nod to the first time the band played the venue in July 1992. As I mentioned earlier, the crowd seemed to conserve energy due to being in the heat and humidity for two straight days but once “Run Like An Antelope” started, all of that energy was let loose and built to an explosive peak! Great way to close out the set!

Encore: With the warm summer rain coming down now we wondered if the encore would be on the shorter side or would they go big? The band opted to go as big as they possibly could by treating the crowd to a super fun rendition of “You Enjoy Myself” with Trey singing a bit of “She Drives Me Crazy” by Fine Young Cannibals during Mike’s brief bass solo. It’s Summer Tour 2025 - why would they close out this run with a vocal jam when they could go back for one more round of dancing? The band built the 2nd jam to an excellent peak which sent the crowd towards the exits with smiles on their faces.

It is always a pleasure going to see shows at The Mann. The sound everywhere is excellent, the staff are pleasant and there is a general good vibe all around. Thank you all who helped make this an enjoyable experience for myself and especially my family. Until the next time…

Stay safe everyone!

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