I would describe 10/19/2021 as the not the show we wanted, but the show we needed. The vibe was spectacular in the venue, with everyone looking to heal from the tragedies in SF, and then Trey got up there and perfectly summed up what most of us are feeling. I know that the SF stories are far from over, but I - for one - feel that I'm ready to enjoy the rest of tour without the cloud hanging over us. I know that people get hurt, OD, and unfortunately pass away more frequently on tour than most of us know. But the way that things transpired in SF, coupled with this period of National sorrow and death that we are are trying to emerge from, made it particularly upsetting.

Anyways - about the music. I really wouldn't change anything about the first set. This was the first DWD of 4.0 that delivered an extended jam, Jim was a solid Set 1 version, Ocelot had a very nice Type 1 jam, Rift, Horn > Ya Mar was a great song-based segment, Stash delivered a really pretty extended Type 2 jam, Trey gave a 5-star speech, and Walls brought the set home with great energy. For a "normal" first-set from a setlist perspective, I would give this first set about 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Set 2 started off with a lot of promise. Twist started at a slow, swampy pace, giving way to a crunchy groove reminiscent of the 4.0-style jamming. Blaze On was a terrific choice for the second slot, and the jam started with tremendous promise. Then, it seemed like Mike and Fish pulled the ripcord into Plasma. I didn't even hear Trey punching that staccato rhythm before Fish started that unmistakable drumbeat. I love Plasma, but since Providence 2019, I feel it's gotten more than its fair share of play. I would have been perfectly happy if we got a monster version of Plasma, but this sub-7 minute version was a bit of a letdown. Leaves was VERY well played - probably my favorite live version yet. I really didn't think that I Never Left Home would be a good addition to the Phish live catalog, and after 1 performance I feel that thought was accurate. I like Sparkle more than most, but prefer it as a Set 1 ditty. 2001 was the best version I've seen in a while, but I wished that they would have just finished it and closed the set out on that note. Sigma Oasis is still trying to find its place in the setlist. Is it an opener? Jam vehicle? Set closer? I know that this song is going to be in our world for a while, and I hope they figure out its place. I don't think Set 2 closer is it. Although it started with great promise and included a super 2001, I'd say this set is in the 3.4 to 3.6 star range.

DWYS was exactly the encore I hoped they'd play. A lot of love was released during the refrain of that song. Everyone in the room was on their feet with their hands in the air, shouting "And LOVE will carry us through" at the top of their lungs. What an amazing sight. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about that moment again. In the context of THIS tour, being in the room, and the show that I wanted tonight, I'd give this show a 4.8 out of 5 stars. In the context of the broader catalog of live phish shows, I'd put this show at 3.8 out of 5 stars, mostly due to the middle third of the second set.