I would call this a ‘fire’ warm-up show. Nothing like starting with a 19 minute Carini and Strange Design bust out. The Stash was the first jam I thought was incredibly cohesive and had that extra ninja philth like only Phish can do. Really cathartic feeling in the crowd, meeting new amazing people and interweaving about the music. Everyone seems to be there for the right reason. I am glad to be a Phish head, 23 years and now 74 shows in.

The first song second set Oasis felt very apropos with the “take off your mask” line. It was a feeling of relief in the crowd, as in: we made it through and now we get to see the boys raging the Garden again. The energy was palpable.

Disease was a great way to sink into the type II jamming of the run. Very well played, but I wouldn’t say that special. It just felt so good to be in the jam with the boys and a great crowd.

The Howling really surprised me in how funky and energetic they played it. At first, it felt like they were busting out a cover (Foo Fighters, anyone?). The loose, uptempo jam of the song was really well done into a Twist that made the crowd erupt. Reba was really well played, even though they slightly got off tempo to start the first jam section.

Both encore songs were a real treat, with an unexpected Gumbo bringing back the energy one last time and a euphoric Slave to close out night one.

It was one of those nights where I just left satiated. It didn’t feel extra special in the music, but the return and the spirit of the date were definitely ringing in our ears as we continued our nights in the city of New York. What a great band, with a storyline that never dulls and music that just keeps making us smile. I’m so glad to be in this run. It feels like good therapy. Thank you Phish. Thank you fans.