I had never been to The United Center before and what an incredible introduction to this stellar venue for live Phish. Shackdown was chill. Everyone kind and excited for the Sunday show to close out Fall 2023.
Now, onto the show itself …. I drove straight from Cincinnati; after buying a solo ticket at noon earlier in the day. My section was 116,15,10 and it was the most impressive sight watching CK5 work his magic with the whole rig above my head and shining on the 20,000 fans. That rig is some straight professional work, and I can’t imagine what goes into setting all that gear up there. Beyond astonishing! Everyone was jacked up and I began to wonder what this show would deliver for the final night of the tour. After going to both Dayton shows and a 3 night Summer tour run in Pittsburgh and Syracuse; I thought I was prepared. That’s the thing about indoor Phish. IT has a mind of its own, and I swear the ghost’s of past iron workers who set the steel and create such atmosphere for these intense nights to even exist are playing in the high girts and roof trusses. Phish at Nutter Center was really awesome, but I’ve never seen anything like Sunday at United Center. The guys took the stage, and now I’m right where I need to be right now. I loved the entire visual experience and the band’s play was fucking sweet, trippy and way different than I had ever heard them jam. Honestly, didn’t know if I was going to be able figure out wtf was happening. The band knew though and seemed like everyone in attendance knew but me. It got weird my friend, my friend. The drive up through Indy was layered with beautiful Fall colors, and I was hoping for Leaves which happened I know that much. Was finally gifted with Timber which I think is a driving jam that makes you wonder how all things lined up to make this a jam. I’ll tell you… It’s Phish!! Vultures was so creepy and raw. I can’t really explain it any other way. It was a spooky 1st set. Drown and ASIHTOS were very well played. 2nd set just as intense. That Spanish Moon was very good and unlike anything I’ve ever heard. Loving Cup rocked out and Trey and Page really sang great. Encore, finally I came around and got super down dancing to Run Like an Antelope. Say it to me Santos was good and Tweezer Reprise was hot and concluded a remarkable Fall Tour. Super happy to be home, but boy I can’t wait to get back to Chicago. Thanks for reading. Peace