, attached to 2017-08-06

Review by itsice88

itsice88 It's funny. I wasn't going to attempt any sort of recap/review for this show/run. The task seemed impossibly daunting. But here I am today trying to mend my scattered mind due to this exceptionally epic stretch of Phish.

This was perhaps the most spiritual and emotional Phish experience yet (save for perhaps Big Cypress). You could feel it in the music, in those quiet multi-textured ambient sections that Phish navigated with unlimited patience. This was simply put, a completely different band than we have previously seen in 3.0.

Tonight was a full on celebration. Phish was at the peak of their powers, in complete control. After so many epic shows this run they were somehow able to deliver an all-time performance as their song list had dwindled to slim pickings. The whole first set was played impeccably, with some charming flubs here and there but never a dip in the energy. The way the band dropped Izabella on us was masterful...these guys are the kings of unpredictability.

Set 2 was...just amazing. Simple steps up and delivers a perfect jam that navigates from blissful hose to dark funk and back...seamlessly. Trey's Come Together provides a spiritual uplift and Starman gave me that "This is it" moment. But then...YEM steps up. YEM has been famously tame during 3.0 unfortunately but you could feel it...no way that would be the case tonight. They thoroughly hosed us down throughout its 24 minutes. Loving Cup hits and I realize I'm crying throughout the entire song. I don't know if I've ever sang along to "Oh, what a beautiful buzz!" with more energy and passion.

The band was feeling it too. The image of the banner going up with the band in tears will forever be cemented into my brain. Our band...our heroes accomplished something that no other band could do. In that moment...with the banner flying high up into the MSG rafters...all of the jokes and negative connotations that Phish has received over the years from people outside of the scene completely melted away.

They did it. I'm honestly choked up writing this. Thank you Phish for this run, this tour. Thank you Trey for getting sober and not dying 11 years ago. All of this magic could've have easily not happened. But Phish is here and strong as ever. They persevered and won. The consistency and depth of this marathon run will go down as nothing short of legendary.

We love you Phish. Thank you so much.


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