Photo by Rene Huemer

Last night, Phish launched their four-night run at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. marking the beginning of the end of their summer tour. Outside of 2020, Phish have played at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park over Labor Day Weekend since 2011, making it one of their fans’ most cherished traditions and gatherings; last night marked the 31st performance at the beloved venue.

Phish welcomed their droves of devotees to their home away from home with a jam of “Sand” into “Down with Disease” into “Scent of a Mule.” The opening run was fluid, upbeat and driven by Jon Fishman, who led the band with ease through transcendent segues. They continued with vigorous and dynamic playing as they treated the crowd to “Ocelot,” “Heavy Things.” The opening set was bookended by another extended jam, this time comprised of “Axilla Pt. II” into “Back on the Train,” into “Theme From the Bottom,” into “Blaze On” which felt like one huge set closer.

While the first set felt like a Phish favorites sandwich, the second set came in the form of the beast itself. They played a non-stop second set hitting some of the most treasured and well-practiced songs from the summer. They opened with “Possum,” which served as the perfect opener, and followed with “Twist.” At this point, the band was locked into their flow and took flight with “Ruby Waves.” They continued with the third performance of their SciFi Soldier song “Don’t Doubt Me.” Next came a “Wave of Hope,” which was followed by another SciFi Soldier tune, “The Howling.” The track coaxed the dancer out of nearly every member in the sea of a crowd at Dick’s. After ample sweat and smiles, they continued with an expansive “Piper” to close the set.

For the encore, Phish performed a pristine “Harry Hood” effectively closing out the first evening of a gathering, that is only just beginning.

Phish
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – Commerce City, Colo.
Sept. 1, 2022

Set I: Sand > Down with Disease -> Scent of a Mule, Ocelot, Heavy Things, Axilla (Part II) > Back on the Train > Theme From the Bottom > Blaze On

Set II: Possum > Twist > Ruby Waves > Don’t Doubt Me > A Wave of Hope > The Howling > Piper

Enc.: Harry Hood