Photo by Rene Huemer

Last night, Phish took the stage at the fresh and adorned Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, Ala., effectively launching their 2023 summer tour with a setlist that would make any fan more than satisfied. Highlights included “You Enjoy Myself” > “Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S” in the first set, the debut of “Oblivion” a new song penned by Trey Anastasio and Tom Marshall in the second frame and a five song encore lush with bust-outs, rarities and favorites.

Phish had lift off for the first set of their 23-date tour–marking their debut at the 8,000 capacity venue–with “Blaze On,” notably the number that sparked the engine of their spring tour in Seattle earlier this year. After locking into their live energy Anastasio looked over the sea of people with a grin and shared his elation about the the start of the tour before turning to keyboardist Page McConnell for “Martian Monster.” They continued to keep the crowd grooving and in motion with the fluid funk of “The Moma Dance” which was boosted by Mike Gordon’s five string bass, as opposed the the four string he slapped throughout the spring. Next came the return of “Halley’s Comet,” which featured McConnell showcasing his talent for harmonically rephrasing his vocal lines. Although there was no extensive jamming in during the song it flowed into “46 Days,” flawlessly. The grooves continued with “Back on the Train” before a driving “555.” The major highlight of the set came at its close as they quartet combined “You Enjoy Myself” with “Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.” to the elation of fans.

As the second set began, the crowd erupted with excitement as the familiar notes of “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” or “2001” filled the amphitheater. The rendition, saw Jon Fishman on Marimba Lumina adding a unique touch to the soaring intro and mesmerizing atmosphere. An unfinished “Down with Disease” followed before, without pause, they moved from “Twist” > “Maze” exploring intricate musical landscapes. Next, “Lonely Trip” provided a brief moment of reflection before Phish unveiled the debut of “Oblivion,” a dark and welcomed addition to the bands discography. The song–which was first played by Trey Anastasio Trio at Denver’s Mission Ballroom on June 9 and was most recently performed by the Trey Anastasio Band last Friday in Asbury Park, N.J.–highlighted each of the players individual prowess while displaying their collective skill. The tight yet free arrangement evoked thoughts of their 40 years of performance that proceeded the show. The frame was rounded out with a rousing rendition of “Chalk Dust Torture,” during which Gordon teased the iconic riff from Led Zeppelin’s “Moby Dick.”

For the encore, Phish pulled out all the stops. They cracked the segment open with the return “Meatstick” after nearly a full year, then dug their heels in with a bust out of “Makisupa Policeman” – marking the first time Anastasio has rapped about beloved herbs live since Oct. 26, 2021. The delights continued as Phish resurrected “Icculus” from the depths of their repertoire. The rare gem had only been performed seven times since 1995, making it a true treasure for fans. Anastasio also took the opportunity to riff on the abundance of PhDs in Huntsville, paying homage to the city’s rich history in space exploration. He also mentioned that both Gordon and Fishman had studied engineering at the University of Vermont, urging the audience to delve into the wisdom of the Helping Friendly Book. The show was closed out with a solid and spirited rendition of “Character Zero,” which also followed “Icculus” the last time it was played bringing the five-song encore to a thrilling close promptly at 11 p.m.

Phish will wrap their a two-night run at the Orion Amphitheater tonight, July 12. Watch all 23 shows on Phish’s Summer Tour in 4K or HD + 48 hours of unlimited replay here.

Phish
Orion Amphitheater – Huntsville, Ala.
July 11, 2023

Set I: Blaze On, Martian Monster, The Moma Dance, Halley’s Comet > 46 Days, Back on the Train, 555, You Enjoy Myself > Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.

Set II: Also Sprach Zarathustra[1] > Down with Disease[2] > Twist > Maze, Lonely Trip, Oblivion[3], Chalk Dust Torture

Enc.: Meatstick > Makisupa Policeman, Fuck Your Face, Icculus, Character Zero

[1] Fish on Marimba Lumina in intro.
[2] Unfinished.
[3] Phish debut.

This show featured the Phish debut of Oblivion. The intro to Also Sprach Zarathustra featured Fish on Marimba Lumina. DWD was unfinished. Mike teased Moby Dick in Chalk Dust Torture.