Photo by Rene Huemer

Last night (Sunday, July 16), Phish took the stage at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, Ga., effectively closing out their three-night stint in Georgia as part of their summer 2023 tour. The final evening like the two that came before it, was hot and drenched with jams along with special moments, including two debuts and the first “You Enjoy Myself” the Peach State has experienced in two decades.

The first set opened with an energetic sequence of three songs comprised of “Buried Alive” followed by “Wilson” and “NICU.” After the build-up of energy, they transitioned into a bubbling and relaxing “Bathtub Gin” before a relatively standard “Gumbo” followed. “Limb By Limb” provided a blissful interlude before Phish unveiled a surprise debut, “The Well.” This fresh addition to their repertoire–which had been heard in June when Trey Anastasio Trio dished it out to fans in Denver–delighted fans and added to the list of debuts shared over the three days. The set continued with “Mountains in the Mist,” “Halfway to the Moon,” and a scorching rendition of “Split Open and Melt.”

After an intermission, Phish returned for the second set, which also kicked off with a jammed-out trio, this time comprised of “Mike’s Song” > “Carini” > “Weekapaug Groove.” The band’s improvisational prowess was on full display as they moved into the frame’s centerpiece, a dynamic performance of “Sand.” Phish then unleashed a crowd favorite, “Reba,” before wrapping up the second set with “More.”

For the encore, Phish returned with their first-ever rendition of “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” For the debut, Fishman decided to switch things up. He left his familiar drum kit behind and stepped forward with a guitar, ready to take on lead vocals for a spirited rendition of Reba McEntire’s classic. A playful romp through the song followed, with Anastasio cheering him on from the kit. As the last notes of “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” rang out, the band segued into a haphazard yet delightful rendition of “Hold Your Head Up” with the drummer still on guitar. With a charming mix of humility and humor, Fishman addressed the audience, apologizing for what he humorously referred to as his “truly wretched” guitar playing. He playfully urged the audience to tell their future grandkids they witnessed this rare and entertaining moment firsthand. Anastasio then stated that “Moses Brown” or “Moses Dewitt” is “the only man who can part the Red Sea with his guitar playing,” evoking laughter from the crowd.

Despite the already elevated level of joy, the surprises weren’t over. Anastasio dedicated the final song of the run to a devoted fan who proudly sported a shirt indicating that it had been two decades since Phish last played “You Enjoy Myself” in Georgia—a fact that was indeed true. With a knowing nod to the fan’s dedication, the band launched into the beloved tune ending the lapse.

Phish will bring their summer tour to North Carolina next, with two performances set for the Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park in Wilmington. Watch all remaining shows of Phish’s 2023 Summer Tour from home via LivePhish in 4K or HD + 48 hours of unlimited replay here.

Phish
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre – Alpharetta, Ga.
July 16, 2023

Set I: Buried Alive > Wilson > NICU, Bathtub Gin, Gumbo, Limb By Limb > The Well[1], Mountains in the Mist, Halfway to the Moon, Split Open and Melt

Set II: Mike’s Song > Carini > Weekapaug Groove, Sand > Reba, More

Enc.: The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia[2] > Hold Your Head Up[3], You Enjoy Myself

Notes: [1] Phish debut. [2] Phish debut; Fish on guitar. [3] Fish on guitar.

This show featured the Phish debuts of The Well and The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (the latter and HYHU featuring Fish on guitar). You Enjoy Myself was played for a fan with a shirt stating Phish had not played a YEM in Georgia in 20 years.