LivePhish

When Phish announced its summer tour in late February, fans were keen to see the inclusion of beloved and frequented venues on the schedule. In contrast, the group’s intended August 6 and 7 visits to Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich., added a layer of intrigue. For one, it marked a return to the 12,000-capacity setting, which the group had not booked since their last performance at this specific venue on November 11, 1998. And from a locational standpoint, there was reason to believe in the potential for sit-ins. 

True to expectations, provided through the nuance of spatial overlap, Phish, and hometown pride, Billy Strings joined collaborative forces on Tuesday, August 6, during the Vermont-foursome’s first of a two-night run while in The Great Lake State. Introduced as a “little local musician” by Anastasio, Strings’ roots touch back to the small town of Muir, Mich. (population 644), situated 48 miles from last night’s concert location. 

Prior to yesterday’s event, Strings used Van Andel Arena as the location for his 2023 wrestling-clad Halloween event. At that time, he referenced memories of busking at the venue a decade prior–adding another layer of meaning to Tuesday’s team-up and Strings’ ascent to bluegrass royalty status. 

Strings’ arrival occurred after a rare mid-second-set “Harry Hood.” The musician stepped out with his Paul Reed Smith electric guitar in hand, following Anastasio’s assertion that a guest would be joining, to which Strings let out an extended “Howdy” before classic arrival, “The Moma Dance,” which saw the centered pair return to a sense of instrumental familiarity as they jam developed. Strings was given the task of leading “Possum” before taking more of a back seat on follow-up “Everything’s Right.” 

Rather than remain electric, Anastasio and Strings turned in their axes for the acoustic equivalent during the night’s encore, which began with the first “Nellie Kane” since August 6, 2021, effectively ending a 145-show gap in plays. Keeping with covers, the ensemble picked up a cover of The Del McCoury Band’s “Beauty of My Dreams,” a rare pull for Phish, who have dusted the number off on occasion since 1997. Added one final layer of heat, the pair swapped acoustic for electric one final time for the evening’s close out, “Carini.” 

Scroll down to watch fan-shot videos. Catch remaining summer dates via LivePhish streams.

Phish 

Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, Mich 

Aug. 6, 2024 

Set I: Strawberry Letter 23 > Sigma Oasis, Peaches en Regalia&, Tube, Theme From the Bottom > Stash, Train Song, Steam > Rift > Bathtub Gin

Set II: Free, Sand > Ruby Waves > Harry Hood, The Moma Dance+, Possum+, Everything’s Right+

Enc.: Nellie Kane+, Beauty of My Dreams+, Carini+

Notes:

& Played for the first time since February 24, 2022 (115 shows)

 + With Billy Strings (electric guitar end of set II, acoustic guitars for encore)

Setlist via Phish.net.