Photo Credit: LivePhish

Billy’s back! 

After the phan-led rumor mill percolated with assumptions as to what help Phish might bring out during night two at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich., Strings’ comeback was ultimately confirmed upon his second set arrival on Wednesday evening. With the onset of his presence, the crowd’s energy ascended to match that of its grateful guest, who followed up this morning by commemorating the experience on social media. Prior to a handout of thanks, Phish and company started their live collaboration with a first-time play, heightening the intentionality to make the night and the band’s time in The Great Lakes State all the more special. 

Strings’ arrival coincided with Phish’s debut, a take on Trey Anastasio’s recent “What’s Going Through Your Mind.” During last night’s delivery, the pair passed verses back and forth, taking the tune to an electric level, not unlike the treatments presented in TAB’s past plays. On the other side of “Wolfman’s Brother,” the group turned to a bluesy, slowed-down rendition of rarity “Death Don’t Hurt Very Long,” which doubled as a bust out, last played August 10, 2022. 

The latter half of the concert continued to produce special moments steeped in deep instrumental concentration, admiration, and mutual respect, as demonstrated during a take of the band’s 16th studio LP title track, Evolve. From the wave-like electric riffs, Strings picked up the acoustic guitar ahead of “Mountains in the Mist.” If Tuesday’s layout was any indication of what was to come, hopefuls in the stand quipped at the potential for more collaboration.

For the sake of amusement, Mike Gordon teased “Eye of the Tiger” as Fishman walked out on stage for Wednesday night’s encore, which did see the return of Strings and an ensuing cover of Norman Blake’s “Ginseng Sullivan.” Leaning into Strings and Gordon’s bluegrass roots, the pair shared lines during the bust out, which was last played on June 21, 2019. Keeping with the theme, the ensemble picked up The Dillards’ “The Old Home Place,” this time with Strings leading lyrics and backing them on acoustic guitar, before the final number, a take on The Edgar Winter Group’s “Frankenstein,” which touched on rock history tropes given McConnell’s use of the keytar, an instrument intended for this specific number. 

After the completion of night two, Strings took to social media to share thoughts on his experience, deliver thanks, and extend recognition of the uniqueness of the opportunity. His social post began, “Sitting in with Phish for the last two nights was nothing short of a surreal experience, like something out of one of my wildest dreams — A couple days ago I remembered they were playing van andel and I hit up Trey for tickets.. he replied and said we should blow it up and I just about shit my pants.. I was just trying to come see the show and I had no idea I’d be in it for the next two nights.”

Strings continued, “I’m thinking ‘okay maybe I’ll have to learn a song or something’ and I ended up playing a bunch of the second set and encore both nights which means I had ample time to go swimming with the band. It was just magic. As a phan, to be on that stage with those fellers and just hear it.. to feel it all so close.. and then to be able to interact with it. To poke it a little bit and tickle it and pet it .. and then to have it react!! I know it’s sacred.. and that band is AIRTIGHT after playing together for all these years .. I didn’t want to get in the way too much, I was already feeling like I shouldn’t be up there fucking up their show .. they’re so good. They don’t need me up there wanking all over the joint.. but they asked me to so of course I’m gonna go try!!”

Responding to the feeling exuded by the audience, he added, “The crowds energy was one pulsating organism, speaking us into existence. Defining and deciding the notes we all play as one collective heartbeat. The camaraderie and seamless interplay between the band and crowd was never so evident. To see it from that perspective, it was just so concentrated.”

Concluding, ‘I can’t speak enough about the kindness of the band as well.. I only really knew Trey and I didn’t know if the other guys wanted me there too or what.. but when I got there for soundcheck, it was like walking on stage to jam with old friends. They were all so welcoming and nice. The nerves instantly melted and we just let the music carry us off into the evening. It all settled into place and we had an absolute blast. Thank you Trey, Page, Mike and Jon for inviting me into your space .. it is something I will never forget as long as I live.”

Scroll down to watch fan-shot videos and more from night two in Grand Rapids, Mich. For those unable to attend in person, live stream options are available via LivePhish.com. 

Phish 

Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids 

Aug. 7, 2024 

Set I: My Soul, Undermind > Oblivion, Driver, 555, Birds of a Feather, Ether Edge -> It’s Ice, About to Run, Walls of the Cave

Set II: Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S. > A Wave of Hope > Prince Caspian > Light > Loving Cup, What’s Going Through Your Mind+ > Wolfman’s Brother# > Death Don’t Hurt Very Long$, Evolve#, Mountains in the Mist%, Blaze On#

Enc.: Ginseng Sullivan%, The Old Home Place%, Frankenstein&

Notes:

+ Phish debut, first time played live/ Strings on electric guitar, vocals 

# With Stings electric guitar, vocals 

$ With Strings, slow bluesy version/ Strings on electric guitar, vocals 

% With Strings, acoustic guitar, vocals

& With Strings, electric guitar, vocals/ McConnell on keytar 

Setlist via phish.net.