Phish

Phish Full Concert in Woodbury, Connecticut - Live Performance 1989

Woodbury, CT, United States

• In January 1989, Phish was in the early stages of their career, having released their debut studio album, "Junta," just a few months prior in May 1988... Read Full Description >

  In January 1989, Phish was in the early stages of their career, having released their debut studio album, "Junta," just a few months prior in May 1988. The album, which was initially recorded in 1987, was a pivotal moment for the band, showcasing their eclectic mix of rock, jazz, and improvisational style. By the time of the live recording in Woodbury, Connecticut, Phish was beginning to gain traction in the live music scene, known for their dynamic performances and loyal fanbase. This concert exemplifies their burgeoning reputation for extended jams and spontaneous setlists, characteristics that would define their future concerts. Additionally, performances at this time often included songs that would become staples in their repertoire, highlighting their early explorations into complex musical arrangements and playful interaction with the audience that continues to be a hallmark of their live shows.

Phish Full Concert: Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation Performance

The Stone Church
Newmarket, New Hampshire, United States

• The live recording from Phish at Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation on December 30, 1999, marks a significant moment in the band's career. By thi... Read Full Description >

  The live recording from Phish at Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation on December 30, 1999, marks a significant moment in the band's career. By this time, Phish had already established themselves as a leading force in the jam band scene, with their previous studio album, "The Story of the Ghost," released in 1998. Notably, the Big Cypress concert was part of a monumental New Year's Eve celebration, where Phish performed in front of a massive crowd, solidifying their reputation for elaborate live performances and extended jams. This show is particularly memorable as it coincided with the turn of the millennium and featured a full overnight performance, showcasing their improvisational skills and deep connection with fans. Additionally, the event was noted for its unique atmosphere and elaborate stage setup, further enhancing the experience for attendees.

Phish Performs 'Suzy Greenberg' at Humphrie's House, Amherst College

Curry Hicks Cage
Amherst, Massachusetts, United States

• On April 20, 1989, Phish performed "Suzy Greenberg" during a full moon party at Humphrie's house in Amherst, Massachusetts. At this stage in their car... Read Full Description >

  On April 20, 1989, Phish performed "Suzy Greenberg" during a full moon party at Humphrie's house in Amherst, Massachusetts. At this stage in their career, Phish was on the cusp of growing recognition, having released their self-titled debut album "Phish" in 1989. This live recording captures the band's vibrant energy and improvisational style, traits that would come to define their live shows. The early performances, particularly at smaller venues like house parties, allowed them to develop a strong following and refine their unique blend of rock, jazz, and progressive influences. "Suzy Greenberg," a fan favorite, showcases the band's penchant for extended jams and playful lyrics, reflecting their commitment to creating a fresh and engaging live experience. This recording represents a pivotal moment in Phish's evolution as they transitioned from local acts to a nationally recognized band.

Phish Full Concert at Woodbury Ski and Racquet Club, Woodbury CT

The Living Room
Providence, Rhode Island, United States

• On April 29, 1989, when Phish performed at the Woodbury Ski and Racquet Club, they were still in the early stages of their career. At this time, the b... Read Full Description >

  On April 29, 1989, when Phish performed at the Woodbury Ski and Racquet Club, they were still in the early stages of their career. At this time, the band had just released their self-titled debut album, "Phish," in 1989, which included early favorites and foundational songs that would become staples of their live performances. This recording captures the energy and improvisational nature of their early concerts, showcasing their unique blend of rock, jazz, and bluegrass influences. Notably, Phish's live performances during this period were characterized by extended jams and a growing sense of chemistry among the band members, which would eventually lead them to become one of the most influential live acts in the jam band scene. Their commitment to spontaneity and experimentation was already evident, setting the stage for their future success and dedicated fanbase.

Phish - Bathtub Gin (Debut Performance) at The Valley Club Cafe, Rutland

Valley Club Cafe
Rutland, Vermont, United States

• On May 26, 1989, Phish debuted their song "Bathtub Gin" during a live performance at The Valley Club Cafe in Rutland, Vermont. This recording marked a... Read Full Description >

  On May 26, 1989, Phish debuted their song "Bathtub Gin" during a live performance at The Valley Club Cafe in Rutland, Vermont. This recording marked a significant moment early in the band's career, showcasing their improvisational style and eclectic influences. At this time, Phish had already released their debut studio album, "Junta," in 1989, which included tracks that would become fan favorites. The live performance of "Bathtub Gin" highlights the band's early exploration of their unique sound, blending rock, jazz, and progressive elements. Notably, the song would evolve significantly over the years, becoming a staple of their setlists and illustrating the band's penchant for lengthy, improvisational jams. The live recording encapsulates the energy and rawness of Phish’s early days, setting the stage for their future as a leading band in the jam band scene.

Phish - 'Fee' Live from The Paradise, Boston, MA

Paradise Rock Club
Boston, Massachusetts, United States

• On June 23, 1989, when Phish performed "Fee" at The Paradise in Boston, the band was at a crucial point in their early career. This performance took p... Read Full Description >

  On June 23, 1989, when Phish performed "Fee" at The Paradise in Boston, the band was at a crucial point in their early career. This performance took place just a few months before the release of their debut studio album, "Junta," which would come out in 1989. The live recording captures the band's improvisational style and intricate musical interplay, elements that would define their sound as they rose to prominence in the jam band scene. Interestingly, this period also marked the height of Phish's early following, as they were attracting audiences with their unique blend of rock, jazz, and funk influences. The performance at The Paradise is a testament to the band's dedication to live music and their ability to create a communal and dynamic atmosphere, which would become central to their identity in the years that followed.

Phish Live Performance of 'Fee' at The Paradise, Boston

Paradise Rock Club
Boston, Massachusetts, United States

• In June 1989, when Phish performed "Fee" at The Paradise in Boston, they were in the early stages of their career, having just released their self-tit... Read Full Description >

  In June 1989, when Phish performed "Fee" at The Paradise in Boston, they were in the early stages of their career, having just released their self-titled debut album, *Phish*, in 1989. This album was a crucial step in establishing their unique blend of rock, jazz, and improvisational music, setting the stage for their future as a pioneering jam band. At this point, Phish was still developing their sound and fan base, known for their energetic live performances and intricate songwriting. The performance of "Fee," with its playful lyrics and dynamic composition, exemplifies their burgeoning creativity and ability to engage audiences, which would eventually lead to their status as one of the most iconic live bands. Notably, the live recordings from this era capture the raw energy and experimentation that characterized their formative years.

Phish Covers Frank Zappa's 'Peaches en Regalia' Live in Boston

Paradise Rock Club
Boston, Massachusetts, United States

• In June 1989, when Phish performed "Peaches en Regalia" at The Paradise in Boston, they were still in the early stages of their career. At this time, ... Read Full Description >

  In June 1989, when Phish performed "Peaches en Regalia" at The Paradise in Boston, they were still in the early stages of their career. At this time, they had just released their debut studio album, *Junta*, which came out in 1989 and was primarily a self-released album capturing the band's eclectic style and improvisational prowess. The live recording showcases Phish's ability to reinterpret the work of influential artists, as they play Frank Zappa's classic instrumental, merging their distinctive sound with Zappa's intricate composition. This performance is notable because it illustrates the band's capability to blend humor and virtuosity, traits that would become hallmarks of their future work. The choice of covering Zappa also reflects their diverse musical influences, further establishing their identity in the vibrant jam band scene of the late '80s.

Phish - Performance of 'Lizards' at The Paradise, Boston (pt. 2)

Paradise Rock Club
Boston, Massachusetts, United States

• In June 1989, when Phish performed "Lizards" at The Paradise in Boston, they were in a formative stage of their career, having just released their deb... Read Full Description >

  In June 1989, when Phish performed "Lizards" at The Paradise in Boston, they were in a formative stage of their career, having just released their debut studio album, "Junta," in 1989. This album, filled with intricate compositions and improvisational elements, showcased their unique blend of rock, jazz, and funk influences. The live recording captures the band's early excitement and experimentation, traits that would define their future performances. "Lizards," from the second set of "Junta," highlights Phish's storytelling prowess and complex arrangements, setting the stage for their evolution into a renowned live act. Notably, Phish's commitment to live improvisation during this period quickly garnered them a dedicated fan base, paving the way for their status as pioneers in the jam band scene.

Phish - Mike's Song Live from The Paradise, Boston

Paradise Rock Club
Boston, Massachusetts, United States

• On June 23, 1989, Phish performed "Mike's Song" at The Paradise in Boston, a pivotal time in their early career. Just prior to this recording, they re... Read Full Description >

  On June 23, 1989, Phish performed "Mike's Song" at The Paradise in Boston, a pivotal time in their early career. Just prior to this recording, they released their debut studio album, "Junta," in 1989, which helped establish their unique blend of rock, jazz improvisation, and progressive elements. This live performance reflects the band's developing identity and improvisational style, as they began to build a dedicated following. An interesting fact about this era is that Phish's live shows were characterized by long, exploratory jams, which became a hallmark of their performances. The band's commitment to live improvisation and fan engagement during this period laid the groundwork for their future success and extensive touring, which ultimately contributed to their cult status in the jam band scene.

Phish Full Concert at The Paradise, Boston - June 23, 1989

Paradise Rock Club
Boston, Massachusetts, United States

• On June 23, 1989, Phish performed at The Paradise in Boston, a significant moment in their early career, just as they were beginning to gain traction ... Read Full Description >

  On June 23, 1989, Phish performed at The Paradise in Boston, a significant moment in their early career, just as they were beginning to gain traction on the national scene. Prior to this recording, Phish had released their self-titled debut album, "Junta," in 1989, which featured tracks that would become staples in their live performances, such as "You Enjoy Myself" and "AC/DC Bag." The recording captures the band's energetic improvisation and complex compositions, showcasing their signature blend of rock, jazz, and funk. By this time, Phish was cultivating a devoted following, establishing their reputation for spontaneous and dynamic live shows. Interestingly, the band's commitment to live performance would later lead to a unique business model focusing on free recording and live releases, as well as a vibrant fan community dedicated to trading tapes of their concerts.

Phish Performs 'Lizards' at The Paradise, Boston - Concert Footage

Paradise Rock Club
Boston, Massachusetts, United States

• On June 23, 1989, Phish performed at The Paradise in Boston, showcasing their early blend of rock, jazz, and improvisational styles. At this point in ... Read Full Description >

  On June 23, 1989, Phish performed at The Paradise in Boston, showcasing their early blend of rock, jazz, and improvisational styles. At this point in their career, the band was gaining traction after the release of their studio album "Junta" (1989), which they had recorded the previous year. This album, characterized by its eclectic song structures and vibrant energy, included "Lizards," one of the songs performed during this live recording. Phish's ability to seamlessly meld genres and their penchant for extended jams were already evident, contributing to their growing cult following. Notably, the concert came before the band achieved widespread popularity, which they would gain in the following years through heavy touring and live performances that became legendary for their improvisational nature. The 1989 show highlights a pivotal moment as Phish was solidifying their identity and expanding their fanbase.

Jon Fishman of Phish Performs 'Mike's Song' at The Paradise, Boston

Paradise Rock Club
Boston, Massachusetts, United States

• On June 23, 1989, during their performance at The Paradise in Boston, Phish was in the early stages of their career, having released their self-titled... Read Full Description >

  On June 23, 1989, during their performance at The Paradise in Boston, Phish was in the early stages of their career, having released their self-titled debut album "Phish" just a year prior in 1989. This live recording showcases the band's dynamic improvisational style and the energetic performance of drummer Jon Fishman, whose lively antics captured the audience's attention. Notably, the year 1989 marked a significant period for Phish as they were starting to build their reputation in the Vermont music scene and beyond. Their unique blend of rock, jazz, and funk elements began to attract a dedicated fan base, setting the stage for their later success. This era featured the nascent stages of the band's creative exploration, which would culminate in their distinctive live performances that have become legendary among fans.

Phish Live at Bennington College - Full Concert featuring Punch You in the Eye, Wilson, My Sweet One, David Bowie, and Ya Mar

Bennington College
North Bennington, Vermont, United States

• On September 9, 1989, Phish performed a memorable live show at Bennington College, which is captured in a rare soundboard recording. At this point in ... Read Full Description >

  On September 9, 1989, Phish performed a memorable live show at Bennington College, which is captured in a rare soundboard recording. At this point in their career, Phish had just released their self-titled debut album, "Phish," in 1989. This album laid the foundation for their unique blend of rock, jazz, and improvisational music, highlighting their early sound. The band was still in the formative stages of their career, actively refining their craft and building a loyal fanbase through energetic live performances. Notably, this performance features songs from their debut album, including "Wilson" and "David Bowie," showcasing their original compositions that would become staples in their repertoire. This recording serves as an excellent snapshot of an evolving band on the brink of greater success and experimentation in the years to come.

Phish Performs 'The Pendulum' at Hampshire College Concert

Pearl Street
Northampton, Massachusetts, United States

• The live recording of Phish at Hampshire College on December 7, 1990, comes during a formative period in the band's career. This performance is notabl... Read Full Description >

  The live recording of Phish at Hampshire College on December 7, 1990, comes during a formative period in the band's career. This performance is notable as it falls shortly after the release of their second studio album, "Lawn Boy" (1990). The album showcased the band's growing musical sophistication and eclectic style, contributing to their burgeoning reputation in the live music scene. By this stage, Phish had developed a dedicated fanbase, and their live performances were increasingly characterized by improvisation and extended jams, which would become hallmarks of their concerts. An interesting fact regarding this recording is that it captures one of the band's early performances of "The Pendulum," a song that highlights their innovative fusion of rock, jazz, and bluegrass influences. The concert exemplifies their unique approach to live music, laying the groundwork for their rise as a key player in the jam band genre throughout the 1990s and beyond.

Phish - You Enjoy Myself (Full Concert) - Live at Bates College

Bates College
Lewiston, Maine, United States

• On October 7, 1989, Phish performed at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, marking a significant early moment in their career. This recording features "... Read Full Description >

  On October 7, 1989, Phish performed at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, marking a significant early moment in their career. This recording features "You Enjoy Myself," which is renowned for being one of their most celebrated songs, and notably, it was the first time it was played as an encore. At this point, Phish had recently released their self-titled debut album, "Phish," in 1989, which showcased their unique blend of rock, jazz, and improvisational elements. The band was still in its formative years, developing their live performance style that would become legendary. By the time of this concert, they were gaining traction in the college music scene and beginning to attract a dedicated fanbase, setting the stage for their future success as a revered jam band. The energy captured in this performance highlights the band’s improvisational prowess and the communal atmosphere that would come to define their concerts.

Phish Perform 'In A Hole' at The Front, Burlington

The Front
Burlington, Vermont, United States

• On October 20, 1989, when Phish performed at The Front in Burlington, they were at a formative stage in their career, having released their debut albu... Read Full Description >

  On October 20, 1989, when Phish performed at The Front in Burlington, they were at a formative stage in their career, having released their debut album, "Junta," in 1989. This album, which included fan favorites like "You Enjoy Myself," played a crucial role in establishing their signature sound and developing a dedicated following. By this point, the band was already known for their improvisational style and live performances, which blended various genres, including rock, jazz, and bluegrass. The live recording from The Front showcases their early performance energy and musical exploration, highlighting the band's commitment to live improvisation. This period was vital in cementing their reputation in the jam band scene, which would grow substantially in the following years, leading to a significant rise in their popularity and numerous future live recordings.

Phish - Bathtub Gin Live at Goddard College, Plainfield, VT

Goddard College
Plainfield, Vermont, United States

• In October 1989, when Phish performed "Bathtub Gin" at Goddard College, the band was amidst a burgeoning phase in their career. This live recording pr... Read Full Description >

  In October 1989, when Phish performed "Bathtub Gin" at Goddard College, the band was amidst a burgeoning phase in their career. This live recording predates their major label debut album, "Lawn Boy," which was released in 1990. By this time, Phish had already garnered a dedicated regional following through their energetic live performances and unique blend of rock, jazz, and bluegrass influences. The performance at Goddard College showcases their improvisational style and technical prowess, key elements that would become trademarks of their live shows. Notably, "Bathtub Gin" has remained a staple of Phish's repertoire and showcases their capacity for extended jams, setting the stage for the band's future explorations in live music. The cassette recording from this era also reflects the grassroots nature of their early fan base and the DIY ethos that characterized the band's initial years.

Phish - AC/DC Bag Live Performance at Goddard College, Plainfield, VT

Goddard College
Plainfield, Vermont, United States

• On October 31, 1989, Phish performed at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, a notable period in their early career when they were beginning to est... Read Full Description >

  On October 31, 1989, Phish performed at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, a notable period in their early career when they were beginning to establish a dedicated following. At this time, the band had released their debut album, "Junta," in 1989, which helped them gain traction in the college music scene. The performance of "AC/DC Bag," a fan-favorite song that showcases their blend of rock and improvisation, reflects the band's evolving style and energetic live performances. Notably, the show was part of an intimate venue that catered to their grassroots audience, a hallmark of Phish's early days. By this point in their career, Phish was already cultivating their reputation for dynamic live improvisation, which would become a cornerstone of their musical identity and appeal. The recording serves as a snapshot of a pivotal moment before they transitioned to larger venues and more significant recognition in the music industry.

Phish Full Concert at Goddard College - Featuring Fee, Walk Away, Bathtub Gin and more

Goddard College
Plainfield, Vermont, United States

• On October 31, 1989, Phish performed a memorable Halloween show at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. At this point in their career, the band was... Read Full Description >

  On October 31, 1989, Phish performed a memorable Halloween show at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. At this point in their career, the band was on the rise, having just released their second studio album, "Lawn Boy," in 1990. The live recording showcases their eclectic blend of rock, jazz, and improvisation that would become their signature style. Notably, the setlist features early performances of songs like "Bathtub Gin," "Suzy Greenberg," and "You Enjoy Myself," illustrating the band's evolving sound and their skill in live improvisation. This concert also exemplifies Phish's tradition of elaborate and playful live shows, which they became famous for, particularly as they later embraced the Halloween theme by performing albums from other artists in subsequent years. The 1989 performance precedes their breakthrough into larger audiences and sets the stage for their future success.

Phish - Live Performance of 'Fee' at Goddard College, Plainfield, VT

Goddard College
Plainfield, Vermont, United States

• On October 31, 1989, Phish performed "Fee" at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, a pivotal time in their early career. This live recording preced... Read Full Description >

  On October 31, 1989, Phish performed "Fee" at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, a pivotal time in their early career. This live recording precedes the release of their self-titled debut album, "Phish," which came out in 1991. At this point, the band was still developing its unique sound, characterized by a blend of rock, jazz, and improvisational elements. Notably, this period marked the band's transition from the club circuit into a more established presence in the live music scene. Their performances were especially renowned for extended jams and playful interactions with the audience, which became hallmarks of their style. The choice of venue, Goddard College, reflects their grassroots following in the collegiate circuit, showcasing their early dedication to live performances and community connection before reaching broader acclaim.

Phish Performance of 'Bathtub Gin' at Goddard College Concert

Goddard College
Plainfield, Vermont, United States

• On October 31, 1989, Phish performed "Bathtub Gin" during a Halloween show at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. This recording captures a pivota... Read Full Description >

  On October 31, 1989, Phish performed "Bathtub Gin" during a Halloween show at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. This recording captures a pivotal moment in the band's early career, occurring shortly after the release of their debut album, "Junta," in 1989. The album showcased their eclectic sound and was initially released on cassette, contributing significantly to their growing fanbase and underground popularity. By the time of this performance, Phish was establishing its reputation for improvisational live shows, which would become a hallmark of their identity. Notably, the Halloween concert allowed the band to experiment with their material and highlighted their ability to create a unique atmosphere, blending humor and musical sophistication, characteristic of their performances. The band’s rising prominence in the live music scene during this period set the stage for their eventual rise to prominence in the jam band genre.

Phish Full Concert at Goddard College - Featuring The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony and Suzy Greenberg

Goddard College
Plainfield, Vermont, United States

• On October 31, 1989, Phish performed a crucial show at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, which marked a significant moment in their early career... Read Full Description >

  On October 31, 1989, Phish performed a crucial show at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, which marked a significant moment in their early career. At this time, Phish was working on solidifying their identity and sound, having released their debut studio album, "Junta," just months prior on May 10, 1989. This live recording captures the band in the midst of their growth, showcasing their signature blend of rock, jazz, and improvisation. Notably, the set includes "You Enjoy Myself," a staple in Phish's repertoire known for its complex structure and extended improvisational sections. During this period, Phish was known for their energetic live performances and elaborate stage antics, which were beginning to garner them a dedicated fanbase. The performance at Goddard College also highlights their early experimentation with setlists and show dynamics, elements that would define their legacy in the jam band scene.

Phish Full Concert: Selections from December 31, 1992 at Matthews Arena

University of New Hampshire
Durham, New Hampshire, United States

• In the concert recording from December 31, 1992, at Matthews Arena in Boston, Phish showcased their evolving prowess as a live band. By this time, Phi... Read Full Description >

  In the concert recording from December 31, 1992, at Matthews Arena in Boston, Phish showcased their evolving prowess as a live band. By this time, Phish had released their studio album "Lawn Boy" earlier in 1990, and their reputation for intricate compositions and improvisational skills was growing rapidly. The 1992 New Year's Eve show exemplified their affinity for thematic performances, which would become a hallmark of their live repertoire. Interestingly, this concert featured elaborate storytelling and unique segues, demonstrated in songs like "Colonel Forbin's Ascent" and "Fly Famous Mockingbird." This particular performance is celebrated for its energy and creativity, capturing the band's commitment to live music as an interactive and unique experience. Additionally, Phish's dynamic stage presence during this period was indicative of their ability to create a festival-like atmosphere, drawing dedicated fans and securing their place in the jam band scene.