Phish Gets ‘With’ It For 2nd Show At Mohegan Sun Arena

A good friend recently told me that change is hard, yet necessary, and sometimes defines us. He’s a tour veteran, a captain, a genuine human being we don’t see much of anymore, and a person who has seen more “Waves” and “Rifts,” and probably shark attacks than I’d care to imagine.

Over the past 20 years, Phish has not only “changed” – Evolved even – but has perpetuated it, and jived, strived and stayed alive.

Show number five of the tour was the second night at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The band settled in and nailed set one – easily and patiently – and started as old school as we can hope for these days, with “AC/DC Bag” and “The Curtain” (“With”-out, for now) – which was far from settled, and showed the genius about to unfold.

“Steam,” which was patient, per usual, and “Maze,” which once upon a time, I couldn’t imagine getting out of, tonight I realized that we all hold the keys to our own safe passage. The patient, and penitent man, shall pass, indeed.

That start solidified that it was about to be a serious affair. The “Farmhouse” that elicited the biggest groan of the night made me smile. Simply because it became the new theme of the night – one that reminded me that one person’s worst song is someone else’s favorite – at that very moment. While the guy in front of me exclaimed “I’m cursed!,” I simply smiled and remembered 1999 and how he’d one day understand how scars and curses are not given out – but badges earned or spoken into existence in our minds. Guitarist Trey Anastasio milked this version like a grandpa on the back porch at sunset who had been through more than a few battles.

A first set that didn’t hustle, or even hurry – rather sauntered and strolled – and showed the patience of a band that has listened to each other for a lifetime now, was great. Even bassist Mike Gordon’s “Mull” – a song I have always considered on the bottom tier – hit the jackpot tonight.

It was amazing to watch a song that I always mocked and see the four-headed tandem of Anastasio, Gordon, drummer Jon Fishman and keyboardist Page McConnell stay in their own lanes, pass the baton like a hot potato, and win the Olympic relay of what is truly a distance race. By a comfortable margin. Lapping the field. Easily my favorite version I’ve seen and heard.

Just as the medal ceremony started the band dropped into “Reba.” As the night grew on, we realized that as much as change can be needed, there is often an anchor that is rusted, and filled with crusty old barnacles and only the time, spit, cuss words and sea salt of a true sailor – often lost alone at sea – much like many of us, these days – that keeps us from drifting just past the point of no return.

Then? They blow the engine out and decide to synth the set out – a beautiful juxtaposition – with “Most Events Aren’t Planned,” from McConnell’s Vida Blue project. All I’ll say about that is … no kidding, neither is life.

Read on after The Skinny for the rest of the recap and more.

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After an uncharacteristically short set break (refreshing, old folks!), the second set kicked off with “Blaze On.” What do you do with a potential ace dealt early? Easy. You double down. They used this “Blaze On” as a simple table setter for the easily-anticipated “Mike’s Song.” Great. Stick to the script.

Until they didn’t.

Even 40+ years in the game, Phish decided to not staple-gun us to the floor tonight, but simply mind-trick us, by inserting the “With” portion of the first set “The Curtain” between the “Mike’s Song” and “Weekapaug Groove” traditional sandwich.

The most simple, subtle, sleight-of-hand-trick, I can’t believe wasn’t figured out before, but then again, that’s why they are magicians. Poof. Legitimately, after they pulled off that trick, it didn’t matter anymore. A masterpiece, that again, wasn’t forced and simply fit perfectly – the sword through the assistant’s waist – and we lived! Abra-cadabra!

Following “Leaves” and “Fuego,” the landing pad of “Lonely Trip,” an underrated ballad in my opinion and one that mirrors many of our lives in former days, was a perfect breather. Next came “More,” which reminds me we all need love in our lives (try it!). So what do they do again, as people may think things wind down? Yup. You guessed it. They drop a set closer, and crusher of “Fluffhead” to remind us they can still prove a point when needed.

The encore, consisting of “A Life Beyond The Dream” and “First Tube,” again solidified the absolute dichotomy of who and what Phish is, has been, and will be. Slow, steady, poignant and with an arsenal that will rival any cooler, rudders and barnacles of even the most seasoned fishermen.

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Phish Summer Tour 2024 continues on Friday with the first of three shows at Alpine Valley in East Troy, Wisconsin. Watch livestreams of Phish’s entire 2024 Summer Tour via LivePhish.com.

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