Mondegreen Matinee: Phish Crosses Finish Line At Festival In Delaware
The band was forced to play one long afternoon set due to threat of severe weather near The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway.
By Stu Kelly Aug 19, 2024 • 5:57 am PDT
Phish‘s final performance at their Mondegreen festival in Dover, Delaware, was an invigorating conclusion to a four-day extravaganza that saw 45,000 fans revel in the band’s signature blend of musical improvisation and community spirit. Despite concerns about inclement weather, which led to an early start time of 1:00 p.m. and allowed for only one long set, the band delivered a high-energy performance that left the audience euphoric.
The show kicked off with “Party Time,” setting an upbeat tone and immediately engaging the crowd. The celebratory vibe continued into “Axilla,” which featured the “Axilla Part II” ending, adding a touch of flair.
The segue into “Maze” was seamless, with Trey Anastasio’s guitar work driving the jam into intense territory, showcasing the band’s ability to weave intricate melodies into an exhilarating crescendo.
“Steam” followed, bringing a darker, funkier groove to the set. The quartet’s exploration of space and tension during this song was tangible, with ’s synth work adding an eerie, atmospheric layer. “Martian Monster” maintained its traditional otherworldly vibe with musical prowess.
A rare mid-set “AC/DC Bag” surfaced next, injecting a wave of energy into the audience. The energy remained consistent with “Sigma Oasis” before the band transitioned into “Rift,” demonstrating their seamless communication and chemistry on stage.
Read on after The Skinny for the rest of the recap and more.
The Skinny
The Setlist |
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Set 1: Party Time, Axilla -> Maze, Steam, Martian Monster, AC/DC Bag, Sigma Oasis -> Rift, Stash, Ya Mar, Timber (Jerry the Mule), Bathtub Gin > Izabella > Simple > Golden Age Encore: Fuego
This show was part of the Mondegreen Festival and was originally planned as two evening sets. The start time of the show was moved to 1:00 PM EDT due to possible inclement weather. Axilla had the Part II ending. Trey and Page teased Mercy, Mercy, Mercy in AC/DC Bag. Mike teased Express Yourself in Stash. Trey teased Izabella in Simple. |
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The Venue |
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The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway [See upcoming shows] |
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3 shows |
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The Music |
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16 songs / 1:07 pm to 3:10 pm (123 minutes) |
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18 songs |
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1998 |
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7.13 [Gap chart] |
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None |
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None |
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Martian Monster LTP 07/23/2024 (18 Show Gap) |
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Fuego 17:05 |
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Martian Monster 4:49 |
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Lawn Boy - 1, A Picture of Nectar - 1, Rift - 2, Fuego - 1, Chilling Thrilling Sounds - 1, Sigma Oasis - 2, Misc. - 4, Covers - 4 |
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The Rest |
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85° and Cloudy at Showtime |
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Koa 1 |
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“Stash” was a standout moment, with the band delving into deep improvisation, exploring dissonant tones and creating a tension that kept the audience invested. A laid-back “Ya Mar” provided a brief respite before the dark and brooding “Timber (Jerry The Mule).” A scorching version of “Bathtub Gin” surfaced next, building to a peak with the entire festival grounds buzzing with energy.
The unexpected transition into Jimi Hendrix’s “Izabella” was a thrilling surprise and the audience absolutely erupted upon the opening guitar riff. The final sequence of “Simple” into “Golden Age” brought the set to a triumphant close.
For the encore, Phish chose “Fuego,” marking the first time the song appeared in an encore. “Fuego” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the band’s modern era, as it’s been a launching pad for improvisation since its debut in 2014. This particular version was especially spirited, with the band extending the jam and allowing each member to shine one last time. It was a fitting end to both the show and the festival, leaving the audience with a final burst of energy.
Phish’s last show at Mondegreen was a masterclass in setlist construction, improvisation, and audience engagement. It highlighted the band’s ability to balance humor, technical skill, and emotional depth, creating an experience that was as memorable as it was musically satisfying.
Mondegreen was a monumental celebration and another chapter firmly written in Phish history. As the final notes of “Fuego” echoed across the festival grounds, it was clear that Phish had once again delivered a performance for the ages, leaving fans eagerly anticipating whatever comes next.
Phish’s Summer Tour 2024 concludes with their annual Labor Day Weekend four-show run at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park near Denver. Livestreams for the entire Summer Tour 2024 are available via LivePhish.com.
Photos by Stu Kelly
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