JamBase’s Scott Bernstein Shares Memories From Phish Hampton ‘97 Finale On ‘Undermine’

The latest episode of JamBase partner Osiris Media’s Undermine podcast features a guest appearance from JamBase editor Scott Bernstein. Scotty discussed his experience catching Phish‘s second of two Fall Tour 1997 concerts at Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia — a show held 25 years ago today — with co-hosts Tom Marshall and Benjy Eisen.

Undermine has been devoting its current fourth season to profiles of each show Phish played on their legendary Fall ’97 tour. The season began with episodes looking back at important concerts the quartet performed in the 1990s as a build up to the show-by-show discussion of Fall 1997. JamBase's Andy Kahn recently discussed the November 19, 1997 show after an episode featuring Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio looking back at the band’s November 17, 1997 concert.

Bernstein started the discussion with Phish lyricist Tom Marshall and journalist Benjy Eisen by recalling the circumstances that led him to “The Mothership.” Scotty, who was a student at Skidmore College at the time, spoke about where the Hampton ’97 run fits among other runs at the famed venue. He then revealed one of the points in which he’d flip his desk during the concert that took place on this date in 1997 and what he loves about Hampton Coliseum.

Talk then turned to the first set of the Hampton ’97 finale. Bernstein noted how unusual it was for Phish to come out of the gates with a “Mike’s Groove” and that the magic continued with the ensuing “Harry Hood.” The hosts and their guests also spoke about the out-of-the-box cover pairing which Phish chose to end the set.

A standout moment on a night filled with them was the all-time “Halley’s Comet” that kicked off the second set. Bernstein shared memories of the 24-minute “Halley’s” and explained why it still stands as one of his favorite jams in the band’s history. Other topics hit upon were the “Tweezer”/”Black Eyed Katy” sequence, which night of the run is better and more.

Watch Scott Bernstein’s appearance on Undermine below:

Read Bernstein's essay on the first night of the Hampton '97 run via JamBase's retrospective series.