Throwback Thursday | The Phish OJ Show Twenty Years Later

Twenty years ago today Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were found dead outside of Simpson’s apartment and quickly the investigation of their murders focused on Nicole’s ex-husband -legendary football star O.J. Simpson. The series of events that followed that tragic night came to a head on June 17, when O.J. decided against turning himself in to the authorities and became involved in a low-speed car chase that was broadcast nationwide.

On June 17 Phish were performing at Eagles Ballroom in Milwaukee, WI and became aware of the car chase at setbreak. When Phish returned to the stage for their second set, they mentioned O.J. a number of times throughout the rest of their performance. “Also Sprach Zarathrustra,” “Mike’s Song,” “Simple,” “Poor Heart” and “Harpua” all included O.J. shout outs and “Mike’s” even contained a Mission Impossible theme tease in reference to the chase.

A soundboard recording of the second set quickly circulated of what fans dubbed the “O.J. Show.” We’re more partial to an audience recording of the show that can be streamed below via fromtheaquarium:

The second set starts at the 1:09 mark with “2001” and we agree with Phish.net’s Charlie Dirksen that “the second set is one of those EVENTS in Phishtory that all should experience.”