As per annual tradition, Phish returned to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center for three nights of pure jamming. Now a few shows into their summer tour, a return to SPAC over July 4th weekend signaled a homecoming of sorts for area fans. 

How would Phish fare for their return to SPAC? Through the first notes of “Stealing Time From The Faulty Plan,” the band never relented, bringing some nonstop energy throughout their jams.

Whether it was the attacking Halloween instrumental “The Birds” or the classic “NICU,” the band has been locked and loaded for this first set. After those two, it was the tour debut of Talking Heads’ “Cities” and “David Bowie” that kept the crowd moving and grooving. 

The “Free” next in the setlist was some great rock, before Mike Gordon took the reigns on a bluegrassy “Uncle Pen.” The standard Americana piece was busted out on the tour opener, and brought a lighthearted moment before the band broke into “Halfway To The Moon.” They took their time, as the Page McConnell original was nicely developed with some great guitar work.

The set continued with a new song debut, a lighthearted funky number called “Let’s Go,” marking the 7th debut of tour. The Gordon-led vocal track was catchy an even featured some rapping from the bassist.

After a cool down moment in “Waiting All Night,” the group kept the set going with classic Phish tune “Bathtub Gin.” The nicely stretched out version brought the set to a frenzy before bringing out a raging “Golgi Apparatus.” Trey Anastasio proclaimed the set over before being convinced into one more song: “The Squirming Coil.” 

We’ll catch up with you after the show! If you’re in the Saratoga area, be sure to stop by the Putnam Den for a late night 80’s dance party hosted by The Heavy Pets. You can find more info about the show here, and tickets will be available at the door.

Setlist: Phish at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga, NY – 7/1/16

 Set 1: Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan, The Birds > NICU, Cities, David Bowie, Free, Uncle Pen, Halfway to the Moon, Let’s Go, Waiting All Night > Bathtub Gin > Golgi Apparatus, The Squirming Coil