Phish returned to Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL for the second of two sold-out performance, hitting the storied home of the Chicago Cubs with passionate performing. The shows marked Phish’s first-ever trips to the venue, and the band seemed truly in awe of the stadium’s historical legacy. They treated fans to a few surprises and big-time jams throughout the finale as well, keeping fans on their toes for a great show.

The band  opened up with a funky “The Moma Dance,” getting the energy up high from the opening notes. The groove got the crowd dancing, ready for a great set of music ahead. From there, they rocked with an “AC/DC Bag” that got everyone singing along. Trey Anastasio hit the song hard, letting his new Languedoc shine throughout.

The band continued with a pairing of Fuego tracks, “555” and “Waiting All Night.” Giving the fans a taste of the 2014 release, Phish then kept the mood uplifting with a great version of “Heavy Things.” Page McConnell shined on the keys, helping to lead the happy jam section. After “Heavy Things,” the group took a moment to honor tour manager Richard Glasgow’s birthday.

The band then rocked into a funky “46 Days,” taking the great tune for a first set ride. Anastasio really kept the jam together, leading with some soaring melodies and fretwork. From there, it was Jon Fishman’s turn to shine, as he took his first vacuum solo of the summer in “I Didn’t Know.” Anastasio commented that he was “Feeling the suction,” a reference to Fishman’s new Bernie dress. Anastasio then talked about remembering when Fishman would clean the floor with a vacuum before using it to play. Fishman declared it was “all for art!” After the playful banter, gave way to one of the band’s greatest compositions, “Divided Sky.” The 40,000+ in attendance let out an incredibly loud cheer during the longer-than-usual pause in the song, as the band watched on in true appreciation.

Following the incredible instrumental, the band ended the set with two straight up rockers, “Cavern” and Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times.” The venue was absolutely electric, as the stadium crowd roared for the band to close out their great first set.

The second set showcased Phish’s diverse musical abilities, as they opened with a rock and roll “Carini” before sailing into an upbeat major key jam session. The group was locked in tightly through the whole set, letting the “Carini” float in space before bringing the house down with a segue into “Tweezer.” Uncle Ebenezer was certainly welcomed at Wrigley, as the band kept the jams flowing throughout the great “Carini” > “Tweezer” combination. 

From there came the first big bust out of the night, the formerly-desonged, now-resonged “Fluffhead.” After 52 shows and two years, the song is finally back in the rotation, and the band played it flawlessly. “Fluffhead” felt like an old friend coming back to visit; it was a truly celebratory moment of the performance.

The band wasn’t anywhere near finished with the second set, however, and led “Fluffhead” into a breezy “Piper.” The upbeat song grooved into a truly carefree jam session, fluttering in the ether before settling into a funk fueled “Steam.” This was the only “true segue” of the set, as the band went cleanly into the funky jam. The stadium was filled with incredible energy as steam poured through the stage, as the band ripped through the jam. The music segued into a solo piano moment, and McConnell led the band into “Wading in the Velvet Sea.” The cool down moment provided a nice calmness before the rest of the show.

Phish brought the energy level right back up with “Harry Hood,” bringing the great composition to the Chicago fans. One day earlier, a fan had handed out fliers requesting that fans chant “Caray” instead of the usual “Hood.” (Harry Caray was a famous Chicago Cubs announcer for decades, and you can see the flyer below thanks to TheJamFather). A nod to the origins of the “Hood” chant itself, the venue seemed to be split between “Hood” and “Caray” chants. The band kept the song short and sweet, bringing the jam to new heights before concluding the song proper. Finally, the set closed with an all-out rager, “Tweezer Reprise” itself.

For their finale, Phish closed out the show with a major bust out: “I Am The Walrus.” The Beatles cover was played for only the second time, and the first time since 2010 (229 shows). The band nailed the cover note for note, bringing their Phish energy to the classic rock tune. It seems that covers are back in Phish’s rotation more regularly this summer, and songs like “I Am The Walrus” are truly welcomed in their sets. It made for a great ending to a great two-night run.

 

Trey is the walrus. #Phish #WrigleyField #liveforlivemusic #L4LM

A video posted by Live For Live Music (@liveforlivemusic) on

Check out the full setlist from the show, below.

Setlist: Phish at Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL – 6/25/16

Set 1: The Moma Dance, AC/DC Bag > 555, Waiting All Night, Heavy Things, Happy Birthday to You, 46 Days, I Didn’t Know, Divided Sky, Cavern > Good Times Bad Times

Set 2: Carini > Tweezer > Fluffhead > Piper -> Steam > Wading in the Velvet Sea, Harry Hood > Tweezer Reprise

Encore: I Am the Walrus

Notes: This show was webcast via Live Phish. Happy Birthday was played for Phish tour manager Richard Glasgow. I Am the Walrus was played for the first time since June 29, 2010 (229 shows).

[Setlist via Phish.net, Photo via Kristine Condon Photography]