On Friday night, Phish kicked off their second weekend at Madison Square Garden with a “Double Chocolate” theme. With “Coconut,” “Strawberry,” “Red Velvet,” “Jam-Filled,” and “Powdered” preceding, the tone had been set for the run, with an “anything-goes” vibe permeating throughout MSG. Phish harnessed that energy and excitement for Friday’s “Double Chocolate” theme and filled the room with miracles and chocolate rain.

Phish started off set two with a shocker, as “Have Mercy” by The Mighty Diamonds was busted out as a standalone opener for the first-time ever. A raging “Chalk Dust Torture” followed, and the band linked up for a twenty-four-minute exploration that stands out as the type II improvisational highlight of the evening. The jam was driven and focused, with the band delivering a space-jazz vibe as they settled into a nice groove. Anatasio’s playing was exploratory and exciting, while the rest of the band zeroed in on some bouncy, rhythmic elements. The funky vibes transformed into a psychedelic speed-rock jam, which was followed by a glorious peak.

The band has shared pro-shot video of “Chalk Dust Torture,” which you can enjoy below.

SETLIST:  Phish | Baker’s Dozen Night 6 | Madison Square Garden | New York, NY | 7/27/17

SET 1: Chocolate Rain[1], Ass Handed, Free, Weigh > Undermind > The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony, The Dogs, Destiny Unbound, Divided Sky, Things People Do, Sand

SET 2: Have Mercy, Chalk Dust Torture[2], You Sexy Thing[3] > Mercury -> You Sexy Thing > Backwards Down the Number Line > Rock and Roll

ENCORE: Fee[4], Space Oddity

[1] Phish debut; a cappella, with Page on a midi controller keyboard.
[2] Unfinished.
[3] Phish debut.
[4] Lyrics changed to “have a chocolate donut and catch your breath.”
[cover photo by Andrew Blackstein]

If you’re heading to New York for Phish’s 13-night Baker’s Dozen run at Madison Square Garden, don’t miss all the incredible late night shows going on in the City during the run! Check out Our Official Guide To Baker’s Dozen Late-Nights for all the info.

Live For Live Music Phish Baker’s Dozen Run Late-Night Shows:
Aug 2 – Matisyahu @ The Cutting Room (tix) *
Aug 3 – Greensky Bluegrass w/ Marco Benevento @ Ford Amphitheatre At Coney Island Boardwalk (tix) **
Aug 4 – “Kraz & Taz” – Eric Krasno Band w/ Brandon “Taz” Niederauer Band @ The Cutting Room (tix)
Aug 5 – Spafford @ BB King Blues Club (SOLD OUT)

* (L4LM & CEG Presents)

**(L4LM & Live Nation Presents)