Two of the most successful rock bands to come out of the jam band genre over the last few decades are, undoubtedly, Phish and Dave Matthews Band. Both outfits have been touring forces for many years, but in 1994, Dave Matthews and company were still cutting their teeth as newcomers to the scene. Phish had been around for 11 years at that time, amassing something of a cult following with their relentless dedication to the road. For a handful of shows in 1994, fans were lucky enough to witness these two bands joining forces on stage, including one notable show that happened exactly 30 years ago today.
Related: Phish Opens Riviera Maya 2022 With First Dave Matthews Sit-In Since 1995 [Photos/Videos]
As Dave Matthews Band gained regional popularity in the southeastern U.S., the group was recruited to open for Phish at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham, AL. While there have been many crossovers between the two bands over the years, this one assuredly takes the cake as an all-timer. The collaboration came during Phish’s encore when they opened with a major drums jam featuring Jon Fishman and DMB’s Carter Beauford. Before long, every member of both bands was on the stage, pouring their hearts into a version of Daniel Lanois‘ “The Maker”.
Fortunately, fans can relive the night’s memorable encore thanks to a great recording of this jam session as heard in the video below.
Phish w/ Dave Matthews Band – Drums > “The Maker” – 10/15/94
[Video: DMB Discography]
The full Phish show from that evening’s evening is no slouch either. Opening up with “Wilson” and featuring big jams on “2001”, “Runaway Jim”, and “You Enjoy Myself -> Catapult -> You Enjoy Myself”, the band’s 10/15/94 performance was a fantastic 1.0 experience. Relive the entire performance below.
Phish – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre – 10/15/94 [Full-Show Audio]
[Video: fromtheaquarium]
Setlist: Phish | Oak Mountain Amphitheatre | Pelham, AL | 10/15/94
Set One: Wilson > Sparkle > Simple -> Maze, Glide, Reba > Down with Disease > Golgi Apparatus
Set Two: Also Sprach Zarathustra > Runaway Jim, Halley’s Comet -> Scent of a Mule, You Enjoy Myself -> Catapult -> You Enjoy Myself, Amazing Grace, Foreplay/Long Time[1], Bouncing Around the Room, Suzy Greenberg
Encore: Drums[2], The Maker[3]
Notes:
[1] Acoustic.
[2] Carter Beauford on drums.
[3] Phish debut; with Dave Matthews Band.
2001 contained Flash Light teases. Foreplay/Long Time was performed acoustic. The encore featured the first Phish performance of The Maker with a Dave Matthews Band guest appearance. Carter Beauford appeared on stage with Fish during the preceding jam. The opening act was Dave Matthews Band.
[Originally published 10/15/16]