Phish at Madison Square Garden is always a spectacle, but the December 28th, 2022 show was a night that truly reminded fans why this band is one of the most compelling live acts in the world. MSG, with its towering ceilings and electric energy, provided the perfect backdrop for a marathon of improvisation, songcraft, and musical exploration. From the first note of “Buried Alive” to the closing chords of “46 Days,” this was a concert that blended precision, chaos, and heart in ways only Phish can pull off.
The crowd was a sea of excitement: longtime fans in festive attire, newcomers eager for a live jam band experience, and a palpable sense of anticipation hung in the air. As the lights dimmed and the band took the stage, it felt like entering a shared universe where anything could happen, and indeed, anything did.
Setlist and Flow
Setlist:
Set 1:
Buried Alive
Wolfman’s Brother
Maze
Sigma Oasis
NICU
Steam
Tela
Stash
Split Open and Melt
Set 2:
Free
A Wave of Hope (Trey Anastasio song)
It’s Ice
Leaves
Simple
Plasma (Trey Anastasio song)
Twist
Harry Hood
Encore:
Esther
46 Days
A Thrilling First Set
The show opened with “Buried Alive,” a song that perfectly sets the stage for the night’s energy. It’s a Phish track that balances funky grooves with adventurous riffs, and it immediately engaged the audience. The band’s tightness was evident, yet the improvisational flourishes hinted at the expansive journey to come. Trey Anastasio’s guitar tone was sharp and articulate, weaving in and out of Page McConnell’s intricate keyboard textures, while Mike Gordon and Jon Fishman locked the rhythm section with a quiet intensity that drove every moment forward.
“Wolfman’s Brother” followed, and from the first bass line, it was clear that this was a night of deep grooves. The jam section felt exploratory without ever losing direction. Gordon’s bass was melodic and propulsive, pushing the band into unexpected territories while maintaining a solid anchor. Fishman’s drumming added layers of syncopation, creating a sense of controlled chaos that is a Phish signature.
The first set moved seamlessly through “Maze” and “Sigma Oasis,” both tracks highlighting the band’s ability to combine technical skill with emotional impact. “Maze” showcased tight interplay between guitar and keyboards, while “Sigma Oasis” provided space for ambient exploration. There were moments when the audience was hushed in awe, allowing the band’s subtle dynamics to shine.
Mid-set, classics like “NICU” and “Steam” reminded fans of the band’s playful side. “NICU”’s quirky rhythms and clever lyrics drew laughter and sing-alongs, while “Steam” provided a funky, high-energy contrast. “Tela” offered a melodic breather, with Trey’s vocals floating over gentle instrumentation, a moment of calm amidst the whirlwind of the first set.
The first set climaxed with “Stash” and “Split Open and Melt.” “Stash” is a true showcase of the band’s improvisational prowess, and the jam section was both tight and daring. By the time they transitioned into “Split Open and Melt,” the audience was fully entranced, riding along with the ebb and flow of the music. McConnell’s keyboard runs intertwined with Anastasio’s guitar, creating a sense of controlled chaos that’s difficult to describe but impossible to ignore.
Set Two: Deep Exploration
After a brief intermission, Phish returned with “Free,” a song that set a different tone for the second set. It’s a track that encourages open improvisation, and the band took full advantage, extending jams into uncharted territories. The audience was responsive, leaning into the music, letting themselves be carried by the ebb and flow of the sound.
The set moved into a medley of Trey Anastasio compositions and fan favorites: “A Wave of Hope” into “It’s Ice”, then flowing into “Leaves” and “Simple.” The transitions were seamless, the improvisation bold. “It’s Ice” and “Leaves” were standout moments, with long, exploratory passages that allowed each member to shine. Anastasio’s guitar was fluid and expressive, McConnell’s keyboards added lush textures, Gordon’s bass drove the rhythm forward, and Fishman’s drumming shifted effortlessly between funky grooves and abstract patterns.
“Simple” provided a melodic respite after the more chaotic jams, a grounding moment with singable melodies and emotional depth. Then came “Plasma,” another Trey composition, which introduced a frenetic energy to the room. By this point, the audience was completely enmeshed in the musical journey, cheering at unexpected twists, holding their breath during quiet passages, and erupting into applause when a jam hit a perfect peak.
“Twist” and “Harry Hood” closed the second set with euphoric energy. “Twist”’s angular riffs and playful shifts were met with roaring approval, and “Harry Hood” delivered the emotional and musical climax, with soaring melodies, dynamic shifts, and a cathartic jam that brought the audience to their feet. These songs exemplified why Phish shows are less about individual tracks and more about the journey from start to finish.
Encore: Perfect Closure
The encore began with “Esther,” a song that balanced lyrical storytelling with melodic interplay. It was a slightly subdued opener, allowing the audience to catch their breath after the intensity of the second set. Then “46 Days” closed the night with an infectious groove and playful lyrics. It was the perfect conclusion, leaving the audience exhilarated yet satisfied, having experienced the full range of Phish’s sound.
Musicianship and Improvisation
What makes Phish concerts so compelling is the band’s collective musicianship and improvisational skill. Each member contributes not just technically, but creatively, allowing the music to breathe and evolve in real time. Trey’s guitar work is fluid and inventive, able to anchor a song while simultaneously exploring new melodic possibilities. Page McConnell’s keyboards provide both rhythmic support and lush harmonic landscapes, while Mike Gordon’s bass adds both melody and drive. Jon Fishman, with his unique drumming style and occasional vocals, completes the quartet with energy and precision.
Improvisation is not chaos here—it’s structured exploration. The December 28th show was filled with moments where the music seemed to take on a life of its own. Themes were introduced, developed, stretched, and resolved, often in ways that felt completely spontaneous but were deeply satisfying.
Audience Experience
Madison Square Garden provides a legendary setting, and on this night, the crowd’s energy matched the band’s. Fans were engaged from the first note to the last, reacting to every twist and turn of the music. There were moments of quiet attentiveness during delicate passages and eruptive applause during climactic jams. The audience’s energy fed the band, creating a feedback loop that made the music feel alive and immediate.
The communal aspect of a Phish show cannot be overstated. The audience was not just watching a concert—they were participating in an experience, sharing reactions, and becoming part of the musical journey. The atmosphere was electric yet inclusive, with fans of all ages immersed in the moment.
Highlights of the Night
Several moments stood out as particularly memorable from this performance:
-
“Buried Alive” for its immediate engagement and funky opening groove.
-
The “Stash” jam for its technical brilliance and emotional intensity.
-
“It’s Ice” and “Leaves” for extended improvisation that showcased the band’s exploratory side.
-
“Harry Hood” for its euphoric peak, combining melody, dynamics, and audience participation.
-
“46 Days” for closing the night with a playful yet musically satisfying finale.
Each of these moments highlighted a different facet of Phish’s artistry: tight musicianship, exploratory improvisation, emotional resonance, and a sense of fun.
Closing Thoughts
Phish at Madison Square Garden on December 28th, 2022, was a masterclass in live performance. The setlist balanced newer material with fan favorites, covers, and Trey’s compositions, creating a dynamic flow that kept the audience engaged for the full show. The improvisation was daring and precise, the musicianship impeccable, and the interaction between band and audience created a sense of shared adventure.
From the opening of “Buried Alive” to the final notes of “46 Days,” the concert demonstrated why Phish remains one of the most beloved live acts in the world. The band’s ability to blend humor, technical skill, improvisation, and emotional depth makes every show an unpredictable, unforgettable journey.
Madison Square Garden, with its legendary status and charged atmosphere, only added to the experience. The energy of the crowd, combined with the band’s mastery of their craft, created a performance that felt both monumental and intimate. Every note, every jam, every playful twist in the music drew the audience deeper into the shared experience.
This was not just a concert—it was a celebration of what makes live music thrilling. It was a reminder of why fans travel, wait in lines for hours, and return year after year for a Phish show. The December 28th performance was a night of exploration, connection, and sheer musical joy.
Phish at MSG proved once again that the magic of a live show is not just in the songs themselves, but in the energy, spontaneity, and musicianship that bring them to life. For those lucky enough to be there, it was an experience that will linger long after the final encore, a night where music became a journey, and the audience was invited along for every thrilling twist and turn.