Phish’s December 29th, 2019 show at Madison Square Garden was a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their unmatched ability to craft a live experience that feels both unpredictable and exhilarating. As one of the final shows of their 2019 run, the night carried a special weight: a mix of end-of-year celebration, nods to Phish’s history, and the kind of spontaneous improvisation that has made them a staple in the jam-band world. For fans in attendance, it was not just a concert; it was an event that captured the very essence of what makes Phish shows legendary.
Madison Square Garden, often simply referred to as “The Garden,” is a venue that carries both prestige and intimacy for fans. Its cavernous size is counterbalanced by the electric energy that Phish consistently brings, making every corner of the arena feel connected to the music. For this show, the energy was palpable even before the band took the stage. The crowd was a mix of longtime Deadhead-era fans, dedicated Phish followers, and newcomers eager to witness the band’s unique chemistry firsthand.
Setlist
Set 1:
Turtle in the Clouds
The Moma Dance
Kill Devil Falls
Yarmouth Road (Mike Gordon song)
The Wedge
Beauty of a Broken Heart (Page McConnell song)
Fuego
My Friend, My Friend (no ‘Myfe’ ending)
Birds of a Feather
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (The Beatles cover)
Walls of the Cave
Set 2:
Carini
Back on the Train
Bathtub Gin
Golden Age (TV on the Radio cover)
Also sprach Zarathustra, op. 30 (Richard Strauss cover)
Sneakin’ Sally Thru the Alley (Lee Dorsey cover)
Chalk Dust Torture
Harry Hood
Encore:
Show of Life (Trey Anastasio Band cover)
Run Like an Antelope
Set One: Opening with a Wave of Energy
The first set opened with “Turtle in the Clouds,” a groove-heavy number that immediately set the tone for the evening. Trey Anastasio’s guitar work was precise yet adventurous, weaving intricate patterns while leaving room for the improvisational stretches that fans anticipate at every Phish show. The song’s layered textures, combined with Mike Gordon’s grounded basslines and Page McConnell’s sparkling keys, created a lush sonic environment that felt both welcoming and electrifying.
“The Moma Dance” followed, injecting funk-driven rhythms into the set. This song has long been a vehicle for Phish’s playful experimentation, and the band delivered it with flair. The audience’s response was immediate; fans clapped, danced, and chanted along to the familiar hooks. Trey’s solos were inventive, and Jon Fishman’s drumming added a kinetic energy that propelled the song forward effortlessly.
“Kill Devil Falls” brought a rawer edge, a high-energy rocker that demonstrated Phish’s ability to shift gears seamlessly. Its driving beat and aggressive guitar riffs gave the first set a strong momentum, keeping the crowd engaged and anticipating what would come next.
By the time “Yarmouth Road” arrived, the set had transitioned into a more melodic and intricate space. This Mike Gordon composition showcased his deep vocal timbre and lyrical storytelling. The audience’s focus was undivided, absorbing every nuanced note. The interplay between the band members was tight, with subtle cues and shifts that only seasoned fans—and the band itself—could fully appreciate.
“The Wedge” and “Beauty of a Broken Heart” followed, balancing tight, rhythmic jams with emotive soloing. Page McConnell’s piano work on “Beauty of a Broken Heart” was particularly striking, adding a haunting quality that contrasted beautifully with the set’s otherwise upbeat energy. The transitions between songs were seamless, a hallmark of Phish’s meticulous yet organic live sequencing.
“Fuego” reignited the energy with its propulsive rhythms and layered instrumentation. This song, often a favorite in the live setting, allowed Trey to explore soaring solos while the rhythm section maintained an infectious groove. “My Friend, My Friend,” delivered without its usual extended ‘Myfe’ ending, retained its emotional resonance, with Trey’s vocals carrying a heartfelt vulnerability that resonated deeply in the arena.
A highlight of the first set was undoubtedly “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” a Beatles cover played live for the first time since 2013. The band’s rendition was both respectful of the original and infused with their unique improvisational voice. Trey’s guitar emoted with intensity, Fishman’s drumming punctuated every phrase perfectly, and Page’s keys added depth and warmth. The crowd erupted, the song creating a rare and reverent pause in the evening’s otherwise energetic proceedings.
The first set concluded with “Walls of the Cave,” a Phish classic that allowed for both structural tightness and exploratory improvisation. It was the perfect closer, leaving the audience energized yet eager for more.
Set Two: The Improvisational Heart of Phish
The second set opened with “Carini,” a track that has become synonymous with Phish’s exploratory live jams. The band treated the song as a launching pad, gradually expanding and morphing the structure into a thrilling, unpredictable journey. Trey’s solos were adventurous, often pushing into experimental territory, while the rest of the band navigated the evolving rhythms with uncanny synchronicity.
“Back on the Train” brought a lighter, more groove-driven energy, a contrast to the exploratory madness of “Carini.” Its rhythmic complexity and melodic interplay highlighted the band’s technical prowess, but it was still highly accessible, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
“Bathtub Gin” was another major highlight, featuring the kind of extended improvisation that has made Phish legendary. The jam meandered through funk-infused sections, delicate melodic passages, and sudden bursts of intensity. The crowd was rapt, each note and shift eliciting cheers and applause.
“Golden Age,” a TV on the Radio cover, was an unexpected treat. Phish’s interpretation maintained the essence of the original while adding their own improvisational flair. The arrangement was fluid, and the band navigated the transitions seamlessly, demonstrating both their musical versatility and deep respect for the source material.
One of the more unusual moments came with “Also sprach Zarathustra, op. 30” by Richard Strauss. Its inclusion reflected Phish’s willingness to push boundaries and surprise their audience. The band interpreted the piece with a mix of reverence and playful experimentation, adding a theatrical and almost cinematic dimension to the evening.
“Sneakin’ Sally Thru the Alley,” a Lee Dorsey cover, followed, bringing the set back into funk territory. The band was tight, the groove infectious, and the crowd moved in unison, swept up in the energy. “Chalk Dust Torture” then injected a burst of high-octane chaos, with Trey and Page trading solos in a spirited dialogue that electrified the audience.
The penultimate song, “Harry Hood,” was a masterclass in improvisational storytelling. The song ebbed and flowed through serene, melodic passages and explosive peaks. The audience responded in kind, swaying, singing, and erupting into applause with each climax. It was the emotional and musical apex of the night, a reminder of why Phish’s live performances are considered transformative experiences.
Encore: Run Like an Antelope to Close
The encore opened with “Show of Life,” a Trey Anastasio Band cover that brought a fresh, celebratory energy to the stage. It was a fitting prelude to the finale: “Run Like an Antelope.” The latter, a fan-favorite, served as a cathartic release. Its fast-paced, intricate structure allowed the band to showcase their tightness, improvisational skills, and playful energy one final time. The crowd was fully engaged, cheering and singing along, creating a moment of communal elation that only a Phish show can deliver.
Stagecraft and Production
Madison Square Garden’s production capabilities were fully utilized without ever overshadowing the music itself. Lighting was employed to accentuate the mood of each song, with warm hues for intimate ballads and dynamic, shifting patterns for the improvisational jams. The band’s interplay and communication were at the forefront, demonstrating that Phish’s strength lies not in spectacle but in musicianship and connection.
The visual aspects of the show complemented the music, enhancing the atmosphere without distracting from the performance. From Trey’s guitar flourishes to Page’s expressive keyboard lines, every detail was visible, appreciated, and amplified by the venue’s setup.
Audience Engagement and Energy
The crowd at Madison Square Garden was fully invested throughout the night. Phish’s shows are as much about community as music, and the energy in the arena reflected that. Fans sang along, danced, and participated in every improvisational shift, feeding the band’s performance with palpable enthusiasm. Moments like the first-ever live performance of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and the expansive jams in “Bathtub Gin” and “Harry Hood” created a shared experience that transcended the typical concert environment.
The band’s connection with the audience was evident in every interaction. Subtle gestures, eye contact, and on-stage banter reinforced a sense of intimacy, even in a venue as large as The Garden. The audience wasn’t just watching a performance—they were part of it.
Musicianship and Performance
Phish’s musicianship on December 29th, 2019 was nothing short of exceptional. Trey Anastasio’s guitar work ranged from precise riffs to daring improvisational flights. Page McConnell’s keyboards added both texture and melodic depth, while Mike Gordon’s basslines grounded the music while also providing counterpoints and playful accents. Jon Fishman’s drumming was versatile and dynamic, driving the band’s rhythm while offering nuanced flourishes that added color and complexity to each song.
The band’s ability to move seamlessly between structured compositions, cover songs, and extended improvisations highlighted their technical mastery and deep musical intuition. Every member contributed not just individually, but collectively, creating a cohesive sound that was greater than the sum of its parts.
Conclusion
Phish’s December 29th, 2019 performance at Madison Square Garden was a masterclass in live musicianship, improvisation, and fan engagement. The carefully curated setlist, which included fan favorites, deep cuts, and unexpected covers, allowed the band to explore a full range of emotions and musical textures. From the opening of “Turtle in the Clouds” to the climactic finale of “Run Like an Antelope,” the show was a journey—energetic, playful, and deeply immersive.
The production, while understated, complemented the music perfectly, allowing the band’s talent and charisma to shine. The audience’s engagement added to the atmosphere, creating a communal energy that elevated every note. Phish’s ability to balance high-octane jams, emotive melodies, and playful experimentation made this concert a standout in their storied career.
For fans old and new, the December 29th show was a reminder of why Phish remains a powerhouse in the live music world. It was a night of spontaneity, technical excellence, and shared joy—a true testament to the enduring magic of Phish at Madison Square Garden.
Grade: A