Phish Cap Off Dick's Run with "Icculus" Encore

2022-09-10 04:08:01 By : Mr. David Wang

Last night, Phish performed their fourth and final high-powered, deeply emotional and explorative production at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. effectively closing their summer tour. The show saw many quality moments, both sonically and sentimentally, properly in line with the run, which has become one of the most cherished runs of all of Phish’s summer tour.

After the audience settled into their respective spots, Phish opened up with “First Tube,” a song traditionally reserved as a set closer, but many felt it was a perfect choice as the show in and of itself was not a set closer but a tour closer. The short but intense intro melded into “Bathtub Gin.” The first two songs saw what fans had expected from the previous evenings, composed, tight and direct playing, with Trey Anastasio pulling out all the stops. They moved into the funk-fueled “Undermind” next, this time led by Page McConnell, who led the 20,000 people through the groove. They continued with “Drift While You’re Sleeping,” allowing the dancers in the crowd to take a moment and move their motions inward and take in what a lovely and connective weekend they’ve shared with all.

Phish continued their set with a straightforward “Halley’s Comet” highlighting vocal harmonies from the band and was followed with an “Everything’s Right,” bringing out some of the “Love and Light” some felt were missing throughout the chaotic, albeit well-structured run. After a short “More,” which closed in at just five minutes, Phish closed out the set with an unexpected “Fluffhead,” with the crowd tuned in for every note along the way.

The quartet returned from set break and opened the final set of 2022’s summer tour with “Set Your Soul Free.” After stretching out and attempting to lock in several times on “Set Your Soul Free,” the group fully came together on “Fuego,” blazing through the track and jamming with viscidity and vigor. The jam found meandered into “A Life Beyond A Dream,” causing a short stutter in the set but was quickly amended by “Crosseyed and Painless.” Next came “David Bowie,” during which Anastasio teased “Mr. P.C.” They continued with “Loving Cup” to close out the set, leaving fans wondering exactly what they had in store for the encore.

They kicked off the encore with “Divided Sky,” the contemplative track once again gave listeners an opportunity to reflect on the weekend. After the opener, Anastasio took a moment to thank all the production staff and crew that make runs and productions like Dick’s possible. One person he thanked by name was their stage manager, Paul Ingwersen, who had been with Phish since 1996 and was retiring. In celebration of his work, Phish played “Icculus,” a tune they’ve only played nine times since 1995. Next, they played “Character Zero,” and many thought they could be spelling “Dicks” with their encore and wondered what could come next; however, the set ended there.

Phish Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – Commerce City, Colo. Sept. 4, 2022

Set I: First Tube, Bathtub Gin, Undermind, Drift While You’re Sleeping > Halley’s Comet > Everything’s Right, More > Fluffhead

Set II: Set Your Soul Free > Fuego > A Life Beyond The Dream, Crosseyed and Painless -> David Bowie, Loving Cup

Enc.: Divided Sky, Icculus, Character Zero

Trey teased Mr. P.C. in David Bowie. Icculus was dedicated to “P. I.” (Phish’s stage manager Paul Ingwersen who was retiring that night). “P.I.” was subsequently mentioned in Icculus. Trey referenced Icculus in Character Zero with “read the book!” quotes. The soundcheck’s Jam was followed by In the Summertime and Right Place, Wrong Time quotes. via phish.net

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