Photo by Rene Huemer

Last night, April 23, legendary jamband Phish brought their signature improvisational sound to the Hollywood Bowl, effectively closing out their West Coast spring 2023 tour. With a setlist that spanned over two hours, the band delivered a memorable performance to a packed audience of die-hard fans, with a second set that was nearly non-stop.

The night began with a soundcheck featuring an impressive jam and “My Soul,” setting the tone for the rest of the evening. Phish then kicked off the first set with “Birds of a Feather,” followed by “Roggae” and “Divided Sky,” both of which showcased the band’s tight musicianship and strong improvisational abilities. Phish then launched into a huge “Cities,” with Trey Anastasio’s guitar work taking center stage, though each member took in the limelight during the segment. They then transitioned into “Tube” and “Taste,” much to the crowd’s delight.

The second set opened with “Mr. Completely,” featuring a soaring jam highlighting their ability to mold the sound in abstract shapes. This was followed by “A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing,” which returned to “Mr. Completely,” including a vocal performance by Anastasio. The band then launched into “Wolfman’s Brother,” a fan favorite, before transitioning into “Ruby Waves” and “Gotta Jibboo,” both of which included impressive solos by keyboardist Page McConnell. Next, Phish dished out a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter” before closing out the second set with a rousing rendition of “Possum.”

For their encore, the band returned to the stage with “Wilson” before closing the show with a powerful performance of “Slave to the Traffic Light,” leaving the audience–which, not surprisingly, given the weekend’s Hollywood location, included several musicians and actors like Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass, Abbi Jacobson, Paul Dano, Sylvan Esso’s Nick Sanborn, Alex Bleeker and Chris Tomson of Taper’s Choice, Lucius’ Jess Wolfe and Umphrey’s McGee’s Joel Cummins, among others–thoroughly satisfied and cheering for more.

Phish’s performance at the Hollywood Bowl was a culmination and testament to their musical prowess and ability to connect with their fans that transpired over their West Coast appearances.

Phish
The Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles
April 24, 2023
Set I
: Birds of a Feather, Roggae > Divided Sky, Cities > Tube > Taste, About to Run

Set II: Mr. Completely > A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing -> Mr. Completely, Wolfman’s Brother > Ruby Waves > Gotta Jibboo > No Quarter > Possum

Enc.: Wilson > Slave to the Traffic Light