Phish performs at the United Center in Chicago on Oct. 13, 2023.
When you’ve been a band for forty years, it’s hard to find any new firsts, but on Oct. 13, Phish managed to check another unique experience off their long list as they made their debut at the United Center in Chicago. The night found Trey Anastasio (guitar), Jon Fishman (drums), Mike Gordon (bass) and Page McConnell (keys) leaning into a spooky undertone as the show – night one of a three night run to close out the Fall Tour – fell on the ominous date of Friday the 13th.
The band walked out to the sounds of the film that made Jason Voorhees and Camp Crystal Lake famous to honor the occasion before launching into “Carini,” a song on the heavier-end of the Phish spectrum with “Rift” following soon after. Fans – already giving their all – danced, sang, and soaked-in all the magic they could from the very first moments of the show.
Phish performs at the United Center in Chicago on Oct. 13, 2023.
“Ghost” unleashed a maniacal jam with each band member wielding their wizardry to cast a spell across the venue. Gordon laid down the bones of the song while Fishman dabbled in jazzier drumming. Anastasio and McConnell continued to top each other until they united in a series of descending riffs. As the improvisational instrumental interlude reached its celebratory peak, glowruptions – fistfuls of glow sticks being thrown in the air – and bursts of confetti shot up from the crowd.
Another highlight of the first set, “Foam,” took musical twists and turns at every opportunity. The Junta tune’s first solo found McConnell introducing a bright and happy vibe that Anastasio continued to evolve until Gordon’s deep vocals inspired a darker path. A dizzying jam ensued until the band members joined forces for the song’s iconic ragtime outro.
Elsewhere in Set One, “Blaze On” brought the party to the UC and the surprising inclusion of Phish’s cover of Neil Young’s “Albuquerque” was a fun addition to the setlist that perhaps was giving a nod to the Balloon Fiesta currently taking flight down in New Mexico. Anastasio and Gordon delighted fans near the end of the first half when they came together for a bit of a duel during “Meat.”
Phish performs at the United Center in Chicago on Oct. 13, 2023.
Set Two began with a sprawling 15-minute version of “Sand” complete with creative noodling from Anastasio that celebrated moments of silence as much as any note. This patient approach paid off with a walloping solo when a steady build, lifted up by Gordon’s crunchy bass, took the performance to great heights. “Waves,” “Golgi Apparatus,” and the always crowd-pleasing “Harry Hood” were further highlights of the second set setlist.
Phish is set to return to the United Center on Oct. 14 & Oct. 15 to close out their Fall Tour 2023. Check out photos from Friday the 13th below and click here to pick-up tickets to the New Year’s Run. More information about upcoming shows at the United Center can be found at LiveNation.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
