#Phish Holiday Run 2024 #Ranked

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12/28

Looked like a heater was in store after a great opening Simple, and the show was not without moments. But it was also oddly flubby, lacked meaningful improv, and just uncharacteristically out of sync for 2023-24.

Much like The O.C. had to soldier on after Ryan pulled Marissa’s near-dead body from a fatal car crash, Phish will have to dig deep to recover the next 3 nights. I wouldn’t bet against it.

#Phish Holiday Run 2024 #Ranked

12/29
<Grand Canyon>
12/28

Far from an ideal setlist, but it didn’t matter as the band dropped a show for the ages with playful improv, unexpected transitions and face-melting peaks layered throughout. The Ruby Waves will go down as an all-time great MSG jam.

As for which show was better, there hasn’t been a choice this clear since Seth Cohen was trying to choose between Summer and Anna at the first Chrismukkah and Summer dressed up as Wonder Woman.

Programming Note:

I get to see music besides webcasts and 1am honky-tonk bar stops tonight and tomorrow so Ph rankings may be delayed.

My prediction: while Ruby Waves won’t be beat, 12/30 will once again take its place at the top by unleashing the heavy hitters.

Cheers!

#Phish Holiday Run 2024 #Ranked

12/29
<sizeable gap>
12/30
<Grand Canyon>
12/28

12/29 set a high bar, and with 12/30 often being “the show” of the run, last night felt a little light. Disease and Tweezer delivered greatness as always, but don’t sleep on the marvelous Hood.

Overall, the show was a bit of a roller coaster—kind of like when Olivia Wilde joined The OC as Alex the hot bisexual and started dating Seth AND Marissa. Unexpected, adventurous, but never fully delivered.

#Phish Holiday Run 2024 #Ranked

12/29
<respectable gap>
12/31
<sizeable gap>
12/30
<Grand Canyon>
12/28

Watching on the plane, it’s easy to see why last night was a little polarizing. Still, there’s an upbeat fun factor + enough solid improv to balance out some…lesser moments & once again make MSG a helluva NYE party.

Unlike The O.C. which ages like fine wine, I’m not sure I’ll spin this one again. Will simply leave you with Luke’s words of wisdom from S1E1:

Welcome to [2025], bitch!

@chopaganda the MYFE is terrific (and set 2 has really good structure) and I cannot express in words how stunning the gag and the 3rd set was. As a relistenable show 12/29 wins but one of the best of the 12 NYEs I’ve been to.
@chopaganda and ftr my powers of observation were not altered by any outside substance
@Wolfenhaus Yes, Wolfie.