[We would like to thank @LizardwithaZ and @OrangeSox for contributing this to the blog. - Ed.]

It’s usually difficult to see the exact trajectory of a tour happening in real time. Some may make statements early-on about it being the “best tour since ______” or any other number of superlatives, often rooted in the bias of recency, especially when mixed with the potent fuel of attendance. On the other hand, one might claim it’s been subpar, with not enough bustouts, predictable setlists, or “the band is playing “Evolve” too much!”

Summer 2024 definitely falls into the previous category, with general acclaim and consistent superlatives. Building on an already exciting year–the band’s improbable 40th–following a Gamehendge spectacle for New Year’s, the most exciting Mexico run yet, the band’s first visit to Sphere in April, a new album before summer tour, and more media exposure than in years, it all challenges the view that in “even years” Phish is somehow less awesome than in odd numbered years.

Since the dust has settled, can we get a better sense of the tour as a whole? The hills and valleys become more clearly identifiable. We see the tight rotation of songs around solid setlist construction, a wide variety of jams that shone through but others that depended on what seemed like I-IV tropes, the individual band members’ influences and contributions, and a million little things in between.

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