Phish delivered an unforgettable show on July 15 at Philadelphia’s renowned Mann Center, marking a highly anticipated return to the venue. The atmosphere was electric, energized by a packed crowd braving the sweltering heat and humidity. The band kicked off the evening just before 8 p.m. with the classic “Punch You In The Eye,” highlighting lead guitarist Trey Anastasio’s playful teases that stirred excitement among fans.
As the set progressed, the band seamlessly blended various musical styles, featuring the upbeat “Everything’s Right” and a funky rendition of “Camel Walk,” showcasing Mike Gordon’s captivating bass lines. The trio of water-themed songs—“Theme From the Bottom,” “Prince Caspian,” and “It’s Ice”—offered a moment of respite before the set wrapped up dramatically with a compelling performance of “About to Run” and a standout version of “David Bowie.”
After a surprisingly short intermission, the band returned with the opening notes of “Sand,” which quickly became a highlight, affectionately dubbed the “Mann Sand” or “Mannd” by fans. The jam stretched to an incredible forty minutes, featuring exceptional musical exchanges, particularly from Page McConnell’s keyboards, as the band navigated through various themes while maintaining an impressive balance between soaring highs and dissonant moments.
The intensity continued with an extended “My Friend, My Friend,” which culminated in an extraordinary outro jam, affirming the band’s reputation as masters of improvisation. Brevity marked subsequent renditions of Stevie Wonder’s “Boogie On Reggae Woman” and Anastasio’s “Blaze On” before the show closed near 11 p.m. with “Carini,” highlighted by its gripping jam—aptly described as showcasing “Evil Phish.”
The night concluded with a rare four-song encore, featuring a poignant version of “Shade” followed by the humorous “I Didn’t Know,” showcasing drummer Jon Fishman’s famed vacuum solo. A crowd-pleasing rendition of “Wilson” acknowledged the nearby suburb of King of Prussia, before the concert culminated in the lively “Possum,” sending the satisfied audience back into the balmy Philadelphia night.
This performance may have been fueled by the band’s revamped stage setup or Anastasio’s well-known affinity for the city, but what remains certain is that this event will resonate in the minds of fans for years to come. Phish is set to perform again at the Mann Center, as they conclude their two-night engagement before wrapping up their summer tour in Chicago and New York.