Phish last appeared in Richmond, VA during the summer of 1994. That gig, at the Classic Amphitheater (now known as Virginia Credit Union LIVE!) was a memorable one. It featured a notable “Split Open and Melt” during the first set, as well as a wild second set with “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav” tucked into “You Enjoy Myself” and a version of “Harpua” that also included “Kung” and an audience member singing “Honky Tonk Women.” Fishman also offered up some vacuum action during his version of Syd Barrett’s “Love You.” It’s a show well worth your attention.
Tuesday’s performance at Allianz Amphitheater At Riverfront in Richmond, also proved compelling. Of particular note was the version of “Life Saving Gun” that opened the second frame. Ever since it debuted on 7/30/23, the tune has been quite versatile, initially serving as both a first-set opener and closer but more recently finding a home a bit later in the show. Last night’s “LSG” offered multiple explosive peaks with both Page McConnell and Trey Anatasio leading the charge at times with the rhythm section responding in kind, while the guitarist also moved over to his mini drum kit for a portion of the songs as well. When all was said and done, this version wrapped up just shy of the 42-minute mark. The “Light” that followed, also exceeded traditional bounds and by the time it concluded Phish had devoted over an hour to the two songs.
A sinewy “Possum” emerged from “Light” and then on into “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” which moved quickly into “Suzy Greenberg” before the Phish closed things out with “More.”
As for the start of the show, “Buried Alive” opened and soon charged into a dense “Free.” An aggressive “Run Like An Antelope” came next, appearing in the initial set for the first time in 2026. “Wolfman’s Brother” was a highlight in the fourth position, with Mike Gordon steadily advancing the conversation on bass. McConell helped propel “Steam” before the song gave way to a paired “Axilla (Part II)” and “Divided Sky” which offered 24-minutes of energy. A spirited “46 Days” ended the opening set.
The encore began with “Joy,” which returned following a 32-show gap and then an animated “First Tube.”
Phish will return to the Allianz Amphitheater At Riverfront this evening to wrap up a two-night run at the venue.
PHISH, ALLIANZ AMPHITHEATER AT RIVERFRONT, 10/6
Richmond, VA
SET 1: Buried Alive > Free, Run Like an Antelope, Wolfman's Brother[1], Steam, Axilla (Part II) > Divided Sky, 46 Days
SET 2: Life Saving Gun[1], Light -> Possum > Also Sprach Zarathustra > Suzy Greenberg, More
ENCORE: Joy, First Tube
[1] Trey on mini drum kit.
setlist via Phish.net
Wolfman's Brother and Life Saving Gun featured Trey on mini drum kit.
