Helping Friendly Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: 2025 Summer Tour Recaps: Philly + Chicago
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Host/Author: Osiris Media
Introduction
In this episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod), hosts RJ, Megan, and Brian delve into comprehensive recaps of Phish's 2025 summer tour performances in Philadelphia and Chicago. They analyze setlists, discuss song selections, engage with listener voicemails, and explore the intricate dynamics of Phish's live performances.
Recap of Summer Tour Shows: Philadelphia and Chicago
The hosts begin by acknowledging that they will cover five out of the six recent Phish shows, excluding one that Megan attended but is restricted from discussing on-air.
Megan shares her experience attending a Phish show at a historic New York venue:
"It was really fun to see Fish there. So small, so intimate. It was really cool."
[02:52]
RJ draws parallels between the current tour and Phish's 1998 summer tour, noting similarities in song choices and set flow:
"This tour actually reminds me a lot of Summer 98... weird song choices and some monster jams."
[19:29]
Listener Interactions and Voicemails
The podcast features listener voicemails that spark engaging discussions. Notably, Don poses a thought-provoking question about Phish songs reaching "Immortal Jam King" status:
"If there was one song in the catalog that you feel like has the potential to reach Immortal Jam King status, what would that song be?"
[05:15]
Brian responds by highlighting "Ruby Waves" as a candidate, emphasizing its jam potential and diverse improvisational sections:
"Ruby Waves... just there's untapped potential with that song as they continue."
[08:29]
Megan concurs, adding that "Fuego" has seen increased jamming:
"They've been jamming it so much. I really think it's going to continue to grow."
[08:43]
Another voicemail from Alan shares a heartfelt story about attending a Phish show on his 50th birthday, underscoring the band's profound personal impact:
"That's a religion for me. I find my peace, my joy, my release."
[14:25]
Setlist Strategies and Catalog Choices
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Phish's intentional selection from their expansive catalog and its impact on show flow.
Megan observes:
"They're pulling from the catalog in a really intentional way, and I want to think about how that affects flow."
[15:58]
Brian references the 2012 tour where Phish aimed to play 252 unique songs, revitalizing their performances with rarities:
"They really reinvigorated that overall tour with a lot of rare songs, a lot of bust outs."
[16:33]
RJ adds historical context, comparing current performances to past tours:
"It reminds me of that where you're getting these kind of uneven sets with weird bust outs and monster jams."
[20:12]
Brian further analyzes specific setlist patterns, praising shows where rare songs are seamlessly integrated without disrupting the flow:
"They're injecting a few songs that you’re not expecting to hear that night and that kind of elevates it."
[24:27]
Analysis of Specific Shows
The hosts provide detailed critiques of particular performances, highlighting both strengths and areas of concern.
The Man Night 1 is lauded as one of the best shows of the year, with a balanced mix of familiar songs and rare bust outs:
"Every single one of these songs made my larger jam list that I work through."
[62:45]
Conversely, Man Night 2 and other shows receive mixed reviews due to extended set lengths leading to rushed segments:
"The first set was too long, and then it took away from the second set."
[53:14]
Chicago Nights 1-3 are praised for their energetic jams and effective use of effects, though some inconsistencies are noted:
"Set two, we've talked about this, and this is the first set of the tour that every single one of these songs made my larger jam list."
[60:32]
Challenges and Observations
The hosts discuss external factors affecting performances, such as weather conditions and venue types.
RJ raises concerns about the increasing number of indoor shows due to rising temperatures and weather unpredictability:
"Are we just going to have more indoor shows during the summer at some point because it's too hot?"
[47:09]
Megan adds a humorous note about Trey wearing jackets despite the heat:
"He was literally wearing a jacket over a T-shirt. It's so confusing."
[48:19]
They also touch upon the logistical challenges of longer sets and how set timing impacts overall show energy and flow.
Concluding Remarks
The episode wraps up with final thoughts on Phish's evolving performance style and setlist strategies. The hosts emphasize the band's continued excellence in jamming while acknowledging the delicate balance required to maintain show flow amidst an ever-expanding song catalog.
Brian reflects on the mystical nature of Phish's live performances:
"This is really, mystical stuff that they are playing around with. And when it works, holy crap, it works."
[30:01]
Megan underscores the elite artistry of Phish's live improvisations:
"It is something that I think I would love to talk more to people that do it because it's pretty interesting."
[41:24]
The hosts conclude by encouraging listeners to tune in for future episodes and continue supporting the podcast through reviews and subscriptions.
Notable Quotes:
-
Don on soundchecks:
"There must be a reason why the band chooses to sound check."
[11:02] -
Megan on "Ruby Waves":
"They just seem to really be clicking on all cylinders, enjoying playing it lately."
[08:29] -
Brian on setlist reinvigoration:
"They really reinvigorated that overall tour with a lot of rare songs, a lot of bust outs."
[16:33] -
Megan on Phish's impact:
"They are human... they do it more often than anyone else and it's incredible."
[32:48] -
Brian on indoor shows trend:
"Are we just going to have more indoor shows during the summer at some point because it's too hot?"
[47:09]
Final Thoughts
This episode of Helping Friendly Podcast offers an in-depth exploration of Phish's 2025 summer tour, blending analytical insights with passionate fan perspectives. Whether you're a longtime Phish enthusiast or new to the band's vibrant live performances, this recap provides valuable takeaways on the evolving landscape of Phish's musical journey.