Helping Friendly Podcast: MSG 2024 Recap Summary

Release Date: January 3, 2025

Introduction

In the January 3, 2025 episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod), hosted by Osiris Media, the team delves deep into Phish’s performances at Madison Square Garden (MSG) during their 2024 run. The episode offers insightful analyses, highlights memorable moments, and reflects on the band's evolution, all while incorporating the passionate perspectives of dedicated fans. This comprehensive recap is structured to provide both longtime listeners and newcomers with a thorough understanding of Phish’s 2024 performances at MSG.

Reflecting on the Past and Looking Ahead

The episode kicks off with the hosts—Brian, Megan, and RJ—sharing light-hearted banter about entering the mid-decade mark. They reminisce about five years prior, acknowledging the unpredictability of the journey ahead:

• RJ [01:30]: "Halfway into the decade. How crazy is this?"
• Megan [01:42]: "Oh, God, that's terrifying."

This sets the tone for a reflective discussion on Phish’s past performances and the anticipation surrounding their future endeavors.

Fan Voicemail and the 2.0 Series Discussion

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a voicemail from a listener who shares thoughtful insights on Phish’s 2.0 era. The voicemail raises questions about the public perception of 2.0 compared to other eras, suggesting that fans were at a different life stage during that period, which influenced their reception:

• Caller [04:17]: "Maybe it comes, you know, perception is reality... Maybe it's where we were."

This prompts the hosts to delve into how fans' life stages and the band’s evolution intertwine, affecting the overall appreciation of different eras.

• RJ [05:53]: "I don't think this was the greatest run. I think this had a really great show and then some up and down music..."
• Megan [07:58]: "I definitely relate to what he's saying... I think that was a time that we separated from the band and the music."

Their discussion emphasizes the impact of personal growth and stability on fans’ connections with Phish’s music.

Event Highlights: Meetup Appreciation

Megan shares a heartfelt shout-out to listeners who attended a recent meetup at the Irish Exit, highlighting the sense of community and appreciation among fans:

• Brian [08:37]: "We got a message in the chat here from Mark, who said, thanks for organizing the meetup..."
• Megan [09:03]: "It was so fun... Thanks to everybody that came by and said hi throughout the whole run."

This segment underscores the podcast’s role in fostering fan interactions and creating memorable experiences beyond the music itself.

Analyzing the MSG 2024 Performances

A central focus of the episode is the detailed analysis of Phish’s performances at MSG in 2024. The hosts dissect various aspects, from setlist choices to the overall energy of the shows.

1. Setlist Consistency and Variations

   • Brian [11:03]: "They played their 85th through 88th show at MSG this past week... It's a lot of times to play in one room."
   • Megan [11:25]: "They probably just play a good one, hopefully. It seems to be at 50-50 these days."

   The hosts discuss the frequency of MSG performances and ponder whether Phish is overplaying the venue, balancing between consistency and freshness.

2. Highlight Performances: Ruby Waves and Tweezer

   • RJ [24:07]: "The Ruby Waves is the clear, huge jam... It just felt very patient, fully connected."
   • Megan [24:01]: "Getting lost in the jams, which is the whole point, and that's pretty rare for me."

   Specific performances, such as "Ruby Waves" and "Tweezer," are highlighted for their exceptional jamming sections, showcasing the band’s continuous evolution and improvisational prowess.

3. Crowd Energy and Venue Influence

   • Megan [15:20]: "The MSG crowd is, I think, probably unbeatable in terms of energy."
   • RJ [23:23]: "The YouTube comment story of 2024 is new songs adding to a show instead of derailing it. It's interesting."

   The dynamic energy of MSG audiences is credited for elevating performances, with the hosts noting how crowd interaction can both inspire and influence the band’s setlists and improvisations.

Drafting and Ranking Favorite Shows

The episode transitions into a playful yet analytical segment where the hosts discuss upcoming drafts of their favorite 2024 shows. They touch upon the competitiveness of their selections and the anticipation for listener engagement.

• Brian [75:54]: "We will be back on Wednesday afternoon where we'll be drafting our favorite shows from 2024."
• Megan [75:48]: "One of my highlights of this New Year's Eve run was getting to spend a little time with Sam Timber."

This segment highlights the podcast’s interactive nature, encouraging listener participation and fostering a sense of community through shared experiences and friendly competition.

New Year's Eve Show: A Bold Experiment

A significant portion of the recap centers on Phish’s New Year's Eve performance, noted for its experimental three-set show that incorporated elements of Electronic Dance Music (EDM). The hosts delve into the artistic risks taken and the varied fan reactions:

1. Innovative Third Set

   • RJ [20:16]: "One of the coolest aspects... it's the first time they've incorporated a style of music that came after they were created as a band."
   • Megan [53:13]: "The whole New Year's set was absolutely amazing... They really did that to a T."

   The third set is lauded for its daring fusion of EDM with Phish’s signature sound, representing a forward-thinking approach that bridges different musical genres and fan demographics.

2. Fan Reactions and Polarization

   • Brian [16:32]: "People have different perspectives on it... a lot of people did not like it."
   • Megan [57:36]: "I did not realize it was so polarizing."

   While some fans celebrated the innovative direction, others expressed confusion or disappointment, reflecting the diverse expectations within the Phish community.

3. Production and Visuals

   • Megan [54:02]: "The screens that Kuroda had over the top of MSG... it was so beautiful."
   • Brian [56:30]: "I wish it was like 40 minutes instead of 17 minutes..."

   The visual production elements, including dynamic lighting and projections, received praise for enhancing the live experience, despite mixed opinions on the set's musical length and structure.

Final Reflections and Upcoming Plans

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts share personal reflections on the year’s performances and outline upcoming content plans:

• RJ [72:43]: "If you're going to a four-night run, you know you're going to get that... it's in a really good spot."
• Megan [73:04]: "This has made me think deeper about the band, but it's also led to deeper enjoyment."

They emphasize the balance between analytical critique and personal enjoyment, encouraging listeners to engage with Phish’s music both intellectually and emotionally.

Additionally, the hosts announce their next episode focused on drafting favorite shows from 2024, promising further analysis and fan interaction:

• RJ [75:03]: "We will have these in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 categories here. The biggest of all is the summer tour..."

Conclusion

The Helping Friendly Podcast's MSG 2024 Recap offers a multifaceted exploration of Phish’s performances at Madison Square Garden. Through in-depth discussions, personal anecdotes, and critical analyses, the episode captures the essence of Phish’s enduring appeal and the evolving dynamics of their live shows. Notable for its inclusion of fan perspectives and detailed breakdowns of specific performances, the recap serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the nuances of Phish’s 2024 MSG run.

Listeners are left with a sense of anticipation for future episodes, which promise to continue dissecting and celebrating the rich tapestry of Phish’s musical journey.

Notable Quotes:

• Megan [09:03]: "It was so fun... Thanks to everybody that came by and said hi throughout the whole run."
• RJ [24:07]: "The Ruby Waves is the clear, huge jam... It just felt very patient, fully connected."
• Megan [53:13]: "The whole New Year's set was absolutely amazing... They really did that to a T."

For more recaps and in-depth Phish discussions, tune into the Helping Friendly Podcast, your go-to source for all things Phish.