Helping Friendly Podcast Episode Summary: "Quick Hits: Manchester, NH"

Release Date: June 23, 2025
Host: Osiris Media

Introduction

In this episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod), hosts Megan and RJ delve into the excitement surrounding Phish's Summer 2025 tour, with a particular focus on the inaugural show held in Manchester, New Hampshire. Although co-host RJ was on vacation during the event, the duo offers comprehensive insights and analyses based on listener feedback and personal observations.

Stage Setup Changes

A significant topic of discussion is Phish's new stage configuration, marking a departure from their previous setups. The hosts note that since July 3, 2013, when the Summer Tour commenced, the band opted for an all four members in a row arrangement. However, recently, Fishman (Jon Fishman) has repositioned slightly, angling at approximately 45 degrees instead of the traditional 90 degrees.

Megan shares her observations:
"My co-host Dave Goldstein mentioned it's a smaller riser with a 45-degree angle, allowing Fishman to see over the cymbals and drums better" (09:27).

RJ adds:
"Mike explained that he removed his side speakers, relying solely on in-ear monitors, which facilitated the repositioning" (15:57).

The hosts speculate that this change could symbolize a nod to Phish's origins, emphasizing the band's unity and equality, reminiscent of their early stage layouts.

Live Bait Release and Tour Plans

Phish has introduced a new Live Bait recording ahead of the current tour, promoting not just immediate performances but also their upcoming fall tour. Megan expresses curiosity about the track selection and highlights:
"I loved the tweezer from Louisville, August '93—a pivotal moment for the band" (08:00).

RJ reflects on the uncertainty surrounding the release's intent:
"Initially, I was confused as I thought it was for the summer tour, but it's actually for the latter part" (07:16).

The hosts acknowledge the trend of Live Bait releases as a means to keep fans engaged and provide a glimpse into the band's evolving musical journey.

Drafting the Top 25 Tours

A segment of the episode is dedicated to drafting Phish's top 25 tours of all time. RJ announces that he has won the draft by a narrow margin, crediting a better understanding of the snake draft mechanic:
"Mr. RJB secured the win with an extra 2% of votes" (09:27).

Megan encourages listeners to support the podcast by purchasing limited edition Top 25 Tours T-shirts, emphasizing their exclusivity:
"Thank you to those who supported the pod by buying the shirt. There won't be more made" (09:35).

This interactive element fosters community engagement and adds a playful competitive edge to the discussion.

Detailed Show Reviews

Friday Night: Setlist Breakdown

Set 1:

• MoMA Dance
• Back on the Train
• Wolfman's Brother
• Theme from the Bottom
• Old Home
• Place 46 Days
• Bird of a Feather
• Slave to the Traffic Light

Set 2:

• Bouncing Around the Room
• Sample in a Jar
• Life Saving Gun → Twist → Piper → Everything's Right

Encore:

• Strange Design
• Harry Hood
• Suzy Greenberg

Megan analyzes the setlist, noting the average song gap of 6.47 shows, indicating a balanced mix of familiar and fresh tracks:
"Only two songs in the entire show have over a 10-show gap" (35:09).

RJ comments on Trey Anastasio's song selection comfort zone:
"Trey tends to play songs within a 10-show rotation, ensuring consistency and reliability" (35:55).

Saturday Night: Setlist Breakdown

Set 1:

• Halfway to the Moon
• Hallelujah
• Stash
• Meat and Potatoes
• Down with Disease

Set 2:

• Carini → Wave of Hope
• Billy Breathes → Meat Stick → About to Run into Possum

Encore:

• Bold as Love → David Bowie → Wilson

Megan praises the Carini and Wave of Hope jam session:
"The Carini into Wave of Hope transition was rhythmic and sophisticated" (49:59).

RJ shares his admiration for the jam quality, particularly the Twist segment:
"The Twist from night one is my favorite, and the Carini segment on night two was rhythmically incredible" (63:41).

Sunday Night: Setlist Breakdown

Set 1:

• Runaway
• Gym
• Oblivion
• Llama
• Fast Enough for You
• The Wedge
• Pebbles and Marbles
• My Friend, My Friend → Egg in a Hole → Fluff Hat

Set 2:

• Axla Part Two
• Tweezer → Mercury → Tweezer → Pillow Jets → Tweezer → Golgi Apparatus

Encore:

• Bug → Tweezer Reprise

Megan highlights the second set's cohesion, particularly the Tweezer Segway Festivals:
"Tweezer into Mercury into Pillow Jets felt like a perfect, composed jam segment" (66:41).

RJ echoes the sentiment, commending the flow and thematic depth:
"The pairing of Mercury and Pillow Jets was genius, creating an epic narrative arc" (62:34).

Listener Highlights and Predictions

The hosts read and respond to listener comments, addressing varied opinions on specific songs like Drift While You're Sleeping and advocating for more spotlight on classics like Dear Prudence and Home Back. They emphasize the importance of song placement for maintaining energy and narrative flow during performances.

RJ offers a prediction for the upcoming Pittsburgh show:
"Given the strong start, I anticipate even deeper jams and innovative setlists in Pittsburgh" (72:55).

Conclusion

As the Summer 2025 tour progresses, Helping Friendly Podcast provides an in-depth and passionate analysis of Phish's performances, stage dynamics, and musical evolution. Hosts Megan and RJ effectively bridge fan perspectives with critical insights, offering both enthusiasm and thoughtful critique. Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for reviews of Pittsburgh and Austin shows, promising continued comprehensive coverage of Phish's musical journey.

Notable Quotes:

• Megan on stage setup:
  "I really love the tweezer from Louisville, August '93. Tweezers are kind of this breaking out point for the band." (08:00)

• RJ on song selection:
  "Trey tends to play songs within a 10-show rotation, ensuring consistency and reliability." (35:55)

• Megan on set two excellence:
  "This set two is Chef's Kiss. It's perfect in terms of flow and narrative arc." (57:28)

• RJ on thematic jam pairs:
  "The pairing of Mercury and Pillow Jets was genius, creating an epic narrative arc." (62:34)

This detailed summary captures the essence of the "Quick Hits: Manchester, NH" episode, offering valuable insights into Phish's latest tour developments for both avid fans and newcomers alike.