Helping Friendly Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Quick Hits: Pittsburgh, PA + Austin, TX
Host/Author: Osiris Media
Release Date: June 30, 2025
Overview
In this episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod), hosts Brian and Megan delve into their recent experiences attending Phish concerts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Austin, Texas. The discussion is rich with detailed analyses of setlists, jam lengths, and the evolving dynamics of Phish's live performances. They also explore fan interactions, upcoming events, and their perspectives on the band's current tour. Notable insights include statistical breakdowns of jam durations and thoughtful reflections on the band's musical progression.
Show Recaps: Pittsburgh, PA [33:29 - 44:32]
Brian:
Initiates the recap of the Pittsburgh show held on June 24, 2025. Highlights include the introduction of new songs and long jam sessions.
“What a banger in Pittsburgh. Like, how awesome to just drop in and crush a show like this.” [35:26]
Megan:
Shares her excitement and appreciation for specific performances, emphasizing the seamless integration of new and classic Phish elements.
“I love what Fishman is playing these really deep like primal beat throughout this whole space section that just keeps it so grounded.” [39:05]
Key Highlights:
- Set One: Included tracks like "ACDC Bag," "Dog Stole Things," and "Paul and Silas," each contributing to a dynamic start.
- Set Two: Featured extended jams with songs such as "What's Going Through Your Mind" and "Fuego," culminating in the encore with "Howling" and "Ghost."
- Notable Jam: The Pittsburgh show showcased the sixth longest Phish jam of all time, a 43-minute rendition of "What's Going Through Your Mind," demonstrating the band's exceptional improvisational skills.
- Quotes:
- “They have zero stress, an abundance of comfort, a still desire and willingness to see what is new and what is possible.” — Brian [16:56]
Show Recaps: Austin, TX [48:00 - 63:16]
Brian:
Reviews the Austin shows from June 27-28, 2025, noting the introduction of rare tracks and impressive musical segments.
“I love the version from Seattle as well. So we closed tonight's show. I think the only nitpick...” [73:38]
Megan:
Offers her perspectives on the performance quality, particularly praising the use of effects and the seamless flow between songs.
“I could hear it a lot more even, not just in the big jams, but in the kind of smaller jams as well.” [50:39]
Key Highlights:
- Set Lists: Included a mix of classic and newer songs such as "Crowd Control," "Fuego," "Golden Age," and "Ruby Waves."
- Extended Jams: Austin shows featured significant improvisational segments, including a 30-minute jam of "Ruby Waves," highlighting Phish's commitment to musical exploration.
- Technical Enhancements: Trey Anastasio's use of effects pedals was notably more prominent, adding depth to the performances.
- Quotes:
- “This is one of the best Harry Hoods of the summer. Maybe rivals the hood from later in the year where we got the hood guy from.” — Osiris [10:05]
- “There's spaceyness. I talked about this at the beginning, but it's really rhythmic.” — Megan [40:32]
Statistical Analysis of Jams [14:14 - 32:28]
Megan:
Provides an in-depth analysis of Phish's jam sessions, comparing current performances to previous years.
“Six jams over 20 minutes, not counting the yam. But there is a lot of jams too that hit very close to 20.” [14:40]
Brian:
Contextualizes the statistics within Phish's touring history, highlighting the unprecedented length and frequency of current jams.
“We are in pretty rarefied air for Fish. They seem to be in this place.” [16:56]
Key Insights:
- Jam Frequency: In the first six shows of the 2025 summer tour, Phish performed six jams exceeding 20 minutes, a significant increase compared to previous years.
- Comparison to Past Tours: This surge in extended jams places the current tour in a unique position within Phish's live performance history, rivaling notable summer tours from the early 2000s.
- Band Dynamics: The hosts suggest that Phish's current ease and creativity in producing extensive jams indicate a period of musical abundance and low stress within the band.
- Quotes:
- “These are much more exploratory. They're using rhythm really well to ground all the textures and layers of these space effects.” — Megan [15:13]
- “They seem to be in this place where there is zero stress, an abundance of comfort.” — Brian [16:56]
Fan Engagement and Upcoming Events [08:39 - 22:24]
Megan:
Announces upcoming live events and community engagements, including a live episode at the Man and a benefit barbecue.
“We are going to be doing a live episode of the Pod on July 16th... supporting this incredible cause.” [08:39]
Brian:
Discusses future shows and anticipates their impact on the fanbase, expressing enthusiasm for Reprise band performances and Boulder shows.
“Reprise as a band is killing it. I'm hoping that late 25 or early 26 is when they make their Denver debut.” [07:16]
Key Points:
- Reprise Band: Highlighting Reprise's impressive performances in Syracuse, Morristown, and Asbury Park, and anticipation for their Denver debut.
- HFPod Event: Promotion of a live episode at the Man event on July 16th, supporting the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Cancer Center.
- Community Insights: Emphasis on the strong bond within the Phish community and the excitement surrounding the current tour's unique routing.
- Quotes:
- “We are in a really, really lucky space.” — Brian [73:38]
- “Mike's already posting like pictures of Telluride 88. He's just like in the feels right now.” — Megan [73:38]
Musical Evolution and Band Dynamics [22:24 - 43:05]
Brian:
Explores Phish's musical growth, discussing how the band has achieved a balance between creativity and comfortable performance.
“They have figured out a way to jam this. I don't know what it is about that song.” [63:16]
Megan:
Reflects on the band's consistent energy and the positive reception from fans, attributing it to the members' active engagement and personal fulfillment.
“I am very excited to continue to see them dive deep here.” [70:13]
Key Insights:
- Creative Balance: Phish has mastered the art of delivering extended jams without the pressure of achieving specific milestones each night, allowing for a more organic musical flow.
- Energy and Engagement: Both members exhibit a sustained, positive energy that translates into their performances, fostering a deeper connection with the audience.
- Influence of Structure: The structured yet flexible touring schedule contributes to the band's ability to perform consistently high-quality shows without burnout.
- Quotes:
- “This is the best level of fish that we can conceive. I can't imagine it getting better.” — Brian [32:28]
- “It's an absolutely epic jam. I've listened to it I think three times and I'm completely captivating the whole time.” — Megan [40:32]
Concluding Thoughts
Brian and Megan conclude the episode by expressing their excitement for the upcoming Boulder shows, highlighting the special aura surrounding Phish's return to a historic venue. They emphasize the band's current creative peak and the unique experiences offered by the ongoing tour. The hosts also tease future content, including an episode focusing on the Boulder performances and their new Blockbuster Card series.
Final Quotes:
- “If you are going to be there, it's going to be such a special experience.” — Megan [77:00]
- “We're in a really, really lucky space.” — Brian [73:38]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Brian:
“They have zero stress, an abundance of comfort, a still desire and willingness to see what is new and what is possible.” [16:56] -
Megan:
“Six jams over 20 minutes, not counting the yam.” [14:40] -
Brian:
“If memory serves correctly, it was the Berkeley version. That Berkeley run is so legendary now.” [61:57] -
Megan:
“This is the perfect way to close a set that like Bowie Wild Peaks.” [58:18] -
Brian:
“We are in a really, really lucky space.” [73:38] -
Megan:
“I can't believe there have been six jams over 20 minutes in these six shows.” [72:50]
Conclusion
This episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast offers an in-depth and enthusiastic exploration of Phish's recent performances, highlighting the band's exceptional improvisational prowess and the positive trajectory of their current tour. Through detailed analysis, statistical insights, and passionate commentary, Brian and Megan provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Phish's evolving musical landscape and the vibrant community that supports them.