Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod) – Episode: Top 25 Tours #2 – Fall 1997
Release Date: December 13, 2024
Host/Author: Osiris Media

Introduction

In the second installment of HFPod's "Top 25 Tours" series, hosts Megan, Brian, and RJ delve deep into Phish's Fall 1997 tour, a period they proudly rank as the number two tour of all time. This episode, released on December 13, 2024, offers an engaging exploration of the tour's musical prowess, unmatched energy, and the unique experiences that solidified its legendary status among Phish fans.

Tour Ranking and Initial Reactions

The episode kicks off with a lighthearted exchange among the hosts, celebrating their draft win for ranking the Fall 1997 tour as the second-best Phish tour. Megan humorously remarks, “[02:04]...I'm definitely ready to up just like fish in '97,” highlighting the excitement surrounding the discussion.

Vibes and Energy of the Fall 1997 Tour

RJ emphasizes the unparalleled vibe of the tour, stating at [10:17], “If we're talking about Vibes, then this is number one.” He describes the tour as Phish at their peak, where every night exuded an electric environment devoid of gimmicks, purely driven by the band's dynamic performance and the audience's enthusiastic engagement.

Megan adds her perspective, “[11:20]...there was something about bringing that energy into the indoor space of a fall tour and just this feeling of a band peaking for the second time, but also innovating while they're doing it.” She appreciates the tour's efficiency and narrative flow, noting the absence of filler, which kept each show tight and engaging.

Detailed Breakdown of Specific Shows and Jams

The hosts delve into specific shows that epitomize the tour's excellence:

1. Rochester Show ([93:59] - [95:53]):
   Megan praises the Rochester show as “[69:16]...probably one of the best shows, and it should be released.” She highlights its perfect narrative arc, seamless segues, and standout jams like “Roses Are Free” and “Ghost,” which exemplify the tour's sophisticated musicality.

2. Hampton Night One ([94:22] - [94:32]):
   Brian lauds “Hampton Night One” as “[94:22]...the best set of the tour,” appreciating the set's fluidity and the seamless transitions between songs like “Hydrogen We Pug” and “Train Song.”

3. Hartford Show ([74:37] - [81:05]):
   Brian discusses the Hartford show, noting its impressive setlists and jams such as “Isabella Tweezer” and “Reba,” which showcase Phish's ability to blend different musical styles effortlessly.

4. Denver Show ([44:30] - [48:00]):
   RJ shares his experience of the Denver show, emphasizing the powerful segues from “Ghost” into high-energy jams. Megan echoes the sentiment, describing the show as “[44:30]...just buckle up and let them take you on a perfect ride.”

Analysis of Jams and Musical Flow

A significant portion of the episode focuses on analyzing the tour's intricate jams and setlist constructions:

• “Ghost” and “ACDC Bag” ([34:07] - [44:33]):
  Megan identifies key jams that define the tour's sound, including “Hampden Bag,” “Denver Ghost,” and “Worcester Gym,” praising their depth and creativity. Brian adds that the segues between these jams demonstrate Phish's mastery in maintaining high energy levels without losing musical coherence.

• “Wolfman's Brother” Controversy ([64:01] - [72:46]):
  The hosts discuss the polarizing jam “Wolfman's Brother,” with Megan defending its artistic risk and organic flow. Brian acknowledges its experimental nature, likening Trey’s guitar solos to basketball legends like Kobe, highlighting the technical prowess and audience trust Phish enjoys.

• Set Two Dynamics ([57:29] - [73:34]):
  Megan and Brian explore the complexities of set two in various shows, noting how Phish balances intense, high-energy jams with delicate, ambient sections. This balance creates a dynamic and captivating musical journey for the audience.

Audience and Fan Interactions

HFPod engages with its listeners through voicemails and kudos:

• Voicemail from Justin ([02:46] - [03:27]):
  Justin shares his passion for the Fall 1997 tour, detailing his experience at the Vegas opener and praising jams like “The Stash” and “Casting.” His enthusiasm underscores the tour's lasting impact on fans.

• Kudos Exchange ([03:27] - [05:39]):
  The hosts exchange kudos for creating drafts and compiling lists, fostering a sense of community and collaborative appreciation for Phish's music.

Setlists and Narrative Arcs

The conversation delves into the strategic construction of setlists that offer both variety and thematic coherence:

• Fluid Transitions:
  The hosts commend Phish's ability to transition seamlessly between varied musical styles, creating narrative arcs that enhance each show’s storytelling aspect.

• Balanced Structure:
  Megan highlights the balance Phish maintains between high-energy jams and melodic, contemplative pieces, ensuring each show remains compelling from start to finish.

Personal Experiences and Anecdotes

Both RJ and Megan share personal anecdotes that enrich the discussion:

• RJ's Memories ([87:53] - [88:04]):
  RJ recounts driving back from a show at midnight, feeling exhilarated and accomplished, reflecting the tour's ability to create lasting, cherished memories.

• Megan's Reflections ([88:04] - [88:35]):
  Megan connects her college experiences with attending Phish shows, emphasizing the band's role in shaping memorable life moments for fans.

Conclusion and Future Plans

As the episode wraps up, the hosts discuss upcoming plans and future content:

• Upcoming Drafts ([98:33] - [99:00]):
  They tease the next episode in the series, which will rank the top tour, promising an in-depth analysis of what makes that tour surpass Fall 1997.

• Future Events and Podcasts ([98:55] - [101:03]):
  Megan announces a happy hour event at MSG, encouraging listeners to join and celebrate, while RJ and Brian promote their other podcasts, fostering further engagement with the HFPod community.

• Final Reflections ([93:59] - [99:58]):
  The hosts express gratitude to their listeners, reflecting on the tour's significance and their excitement for future discussions.

Notable Quotes

• RJ on Vibes:
  “[10:17] If we're talking about Vibes, then this is number one.”

• Megan on Setlist Flow:
  “[11:20]...there's such flow in these shows. I don't think there's any tour that we've listened to that every show seems to have this level of flow.”

• Brian on Best Sets:
  “[94:32] Hampton, Night one,” and “[81:05]...set two is [of] the tour.”

• Megan on Artistic Risk:
  “[65:51]...the willingness to float somewhere and stay there and exist in a musical space is so... that is very risky.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Helping Friendly Podcast provides an exhaustive and passionate examination of Phish's Fall 1997 tour, showcasing why it remains a beloved and highly esteemed period in the band's history. Through detailed analyses, personal anecdotes, and interactive listener engagement, Megan, Brian, and RJ paint a vivid picture of the tour's brilliance, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated discussion of the number one tour in their forthcoming episode.