Helping Friendly Podcast - Episode: Top 25 Tours #6 – Summer 1997

Release Date: November 4, 2024
Host/Author: Osiris Media

Introduction

In the sixth installment of their "Top 25 Tours" series, the Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod) delves deep into Phish's Summer 1997 US Tour, a pivotal period that marked significant evolution for the band and its fanbase. Hosted by Brian, Megan, and RJ, the episode offers a comprehensive analysis enriched with personal anecdotes, detailed show breakdowns, and insightful commentary on the tour's lasting impact.

Context of Summer 1997 Tour

Megan ([10:16]) sets the stage by highlighting the tour's backdrop:

"They had gone to Europe in February and March, looking to workshop a new sound after their arena tour in fall 96 wasn't as successful as hoped."

Upon returning from Europe in March, Phish embarked on the Summer 1997 US Tour, comprising 19 shows across the Southeast, Southwest, West Coast, Midwest, Upstate New York, and culminating in Maine at the Great Went festival. This tour was lauded for its high jam chart entries—107 in total, averaging 5.6 jams per show—demonstrating Phish's commitment to improvisational excellence.

Analysis of the Tour's Impact

Brian ([11:58]) emphasizes the tour's significance as a bridge between Phish's experimental phase in Europe and their reinvention in the US:

"This is Fish putting together the final pieces of a band that can hang for 20 to 30 more years. This is the reinvention, a sound that is more democratic and accessible."

He further elaborates on how the tour set the foundation for Phish's versatility:

"They can play any sound and make it their own, leading to a new era where they can seamlessly integrate various musical styles."

Megan ([14:51]) echoes this sentiment, noting the tour's narrative arc from "authoritative, punchy, funky vibe" to "dissonance and beautiful ambience."

"It's unbelievable how punchy it is in the beginning and how open and kind of free it becomes."

Notable Shows and Jams

Several standout performances from the tour are highlighted:

1. Dallas, Texas Show ([29:07]):

   • Features the blend of classics like "Gin Makasupa", "ACDC Bag", and "Chalk Dust" into new, fluid arrangements.
   • Brian remarks on the band's ability to fuse older songs innovatively:

     "You're almost hearing their songs and their sound in a new way, in real time."

2. Shoreline Show ([32:33]):

   • The second set includes "Runaway Gym", encapsulating the tour's ethos of finding "total gorgeousness" through contemplative jams.
   • Megan praises the jam's emotional depth:

     "It's a really beautiful example of it... contemplative and so patient and lovely."

3. Phoenix Show ([37:35]):

   • Highlights "Gumbo" and "Antelope" as critical jams that pushed the band's improvisational boundaries.
   • Brian underscores their forward momentum:

     "The Phoenix Gumbo and the Denver Ghost were the first time they felt their music was pushing them forward."

4. Deer Creek Shows 8:10 & 8:17 ([40:53], [75:18]):

   • RJ shares his transformative experience, initially questioning the slow, strange jams but later recognizing their beauty and emotional resonance.
   • Megan reflects on the subdued chaos:

     "It's just one entire narrative arc... the band completely giving into the muse."

Personal Reflections and Anecdotes

The hosts intertwine their personal journeys with the tour's narrative:

• RJ ([40:53]) recounts attending Deer Creek right after graduating high school, initially feeling disconnected from the slow jams but growing to appreciate their depth over time.

• Megan shares nostalgic memories, including a Virginia Beach show that profoundly impacted her perception of Phish's evolving sound.

• Brian discusses how critical this tour was for Phish's longevity and his own journey as a fan, emphasizing the tour's role in shaping his deep understanding of the band's improvisational prowess.

Concluding Insights

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reflect on the enduring legacy of the Summer 1997 Tour:

Brian ([75:18]) summarizes its pivotal role:

"The reinvention experiment worked. They reshaped their sound around groove, increasing democratic jamming, and their fan base loved it."

Megan ([76:08]) adds:

"Reflecting on this tour, I didn't realize how much they evolved during it. It was thrilling to see that evolution happen in real-time."

RJ ([77:00]) emphasizes the tour's foundational impact on future Phish endeavors:

"This is the beginning of the next new era... this tour set up what comes next."

Top Moments and Takeaways

• Summer 1997 US Tour stands as a testament to Phish's ability to evolve while maintaining improvisational excellence.

• The tour's diverse setlists and experimental jams showcased the band's versatility and set the stage for future musical explorations.

• Personal anecdotes from the hosts enrich the analysis, offering listeners a heartfelt connection to the tour's significance.

• Notable shows like Dallas, Shoreline, and Phoenix serve as highlights, illustrating the tour's dynamic range and emotional depth.

Final Thoughts

The Summer 1997 US Tour not only reinforced Phish's status as premier jam artists but also solidified their ability to reinvent and adapt, ensuring their legacy for decades to come. Through insightful discussion, personal reflections, and detailed show analyses, HFPod captures the essence of this transformative tour, making it accessible and engaging for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian ([14:51]): "This is Fish putting together the final pieces of a band that can hang for 20 to 30 more years."

• Megan ([32:33]): "When they find the melody and the ambience, they get to that beautiful ambient space."

• RJ ([40:07]): "It's awesome because that good times, bad times is unbelievable."

• Brian ([75:18]): "They reshaped their sound around groove, increasing democratic jamming, and their fan base loved it."

• Megan ([76:08]): "I didn't realize how much they evolved during this tour. It was thrilling to see that evolution happen in real-time."

• RJ ([77:00]): "This is the beginning of the next new era... this tour set up what comes next."

Conclusion

This episode of HFPod offers an in-depth exploration of Phish's Summer 1997 US Tour, celebrating its artistic bravery and enduring influence. Through expert analysis and personal storytelling, listeners gain a rich understanding of why this tour remains a beloved chapter in Phish's storied history.