Helping Friendly Podcast Episode Summary: "Top 25 Tours Breakdown"

Release Date: December 24, 2024
Host/Author: Osiris Media

The "Helping Friendly Podcast" (HFPod) episode titled "Top 25 Tours Breakdown" offers an in-depth recap of the podcast's ambitious project to rank Phish's top 25 tours. Hosted by a panel of passionate Phish aficionados—referred to as Osiris, Megan, and Brian—the episode navigates through listener feedback, internal debates, and reflections on the band's evolving legacy.

1. Introduction and Recap of the Top 25 Tours Series

[01:18] Host C:
"We're being merry ourselves. It's recap time. We're going to recap our recaps. So this is the rewatchables of our top 25 tours."

The hosts kick off the episode by celebrating the completion of their 25-episode series, which meticulously analyzed Phish's extensive touring history. Emphasizing the project's meta nature, they express enthusiasm about revisiting their previous discussions to uncover new insights and perspectives.

2. Listener Engagement and Voicemails

[02:22] Host C:
"I was at Northampton, Massachusetts, on Thursday night. The number of HF POD fans who were there was incredible..."

The episode highlights the strong community engagement, recounting experiences from live events where fans expressed their appreciation. The hosts underscore the importance of listener feedback in shaping their content.

[03:34] Voicemail from a Listener:
"The best tour is the next tour. It will be the correct answer until Coventry 2.0."
(16:42)

A prominent voicemail suggests exploring "most important Phish shows" rather than solely focusing on the best tours. The listener proposes examining pivotal performances that significantly impacted the band's history.

3. Debating the Top 25: Potential Additions and Omissions

[10:08] Host B:
"Two definitely should have somehow found their way in there are summer 2012 and summer 2021."

The hosts delve into specific tours that narrowly missed the top 25 cut. They discuss the historical significance of tours like Summer 2012, which marked a pivotal evolution in Phish's sound, and Summer 2021, emerging post-pandemic with a blend of seriousness and excellence.

[13:19] Host A:
"Europe Winter Tour 97... workshopping this new sound is some of the first early uses of, like, deep ambience."

Megan advocates for the inclusion of the Europe Winter Tour 1997, emphasizing its role in the band's sonic exploration and development of new musical dimensions.

[19:17] Host C:
"I have some thoughts, Meg."
(19:23)

The discussion shifts to tours that arguably should not have been included. Megan and Brian express reservations about the Spring 2023 Tour, citing inconsistent performances and lower fan ratings, while acknowledging its historical context.

4. In-Depth Tour Analyses and Rankings

[25:47] Host B:
"Fall 98... really nice and pleasant."
(14:38)

The hosts critique the Fall 1998 Tour, appreciating its pleasant vibe but questioning its ranking within their list. They consider whether its consistency and overall feel warranted a higher placement or possible exclusion.

[33:03] Host C:
"I would put fall 94 first, fall 97 second, fall 95 third..."
(55:11)

Megan proposes her personal top five tours, challenging the group's rankings by prioritizing Fall 1997 and Fall 1994 tours over others. This sparks a lively debate about personal biases, historical impact, and musical innovation.

[41:24] Host B:
"They're always looking towards what's next, even when they're peaking within a specific style."
(72:48)

Brian emphasizes Phish's relentless pursuit of evolution, praising tours like Fall 1997 and Summer 2024 for their creative risk-taking and consistent push for innovation, which he believes solidify their legacy.

5. Reflections on Phish’s Evolution and the Podcast Project

[65:33] Host A:
"Their constant drive for reinvention and evolution is something that has inspired me so much."
(65:33)

The hosts share personal journeys and revelations gained from the project. They reflect on how Phish's continual reinvention keeps fans engaged and inspires deeper appreciation for the band's musical prowess.

[72:03] Host C:
"Each tour was like a monolith... but when you look at it the way we did, you see these changes."
(70:13)

Chris discusses the nuanced transformations within each tour, noting how successive performances reveal the band's dynamic evolution and how their sound matures over time.

6. Future Plans and Closing Remarks

[75:50] Host B:
"We're going to do some random fun shows, shows that we've never discussed before..."
(75:50)

Looking ahead, the podcast team outlines their upcoming endeavors, including recapping recent MSG shows, exploring fan-recommended performances, and brainstorming new series concepts for 2025. They express excitement about continuing to delve into Phish's rich touring history.

[78:15] Host A:
"Come say hi if you see us at MSG."
(77:59)

In their closing statements, the hosts invite listeners to engage further by attending live events and participating in future discussions. They reiterate their gratitude for the community's support and enthusiasm throughout the Top 25 Tours series.

Notable Quotes

• Host C [01:18]:
  "We're being merry ourselves. It's recap time. We're going to recap our recaps."

• Listener Voicemail [16:42]:
  "The best tour is the next tour. It will be the correct answer until Coventry 2.0."

• Host B [41:24]:
  "They're always looking towards what's next, even when they're peaking within a specific style."

• Host A [65:33]:
  "Their constant drive for reinvention and evolution is something that has inspired me so much."

Conclusion

"Top 25 Tours Breakdown" serves as both a celebration and a critical examination of Phish's illustrious touring history. Through passionate discussions, listener interactions, and thoughtful debates, HFPod provides fans and newcomers alike with a comprehensive understanding of what makes each tour unique and significant. The episode not only honors Phish's legacy but also sets the stage for future explorations, ensuring that the band's dynamic journey remains a vibrant topic of conversation within the fan community.