PHISH, THURSDAY 04/02/1998
NASSAU VETERANS MEMORIAL COLISEUM
Uniondale, NY
Soundcheck: Funky Bitch -> Jam, Birds of a Feather

SET 1:

Tube: Great way to kick off the run! I bet many were wondering if they would continue to play all that funky stuff that was so prevalent. I suppose this was answered by this Tube. Nice and funky version with a bit of length on it. Would recommend. Dance party type stuff for sure.

My Mind's Got a Mind of its Own: Keeps your feet moving and head bobbing. Everyone sounds tight on this one.

The Sloth: Trey jacks up the take this piece of paper lyric. Trey may have been having some gear issues during his guitar part. His tone sounds weird for about 10-20 seconds then shifts back to normal. Right after this the sort of re-entry and into the ending of the song is a little sloppy.

NICU: Lyrics get jacked up towards the end.

Stash[1] - This jam starts off as you would expect. But it doesn’t take long to evolve into more of an upbeat sort of jam while keeping itself in check all at the same time. All have equal parts in this one too, it’s a true group effort. A very cerebral jam would recommend! Fish quotes some Frankie Says lyrics at the end which of course had yet to debut. Then they segue into Horn. >

Horn: Standard. >

Waste: Unique placement. >

Chalk Dust Torture: Played super-fast, break neck pace. Trey leaves everyone on a high note at the end – a shrieking, ear popping loop. Always the jokester.

SET 2:

Punch You in the Eye: Standard. >

Simple: Trey’s tone is so exceptional in the early going of this jam. Swear to God it’s absolutely perfect. Heaven. Would recommend. >

Birds of a Feather[2] - As debuts go, this one rocks pretty well. It’s straightforward, but who knew that at the time. It’s a good listen and I would recommend it in terms of replay value and the historical nature of the debut.

Wolfman's Brother: Standard, hangs right in the pocket the whole time. ->

Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley[3] - Ahhh, no vocal jam – they should do it this way every time! They couldn’t wait to play this again after busting it out twice at 12.30.97! This jam is so subtle yet awesome at the same time. Stays in it’s lane and doesn’t try to do too much (you paying attention Phish 3.0? LOL!). Great stuff and highly recommended.
->

Frankie Says[2] - Good stuff >

Twist: This jam is so exceptionally heady and unique. That space that they get to – and quickly – in the 8 minute range and then especially in the late 9’s and early 10’s is unprecedented. Kuroda’s lights during all this are incredible. This jam is a THE highlights for the entire bands career, it truly is that special. Trey with the full on HOSE in the late 11’s and early 12’s. Good Lord. >

Sleeping Monkey: Standard. >

Rocky Top: Mike forgets some lyrics toward the end.

ENCORE:

Guyute: Trey is rusty in spots.

Summary: The infamous ticket tree show. A very solid show! Twist is incredible and then you have many highlights to lean on throughout. Great way to start the run! The rating of 4.624/5 (452 ratings) seems about right. The many highlights coupled with that Twist merit the very high rating.

Replay Value: Tube, Stash, Simple, Birds of a Feather, Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley, Twist

[1] Unfinished.
[2] Debut.
[3] No vocal jam.

This show marked the debut of Birds of a Feather and Frankie Says. After NICU, Trey commented on the brief “Island Tour,” remarking that the band was getting bored at home and wanted to play some shows. Stash was unfinished and contained Frankie Says quotes at its end. The final chord of Chalk Dust included a "Charge!" tease from Page. Fikus was teased by Fish before Wolfman's. Sneakin' Sally did not contain a vocal jam. Twist included Star Trek theme teases from Mike. This show is available as an archival release on LivePhish.com.
SHOW RATING
Your rating:
Overall: 4.624/5 (452 ratings)
JAM CHART VERSIONS
Tube, Stash, Simple, Birds of a Feather, Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley, Twist
TEASES
Frankie Says quote in Stash, Charge! tease in Chalk Dust Torture, Theme from Star Trek tease in Twist, Fikus tease