Phish Shines Bright at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Following Rock Hall Fan Vote Victory
On the evening of April 22, 2025, Phish electrified the stage of the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, mere hours after winning the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Fan Vote for the Class of 2025. The Vermont-based quartet, boasting Trey Anastasio (guitar, vocals), Mike Gordon (bass), Jon Fishman (drums), and Page McConnell (keys), has solidified its place in the hearts of fans, setting the stage for a legacy among music’s most revered icons.
The Rock Hall Honor
While Phish’s official induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame remains uncertain pending the announcement of the 2025 inductees, their Fan Vote victory showcases the band’s widespread appeal and dedicated following. Competing against notable acts like the White Stripes and Mariah Carey, Phish’s supporters demonstrated their loyalty, reflecting the band’s unique status as arguably the world’s preeminent jam band.
A Night to Remember
The concert commenced shortly after 8 PM, launching into the instrumental track “Buried Alive.” The energy quickly escalated with “Axilla,” although fans hoped for an extended jam that didn’t materialize at that moment. However, the performance took an engaging turn with “Mike’s Song,” focused on Gordon’s dynamic basslines before transitioning into “I Am Hydrogen” and “Weekapaug Groove.”
Musical Highlights
The show took off in earnest with “Halley’s Comet,” which marked a pivotal shift to what fans perceive as Phish’s hallmark improvisational style. The palpable intensity of the performance reflected the band’s years of refined synergy, particularly during “Maze,” which captivated the audience with intricate musical exchanges.
As the second set began, Phish unveiled a powerful 20-minute rendition of “Carini,” showcasing the band’s musical prowess. This was complemented by epic takes on “No Men in No Man’s Land” and “Ruby Waves,” totaling nearly an hour of continuous music. The invitation to breathe briefly came with “Waste,” a more melodic pause that resonates with many fans as a wedding favorite.
Concluding the Concert
The concert reached a stellar climax as Phish delivered an exceptional version of “Down With Disease,” with Anastasio’s spirited stage presence resonating with the crowd. The night concluded with “Fluffhead,” sending audiences into the San Francisco streets buzzing with anticipation for the next performance scheduled for the following night.
Setlist Overview
The complete setlist for the night was as follows:
- 1. “Buried Alive”
- 2. “Axilla, Part II”
- 3. “Mike’s Song”
- 4. “I Am Hydrogen”
- 5. “Weekapaug Groove”
- 6. “My Soul”
- 7. “Halley’s Comet”
- 8. “Roggae”
- 9. “Maze”
- 10. “Split Open and Melt”
- 11. “Carini”
- 12. “No Men in No Man’s Land”
- 13. “Ruby Waves”
- 14. “Waste”
- 15. “Down With Disease”
- Encore: 16. “Fluffhead”
Looking Ahead
As Phish aims for a potential place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the band’s unique blend of musical artistry and improvisation continues to keep its dedicated fanbase firmly engaged and invested in the band’s journey.