Exclusive: Phish Vegas ’96 Video and Contest

Here’s a little reminder that Phish’s Vegas ’96 went onsale today, just in case you’ve missed any of the 80 emails they sent announcing the release.

Vegas ’96 finds Phish at their absolute best, the band putting on a well-rehearsed show filled with rarities, intense jamming and an insane 30+ minute encore featuring a group of yodelers, Malachi from Children of the Corn, a buncha Elvii and half of Primus. Phish threw down jaw-dropping versions of Mike’s Song, 2001, Weekapaug Groove and Simple, all of which are finally available in all of their remastered glory.

Photo by Jeremy Stein

Phish transformed Simple from a five minute song into a launchpad for fierce improvisation during the Fall of 1996. In honor of today’s release, we’re pleased to share an exclusive web video of the Simple from Vegas ’96. This version of Simple takes off early on and never loses momentum, so make sure you have 19 minutes to spare before partaking.

Vegas ’96 is now available as a 3-CD set and also as a limited edition box set that features a bonus DVD containing the legendary encore and an extensive 40-page bound photo book in deluxe packaging. You can get your very own copy of the limited edition set thanks to our Everybody Wins When We Plug Something And In Return They Offer Us Free Shit To Give Away contest. Just follow the rules below, and we’ll announce a winner late next week:

• To enter the contest leave a comment below telling us about your favorite Phish encore of all-time in 50 words or less, and don’t choose Vegas ’96 because we hate kissasses
• Your comment must be left by 11:59 PM EST on Thursday November 29th
• Don’t be greedy, only one entry per person
• One winner will be selected by a panel of ten certified Phish geeks
• Winner receives the Vegas ’96 Limited Edition 3-CD set, T-shirt, playing cards and dice

Previously on HT: 10 Years Later: Phish Destroys America and You’re Nobody Till Someone Grifts You