It’s hard to believe that ten years have past since Phish ended a 26-month “indefinite hiatus” with a New Year’s show at Madison Square Garden on December 31st, 2002. With the exception of perhaps Phish opening with 1999 on Dec. 31st, 1998; the band’s fans screamed, hooted and hollered like they never had before in the building when the quartet came on stage and opened with Piper.
If you think it’s tough to get a ticket to this year’s Phish NYE run, which kicks off tomorrow, you should’ve tried getting a ticket to the “comeback show.” When we published a list of the toughest tickets in Phish history, MSG ’02 took the top spot. It was tough for the show to live up to all the hype, yet there were plenty of memorable moments including Mound and Time Loves A Hero bust outs, “Tom Hanks” coming out during Wilson, three debuts and the Seven Below snowfall “gag.” For my money, I’ll just never forget the reaction when Phish took the stage and the fanbase rejoiced.
The show went down before every mobile phone could shoot video and before YouTube was a thing, so there’s not much footage out there of the “comeback show.” However, this montage, put together by “The Roamer” brings back the chills I felt that night…
Did you attend the “comeback show?” Have any good stories to share?
7 Responses
Passed*
I remember some wook was trying to catch the fake snowflakes on their tongue… I told them that was probably a bad idea.. god only knows what chemicals they were made of.
Holy crap…You know Rick Maranis? That’s AWESOME!!!!!
The day Trey’s tone died.
I have a killer story that involves sneaking in, Tom Marshall and dancing with Treys mom.
Glad you guys liked the vid 🙂