Currently touring in support of their new album Big Boat, Phish on Tuesday was joined by a very special guest during the first show of their two-night stand at the Ascend Amphitheatre in Nashville, TN.
Fans were treated to a guest appearance by Bob Weir from the Grateful Dead for several songs in the second set. Phish brought Weir out following the first three songs of the set and had him on stage for the remainder of the show, including the encore.
Bobby and the boys started off with Samson and Delilah, a tune Trey and Bobby played together during the Fare Thee Well shows of 2015. Weir and Phish then ventured into a long and winding Twist, which contained a Grateful Dead-ish jam that included a bunch of space toward the end.
After the 15 minute jam session was complete, Bobby took lead vocals during the new ballad Miss You, and his soulful voice did justice to the touching lyrics of the Big Boat tune.
As with Bob’s first appearance with Phish, at Shoreline in 2000, the boys and Weir took on West LA Fadeaway, which surprised some in attendance. Many were expecting Walkin’ Blues, which Phish had soundchecked with Weir prior to the show.
Those folks were surely not disappointed, especially when the band, still with Bob on stage, closed the show with Playin’ in the Band.
When the group returned to the stage for the encore, Weir was with them, and they wrapped up the very special evening with Quinn the Eskmo. Trey, Mike, and Bobby all contributed vocals, as did the appreciative crowd.
Though infrequent, the Grateful Dead/Phish cross overs have created some special memories, and last night was not exception. I’m just sorry I wasn’t in Nashville to start my week!
Check out the whole show here!
Phish returns to the Ascend Amphitheatre in Nashville, TN, tonight.
