News Summary
Phish started their 2025 Summer Tour with an impressive concert at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, marking their first show in the city in 15 years. The concert captivated 15,000 fans with extended improvisational performances, including a remarkable 23-minute ‘Fuego’ and a 27-minute ‘Golden Age.’ The setlist featured unexpected covers and the return of beloved tracks, showcasing the band’s commitment to improvisation and musical evolution. Guitarist Trey Anastasio debuted a new guitar during the show, further enhancing the electrifying atmosphere for attendees.
Austin, Texas
Phish kicked off their 2025 Summer Tour on June 27, 2025, with a highly anticipated concert at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. This performance marked the band’s first show within Austin city limits in 15 years, drawing a crowd of approximately 15,000 devoted fans eager to experience the group’s distinct blend of rock and improvisational music.
The concert was highlighted by two back-to-back improvisational jams, featuring a stunning 23-minute performance of “Fuego” followed by a 27-minute rendition of “Golden Age.” Collectively, these two sections of music exceeded 51 minutes of improvisation, emphasizing Phish’s reputation for extended musical exploration. The event began with “Crowd Control,” which hadn’t been played since August 2022, making it a notable reintroduction after 123 shows.
The setlist continued with “Mike’s Song,” followed by an unexpected cover of the Talking Heads song “Cities.” Shortly after, the band paused for what was the first performance of “Divided Sky” in the set, further heightening the excitement of the evening. “The Well,” a relatively new piece in the Phish catalog, was performed for only the eighth time, while “Daniel Saw the Stone” made a long-awaited return, having last been played on August 1, 2017—284 shows ago. The first set concluded with classic tracks like “Taste,” “Dirt,” and “Weekapaug Groove.”
The second set commenced with “No Men In No Man’s Land,” setting the stage for the explosive improvisation to come. Following this, “Fuego” seamlessly transitioned into “Golden Age,” captivating the audience with its deep, spacey arrangements. The concert ended on a high note with an encore that featured “A Life Beyond the Dream” and “First Tube.” Throughout the show, the band displayed an ongoing commitment to deep improvisation, reflecting their creative evolution during the summer tour.
Additionally, during “Weekapaug Groove,” guitarist Trey Anastasio teased the Spencer Davis Group’s classic “I’m A Man,” providing a fun touch to the performance. This show also marked Anastasio’s debut of his new guitar, “Koa 1.5,” which is crafted from wood sourced from the same tree as his previous guitar. His enthusiasm and joy were palpable, as he expressed feeling emotionally full during a pause in the set.
Phish’s return to Austin not only thrilled local fans but also reaffirmed the band’s ongoing legacy in the Texan music scene. The 2025 Summer Tour’s high level of improvisation showcased the group’s musical versatility, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season of concerts.
The band’s return highlights Phish’s continuous evolution in their performance style and their commitment to engaging their audience through unique improvisational jams. Their ability to maintain a fresh sound while drawing from a long list of past favorites keeps fans returning year after year.
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HERE Resources
Phish Returns to Austin for Spectacular Concert
Additional Resources
- Live for Live Music
- Wikipedia: Phish
- JamBase
- Google Search: Phish Austin 2025
- Relix
- Google Scholar: Phish improvisation
- Live for Live Music: Pittsburgh
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Phish
- JamBase: MSG
- Google News: Phish Summer Tour
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
