The Superbowl halftime show is usually 12 minutes long. We've got some of the best Phish jams that clock in at the same length.
Because 12 minutes can be pretty darn exciting.
1985-05-03 McGrupp Burlington, VT 12:03
-> in from "Whipping Post." Again, the lyrics are narrated. Page sat in as a guest for this show, and he begins make his presence felt, adding color to the excellent, guitar-driven jam, which has moments that sound similar to "Drowned". Eventually getting back to "McGrupp," this version slowly winds down with a > to "Makisupa."
1988-11-11 Whipping Post Newmarket, NH 12:14
The second jam includes some really cool spacey effects from Page and Trey, almost more Floyd than ABB-like, followed by a brief, intense return to "Whipping Post." This space jam is way, way out there for
'88 Phish.
'88 Phish.
1990-05-13 Reba Burlington, VT 12:13
Very improvisational jamming distinguishes this early thriller. The excellent recording showcases the band sounding fantastic throughout the composed section. Great Mike underpins this version, which finds Trey leading the others through the jam, modifying his tone, and deftly modulating intensity to create some of his most interesting and varied lines to date.
1990-10-01 Antelope Ithaca, NY 12:36
Dissonant, exploratory jam with great tension building. Crazy Trey and Fish as the jam builds to a peak.
1993-03-27 Weekapaug San Francisco, CA 12:20
"On Broadway" teasing/jamming leads to an improvisational breakdown section with good variation in the intensity. At 8:15, the jam breaks into an inspired "Type II" section which concludes with an explosive return to "Weekapaug."
1994-05-27 Hood San Francisco, CA 12:51
Mike gets into this really great groove starting at about 8:00 that everyone else plays off. Even as Fish, Trey and Page bring the heat, Mike keeps the licks of this groove rolling. And the ending section is
just smoking hot.
just smoking hot.
1994-05-28 Reba Monterey, CA 12:16
Super version. Trey drives a great, dark, direct yet swinging groove, with Page providing really colorful fills. Mike is on-point, his play incredible, and, with Fish, inciting a sort of charge from Trey who creates an electric solo through an incredible conclusion.
1994-07-15 SOAMelt Wantagh, NY 12:06
Really cool and different "SOAM" with ghoulish tension and a great section with Page out in front leading the quick tempo, rhythmic and frenzied jamming. At other points, the jamming could be fairly described
as demented.
as demented.
1994-11-02 Possum Bangor, ME 12:20
Must-Hear stormy exploratory jam with a descending melodic theme in parts, several sections that challenge the limits of standard "Possum," and "I'm A Man" (Spencer Davis Group) teases in the intro.
1994-12-06 Weekapaug Goleta, CA 12:56
Strong straightforward play through 6:15, when the jam breaks into a dark and classic "Type II" Fall '94 space jam. Mike solos, accompanied by spacey effects with increasing tension. Then Page and Trey take turns out front before Fish brings the boys back to "Weekapaug" to wrap up a very improvisational version.
1995-12-31 Drowned New York, NY 12:27
A top highlight of this glorious and storied concert. A careful listen reveals extended "Fire On the Mountain"-like jamming from Trey in the post-"Drowned" section, as well as a bona fide tease near the ending and -> into "The Lizards."
1996-06-06 SOAMule Woodstock, NY 12:03
"Sunshine Of Your Love" tease and Trey on keys for a portion of the Duel. An odd Duel for sure with howling and strange sounds, crazy Page, and chanting by Mike. Released on Live Bait Vol. 4.
1996-08-13 Slave Noblesville, IN 12:19
Page stays on the piano throughout which gives this version a majesty similar to 12/30/93. Trey's restraint early on puts the spotlight nicely on Mike, Page, and Fish. Of course Trey makes a strong
showing near the ending.
showing near the ending.
1996-08-17 Slave Plattsburgh, NY 12:20
Page deploys the Fender-Rhodes early on. This one has great balance, with everyone contributing in equal measure. Trey's skillful use of the Leslie effect as the jam builds to a peak puts this one
in the elite category.
in the elite category.
1997-03-01 JJLC Hamburg, Germany 12:12
Great -> in from "Wolfman's Brother." Strong modulation of intensity in this stellar version. Huge peak at the end of Page's section is followed by near silent soloing by Trey, which gradually builds to a roaring, bluesy crescendo.
1997-06-19 Caspian Vienna, Austria 12:14
> in from "JJLC." Long and beautiful intro (to 3:35). Jam section features great Trey/Page interplay, as well as more melody line variation from Trey than has become typical. Fish and Mike are rock solid here.
1997-07-10 Llama Marseilles, France 12:05
-> in from "Bathtub Gin." Following the final refrain, the band breaks into a excellent heavily funk-infused jam that grows darkish towards the end. -> to "Velvet Sea."
1997-07-21 Jam Virginia Beach, VA 12:33
-> in from "Theme." The "Jam" leaves "Theme" and veers into a nice funky groove. Then at 8:30 LeRoi Moore pipes in on the saxophone. He plays a tease from the "Theme To Woody Woodpecker" and then he and the band embark on a funky, jazzy exploration. Page switches keyboards several times and the jam grows weird, dissonant and chaotic towards the end.
1997-08-03 Foam George, WA 12:06
> in from "Bathtub Gin." Very cool, exploratory Page solo. Trey's solo is enhanced by an echo-like effect. A bass and percussion rich build-up leads to a soaring finish. If you aren't on the edge of your seat when the final verse starts, your soul has gone missing!
1997-11-26 Taste Hartford, CT 12:02
Unbelievable playing by Trey and the others as the band builds to a HUGE peak and then drives up over another. 7/22/97 is (literally) electrifying; 8/3/97 is unusually improvisational. This version is just phenomenal, with masterful contributions by all band members.
1997-12-07 Tube Dayton, OH 12:36
The first "Tube" to break out of the box begins with sweet funk in the first jam, while the jam reprise drops into some space, builds back up to more funk, and coasts into the -> to "Slave". A fan-favorite.
1997-12-30 Stash New York, NY 12:59
Great version where Mike and Fish drive the jam into improvisational territory, including some "Manteca"-like jamming around 8:20, and the ending section dissolves in a quiet but tense manner.
1998-04-02 Sneakin' Sally Uniondale, NY 12:39
-> in from "Wolfman's Brother." A heavy funk groove breaks out following the lyrical section with some great Fishman percussion. Great collective playing as the jam progresses and segues -> into "Frankie Says."
1998-07-05 Fee Prague, Czech Republic 12:49
The verses are flubbed badly but Trey and the band make up for it with a unique jam. It's percussive, funky, and a little goofy, but definitely very Phishy. -> to "Water In The Sky."
1998-07-20 Caspian Ventura, CA 12:03
Great combination of rocking yet slightly ambient sound from Trey mixed with bluesy piano stylings from Page. > to "Harry Hood.
1998-11-15 SOAMule Murfreesboro, TN 12:55
Page solo > very quiet and pretty Page/Trey duet that is almost an ambient jam and is joined by Mike and Fish who add sound and energy. The jam grows quiet again > klezmer and finale.
1999-09-21 Vultures Tucson, AZ 12:05
If not quite a carrion, than perhaps a clarion call to the desert's mystic surroundings. Trey breaks from the vocals to launch an all-out assault, his signature 1999 tone on full display. After setting a loop, Trey's beautiful, patterned soloing, artfully phrased, is matched by Page, with Mike soon leading the band through deep and cerebral play. Fish's perfect off-beat and stylized play soon smooths, with Trey's cool, slashing chording informing the -> "LxL". Awesome.
1999-12-05 Taste Rochester, NY 12:55
The closest thing to a "jammed out" version of "Taste" (before 2017), as the band stretches Trey's solo out into a very extended and mellow groove, before returning to more familiar ground.
1999-12-11 SOAMule Philadelphia, PA 12:22
Page Solo > Mike and Trey duet > full band jam that is really upbeat and rocking > conclusion.
