Respectively, this show should be closer to a 4.5 than a 4 for a multitude of reasons. Not the least of which is the fact that both sets contain strong but patient jams. An 18-minute Simple seamlessly into Sanity before busting out a more than timely Chalk Dust Torture Reprise? It's been played only what 5 times? And hasn't been played since the pandemic? WOW!!! More than good placement following the previous night's exploring of Chalk Dust Torture but who saw this coming? And coming in the first set too? Many phans noticed that CDT wasn't finished but that's not unusual. Even if you did call this to happen in the show, I don't believe that you called it to happen in the midway into first set. This is another great example of the unexpected that this run produced. With a beautiful Wolfman's inspired by a full moon with teases of a Howling to come in the second set 2. A long and well-built Bathtub that transitioned cleanly into Cavern? This is just the first set...

A well placed and fitting Howling under a fully moon to open the second set isn't anything to write home about but certainly added to the magic and crowd interaction of the night. Then three concurrent Jam's including a sandwich with No Man's > Ruby > Golden > Ruby? What a journey that was. The set not only maintains its structure with a well-executed Twist but closes out strong with an energetic Possum.

The encore opening More was not transformative but not bad either. The real hero is this Jamed out 2001 > Slave to punctuate what will arguably be the best Phish Mexico run ever and is certainly the best Phish Mexico run to have happened yet. The fact they produced not just one but three shows worth of a 4.5 is absolutely phenomenal. I'm so grateful to have been present and witnessed this run down here. I've seen this band enough times to know this was a special run and this was an unexpectedly great show from that run.

I don't care what anyone else says it's worthy of a 4.5 or being rounded up to it. Def not a 4.

PHISH, SATURDAY 02/24/2024
MOON PALACE
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

SET 1:

Simple: Upbeat and major mode – fun jam to start the show and an awesome segue into Sanity although it takes Page a bit to catch up ->

Sanity: Holy Toledo, amazing placement and segue! Awesome!!!

Chalk Dust Torture Reprise: Fun, fun, fun.

Wolfman's Brother: Funky at first and then eventually has that low key major mode celebratory vibe.

Mercy: This song is terrible.

Rift: Standard.

Bathtub Gin: This one has is quite the group effort. This jam never tries to do too much – nice and patient – another Mexican mindbender. Also love that they finish this one properly before segueing into Cavern. Would recommend. ->

Cavern: Standard.

SET 2:

The Howling: Ugh. >

No Men In No Man's Land: Standard. >

Ruby Waves: Noisy, evil, and dark following the theme of this run. Eventually has that low key major mode celebratory vibe. Would recommend. ->

Golden Age: Fun, bouncy vibe to it with some start stop elements to keep you on your toes. ->

Ruby Waves: Nice bookend. >

Ether Edge: Standard.

Twist: Standard.

A Life Beyond The Dream: Standard.

Possum: Standard.

ENCORE:

More: Yuck. >

Also Sprach Zarathustra: Only the third time seen in the E slot, each of these were 3.0 versions – here are the other two: 7/16/2014, 8/5/2018. Strong version! Love the groove that they go with in the 6 to 9 minute range. Would recommend this version. >

Slave to the Traffic Light: Standard.

Summary: Very solid show. This show is more workmanlike in nature than the previous two nights but has plenty of merit. I would rate this as a 4/5.

Replay Value: Bathtub Gin, Ruby Waves, Also Sprach Zarathustra

Chalk Dust Torture Reprise was performed for the first time since December 28, 2019 (142 shows). Mike teased Sundown in Bathtub Gin.
SHOW RATING
Ratings are currently offline.
Overall: 3.5/5 (