Over the past 26 years, I've left many Phish concerts, stating what I had experienced was 'the best' or 'my favorite' show. The band has consistently delivered brilliance, creating magical moments I have been grateful to attend. I can confidently say that 12/31/23 was the best and my favorite Phish concert ever. 

The show started slow, with the Phish jukebox full of credits. While they didn't play anything extraordinary, the anticipation of a fabled Gamehendge gag produced an aura of fanciful intrigue from all in attendance.

A short Down with Disease opened set two, making me wonder if the band's nerves had fabricated a stiffness they couldn't shake. And then...it happened. Om-pa-pa oom-pa-pa oom-pa-pa oom-pa-paaaaa. When Harpua hit, it was clear we were about to go on a voyage. Jimmy rose from the stage on his bed, holding his beloved cat Poster Nutbag, only to soon toss the feline away after learning it had died, requesting a dog in its place before being joined by his grandmother. The magic that ensued was a fantasy. From Colonel Forbin and Rutherford the Brave's introduction to the Lizards dancing merely, life in this moment was but a dream.

Trey Anatasio's love of Broadway and attention to detail were fully displayed, with nothing left to the imagination, providing structured visuals for his 1987 senior project while attending Goddard College. There was an AC/DC Bag, a majestic Tela entering on a massive Multibeast, the slowest of slow Sloths, and, the highlight of the night, a SCORCHING Wilson that will go down as the most excellent version of all time. 

After a '15-minute break,' The fantasy had no end, sequencing into Colonel Forbin ascending the Rombulus above the stage and a mockingbird soaring to great heights over a crowd of awe-struck fans mystified by what they were a part of. 

After midnight, the band continued with a blazing Split Open and Melt and YEM, both songs paying tribute to the band's 40-year history of creating magic. The audience drank from its Loving Cup, riding down the road to a rocking Possum, before ending their mystical expedition with a thrilling Cavern, inspired First Tube, and beloved Tweezer Reprise.

After chasing a Gamehendge set for over 20+ years, I am grateful to have been one of the many in attendance at what will go down in the annual of Phish history as an, if not the, greatest show they have ever performed. It was as if The Beatles played Sergent Peppers or Pink Floyd played Dark Side of the Moon. It was like watching Michael Jordan, Kobe, or Tiger Woods play on a musical stage. I thank the band, their crew, and the staff at Madison Square Garden for a night I will cherish forever.