Debut 1986-04-01 · Last played 2026-07-22 · 344 performances
Gap — the number of shows the band played between one
performance of this song and the one before it.
← → the songs either
side, played as separate songs. > and
–> are phish.net’s own marks, and mean the
band ran them together rather than stopping between them.
Times Played
344
Median Gap, Last 10 Years10 Yr
8
Median Gap, All-Time
3
Longest Gap
83
Current Gap
Best version1999-09-14VenueBoise State University Pavilion, BoiseScore96Hear itListen · Details
2025-07-09WedJerome Schottenstein CenterColumbus, OHRated 70 · ListenJam chartAnother new version suggests the song's recent resurgence may be no fluke at all. While not breaking new ground, Trey leans, and quite well, into familiar 'shapes' and sounds, before finding, and exploring, a nifty musical phrase which he drives throughout this fun, playful excursion. As the others catch on and play off Trey, direct full-band jamming builds to bring the song to its old-school close, replete with Page's twinkling keys bleeding into beautiful 'silence.'Before / afterRoggaeGap5SET 1
2025-04-26SatHollywood BowlHollywood, CARated 76 · ListenJam chartStrong version becomes a bit unconventional following the 7:30 mark. Fish kicks a cool beat, and Trey takes off. This leads to driving, forceful improvisation, which again shifts when Trey, using his feet, selects his effects, and, offset by Mike, lays into a series of licks which play like variations on "Bag's" theme. Page bathes the stage in sound as the jam rages on before play bleeds to > into "LSG."Before / after> Life Saving GunGap12SET 2
Jam chartJust prior to 5:00 this version follows the recent trend of veering from the normal progression into "Type II" territory and continues with an upbeat jam until a brief return to "Bag" to close.
Before / afterSample in a Jar> The Moma DanceGap8SET 1
2024-08-18SunThe WoodlandsDover, DERated 74 · ListenJam chart"Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" is becoming a "big show" tease (see 9/1/12 and 4/18/24, respectively). Here, Trey and Page again team up, finding in Adderly's melody a means to considerably brighten this "Bag". Easygoing play swings a bit like "Gin" jamming, before a really rad return to the song's theme at 7:30 fuels a fiery finish.Before / afterMartian MonsterSigma OasisGap3SET 1
2024-08-11SunBethel Woods Center for the ArtsBethel, NYHighly rated 81 · ListenJam chartAnother big "Bag" following NYE 23's masterpiece, though in lieu of tracking a multi-beast, Trey follows his instincts and summer's touring sound. Halfway through the version Trey discovers a great theme and we're off on another, special, voyage (somewhat reminiscent of MSG's sound), the jam then moving through a number of highly charged and disparate improvisational passages.Before / afterBuried Alive >> FuegoGap12SET 2
2024-07-24WedMohegan Sun ArenaUncasville, CTBefore / after> The Curtain WithGap12SET 1
2023-12-31SunMadison Square GardenNew York, NYHighly rated 86 · ListenJam chartIn the shadow of a resurrected rhombus, the "March of The Multibeast" opens an improvisational portal fitting of the historic moment. At once dark and strident, sinister and celebratory, what would be an exceptional excursion under any circumstances becomes transformational in context and relentless in effect. Trey's beastly snarl is finally cooled only by the arrival of the mysterious Tela herself.Before / afterPunch You in the Eye >> TelaGap8SET 2
2023-09-02SatDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, CORated 75 · ListenJam chartBreaking the straightforward confines of "Bag" proper, the band launches into a peppy, candy-coated groove in G. This steady platform stays the course, with Trey's inspired melodic phrasing occasionally abstracting into more effects-colored textures. A brief wind-down concludes the affair, which then leads to a swift -> "Chalk Dust Torture".
"Before / after-> Chalk Dust TortureGap8SET 2
Jam chartMore Burlington than Boise, the jam brings to mind early play where the band, opening a set, deftly moves through a song to extend bend-but-not-quite-breaking-free improvisation. Make no mistake, though: Trey and Fish, ticking like a bomb, decidedly get the show on the road.Before / after-> My Friend, My FriendGap6SET 1
2023-07-21FriThe Pavilion at Star LakeBurgettstown, PABefore / afterParty Time> 46 DaysGap10SET 1
2023-04-19WedWilliam Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CARated 75 · Listen
NoteUnfinished.
Jam chartStrong version that features great Trey from the jump. Fish dominates, though, his offbeat, cerebral play warranting multiple listens, and informing the version's primary direction. Cool play arrives when, late, Page switches up his sound and runs through his rig. Play cools before the jam truly breaks, but a welcome return to classic form - or, hopefully, a sign of things to come.Before / afterI Never Needed You Like This Before> RiftGap25SET 1
2022-07-31SunMerriweather Post PavilionColumbia, MDRated 78 · ListenJam chartLike the old days (see 12/95's Mike's > Paugs), Trey seems intent to better, or build off from, a prior performance. Like 7/20/22, "Bag," after years of perfunctory play, is stretched out. Trey, way impressive, is way out front, with Page making vintage Phish something totally synthed-out and utterly two-thousand and twenty-two. Trey's return to the riff? Legit. Great jam.Before / afterDogs Stole Things> SparkleGap7SET 1
2022-07-20WedTD Pavilion at the MannPhiladelphia, PAJam chartWho would have thought it? Following a "Baker's Dozen" fake-out, the thousand-dollar question is finally answered, with Phish (Trey) finally pushing another classic through rudimentary form into open improvisational territory, eliciting exciting jamming that, while perhaps a bit "short," is certainly sweet before a nice break for "Soul Planet."Before / after> Soul PlanetGap10SET 2
2022-05-28SatThe Wharf AmphitheaterOrange Beach, ALBefore / afterPossum> RebaGap18SET 1
2009-06-19FriVerizon Wireless Music CenterNoblesville, INBefore / afterBackwards Down the Number LineLimb By LimbGap2SET 1
2009-06-14SunBonnaroo Music & Arts FestivalManchester, TNBefore / after> NICUGap5SET 1
2009-06-05FriNikon at Jones Beach TheaterWantagh, NYBefore / afterKill Devil FallsI Didn't KnowGap3SET 1
2009-03-08SunHampton ColiseumHampton, VABefore / afterUndermind> My Friend, My FriendGap3SET 1
2.012 shows2003–2004
2004-08-14SatNewport State AirportCoventry, VTHighly rated 91 · ListenJam chartNimbly textured and surgically precise like the big '97 "Bags?" No. Highly improvisational, well played AND a great listen? Absolutely. This version is MUST-HEAR, like 11/21/97, 12/30/97 and 9/14/99. The Coventry "Bag" is full of "2.0-style jamming," is played very well overall, and it's highly listenable. -> to "46 Days."Before / after-> 46 DaysGap2SET 2
2004-08-10TueTweeter CenterMansfield, MARated 77 · ListenJam chartAlmost immediately breaks away from "Bag" proper into an upbeat, fierce jam that has a hazy summertime vibe to it. After settling, the jam grows increasingly upbeat and energized. Really an excellent version.Before / afterHeavy ThingsGap2SET 1
2004-06-25FriAlpine Valley Music TheatreEast Troy, WIBefore / afterRoses Are Free >> GlideGap5SET 1
1999-09-26SunKiefer UNO Lakefront Arena, University of New OrleansNew Orleans, LABefore / afterFirst Tube >DirtGap8SET 1
1999-09-14TueBoise State University PavilionBoise, IDHighly rated 96 · Listen
NoteTrey on keys and Fish on vacuum for part of the jam.
Jam chartA masterpiece light years removed from the two big '97 "Bags." Spare on funk, the jam embarks on a somewhat dark, swirling journey. Eventually it grows upbeat, picking up rhythm and energy, arriving at a great rocking groove. Finally, it becomes eerie and outer-space-like, with Page creating chilling effects on the synthesizer.Before / afterPeaches en Regalia >> GumboGap12SET 2
1999-07-21WedStar Lake AmphitheatreBurgettstown, PABefore / after> CitiesGap11SET 1
1998-11-07SatUIC Pavilion, University of IllinoisChicago, ILHighly rated 92 · Listen
Jam chartAfter breaking into an upbeat, rhythmic groove, the jam works through several movements of beautiful, serenely ambient space, eventually building energy with a -> to "Ghost."
1998-08-09SunGTE Virginia Beach AmphitheaterVirginia Beach, VAHighly rated 83 · ListenJam chartJam breaks at about 5:45 into a rhythmic, wavy, slightly funky groove. Gets more funky, and Trey, and then Page (on the B-3) tease "Electric Funeral" (Black Sabbath). At this point, the jam really rocks until the ending.Before / after> SparkleGap7SET 2
1998-07-29WedRiverport AmphitheaterMaryland Heights, MOBefore / afterIf You Need a Fool> The LizardsGap4SET 2
Jam chart> in from "Buried Alive." Conventional "Bag,", but a fantastic -> to "Ghost." A must-hear show as well.
Before / afterBuried Alive >-> GhostGap10SET 1
1997-12-30TueMadison Square GardenNew York, NYHighly rated 93 · ListenJam chartOpening an incredible 2 1/4 hour-long Set II, the second monster "Bag" combines the same elements as the first - funk, rock, and delicate space, but in a completely different manner and configuration. Includes "Third Stone From The Sun" and "Psycho Killer" teases with a > to "McGrupp." A must-hear dynamo that belies a short description.Before / after> McGrupp and the Watchful HosemastersGap6SET 2
1997-12-07SunErvin J. Nutter Center, Wright State UniversityDayton, OHBefore / after-> Psycho KillerGap10SET 1
1997-11-21FriHampton ColiseumHampton, VAHighly rated 88 · ListenJam chart> in from "Ghost." The band dexterously weaves together layers of hard rock, funk, and delicate, ambient space almost imperceptibly, as the transitions are so fluid. Difficult to break into easily defined sections or movements, it's more like a dynamically evolving life form. -> to "Slave To The Traffic Light." Simply must-hear.Before / afterGhost >-> Slave to the Traffic LightGap13SET 2
Jam chart> in from "Sparkle." With several instances where the jam grinds to a near stop, this is another '95 version that stretches the boundaries of "Bag."
Before / afterSparkle >Sweet AdelineGap3SET 2
1995-10-28SatThe Palace of Auburn HillsAuburn Hills, MIBefore / after> MoundGap3SET 1
1995-10-22SunAssembly Hall, University of IllinoisChampaign, ILBefore / afterMy Mind's Got a Mind of its OwnGap3SET 1
1995-07-03MonSummerstage at Sugarbush NorthFayston, VT
Jam chartAt about 6:15, the jam section starts to get a bit beyond the conventional "Bag."
Before / afterDavid Bowie> The LizardsGap2SET 2
1995-06-30FriGreat Woods Center for the Performing ArtsMansfield, MABefore / after> Scent of a MuleGap3SET 1
1995-06-25SunThe Mann Center for the Performing ArtsPhiladelphia, PA
Jam chart> in from "Ya Mar." Exceptionally well-played straightforward version. Trey shreds. > to "Taste."
Before / afterYa Mar >> TasteGap4SET 1
1995-06-19MonDeer Creek Music CenterNoblesville, INBefore / afterPoor Heart> TelaGap2SET 1
1995-06-15ThuLakewood AmphitheatreAtlanta, GABefore / afterSparkle >The Old Home PlaceGap3SET 1
1995-06-09FriRed Rocks AmphitheatreMorrison, COBefore / afterThe Oh Kee Pa Ceremony >> Theme from the BottomGap4SET 1
1994-12-30FriMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterRift> SparkleGap4SET 1
1994-12-08ThuSpreckels TheatreSan Diego, CABefore / afterMaze> Scent of a MuleGap15SET 1
1994-11-18FriMSU Auditorium, Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MIJam chart> in from "Rift." This Bag is musically tight, yet slightly structurally different than other type I Bags. There is a litle funky piano breakdown at around 4:00 before blues-Trey rears his head in for some of the more traditional buildup-and-release jamming. At about 6:25, Trey sustains a note, and the Bag takes off before a return to the ending coda and > to Julius.Before / afterRift> JuliusGap15SET 1
1991-10-06SunCochran Lounge, Student Union, Macalester CollegeSt. Paul, MNBefore / afterThe Oh Kee Pa Ceremony >> The Man Who Stepped Into YesterdayGap13SET 1
Jam chartGiant Country Horns (who also played on 7/14/91, 7/21/91, and 7/25/91). Horns are a great addition. This version was released on Live Phish Vol. 19.
NoteThree dead stops during the jam segment and uncommon dissonance.
Jam chartFast as a Fall '95 "Reba," this centerpiece "Bag" is an improvisational bonanza, showcasing truly unusual and adventurous play. A series of stop/start passages invites inventive exploration (read: Mike) before Trey lays into some seriously crazy sustain; this builds to intense soloing which somehow works to reshape the song's structure, the four then casually whipping through a fierce, fun, glasses-tinkling conclusion.Before / afterThe Oh Kee Pa Ceremony >Harry HoodGap2SET 2
1991-02-08FriThe Music HallPortsmouth, NHBefore / after> RebaGap0SET 1
1990-03-09FriThe FrontBurlington, VTBefore / afterThe Oh Kee Pa Ceremony >> The CurtainGap0SET 2
1990-03-08ThuAiko'sSaratoga Springs, NYBefore / afterMy Sweet One> CaravanGap0SET 2
1990-03-07WedMemorial Union Building, Granite State Room, University of New HampshireDurham, NHBefore / afterThe Oh Kee Pa Ceremony >The Squirming CoilGap1SET 2
1990-03-03SatThe Wetlands PreserveNew York, NYBefore / afterThe Oh Kee Pa Ceremony >RebaGap3SET 1
1989-11-09ThuMission Park Dining Hall, Williams CollegeWilliamstown, MABefore / afterThe Oh Kee Pa Ceremony >> McGrupp and the Watchful HosemastersGap2SET 2
1989-11-02ThuMemorial Union Building, Granite State Room, University of New HampshireDurham, NHBefore / afterWho Do? We Do! >> My Sweet OneGap0SET 2