Cities

Best version2000-09-24 · Target Center, Minneapolis · Rated 91 · Listen · Details

1. 4.018 shows2021–2026

2. 2026-07-08WedKohl CenterMadison, WIBefore / afterRunaway JimLeavesGap4SET 1
3. 2026-04-25SatSphereLas Vegas, NVRated 75 · Listen

   Jam chartCosmopolitan jam that stays fairly close to home rhythmically but departs melodically under Trey’s lead, brightening and decorating the neighborhood with a brisk and buoyant optimism and a gentle uplift before returning to the song to conclude.

   Before / afterAxilla (Part II) >HornGap19SET 1
4. 2025-09-13SatCoca-Cola AmphitheaterBirmingham, ALHighly rated 85 · Listen

   Jam chartBirmingham proper finally got a "Cities" and it was one to remember. Coming as the second song of the night, the band shows they're ready to let loose. Mike leads the jam early and the slow funk gradually picks up tempo. The jam winds its way to a more contemplative space before > into "Sample".

   Before / afterBack on the Train> Sample in a JarGap4SET 1
5. 2025-07-23WedForest Hills StadiumForest Hills, NYHighly rated 81 · Listen

   NoteWith added lyrics.

   Jam chartSticky clav-led funk rock is shaped by Trey's melodic bluesy riffing to start. Major key tonalities then take over, and the band rides out this bliss-rock feel until the "Cities" chords come back in to conclude the affair.

   Before / afterTheme from the BottomDivided SkyGap14SET 1
6. 2025-06-27FriMoody CenterAustin, TXRated 78 · Listen

   Jam chart> from "Mike's Song", play is fluid, almost languid, great bass and drums accented by Trey's liquid tone and Page, who twice 'sprays' synth across the stage. Following a really cool line, listen for the locked-in audience (5:45) response before Trey, and the jam, takes off. What follows is Phish at its finest, post-21 refinement, perfect unrushed balance, improv that rolls, roils, and, refreshingly, doesn't build to peak but, rather, smartly draws to a close.

   Before / afterMike's Song >Divided SkyGap9SET 1
7. 2025-04-20SunModa CenterPortland, ORBefore / afterThe Moma Dance >-> PlasmaGap5SET 1
8. 2025-01-29WedMoon PalaceCancun, Quintana Roo

   Jam chartThings build slowly at first as Trey and Page politely occupy the same tonal space. Mike and Fish, by contrast, are driven and focused throughout. Trey eventually finds firm footing and digs his heels into more rocking and rif laden territory, and with the help of Page, now on piano, they push the improv to a satisfying peak and return.

   Before / afterSet Your Soul Free >> LightGap10SET 2
9. 2024-08-29ThuDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, CORated 79 · Listen

   Jam chartSummer '24 Phish truly blurs the line between "average-great" and notable. Perhaps a case in point, here. Precision play from the jump before, come the 6:00 mark, Trey unleashes a series of savage licks. The band truly wakes, each adding "parts" informing this great sum. Play coasts before Trey finds a great melodic (pick a tease) riff, which Page mimics. A true Dick's harbinger.

   Before / afterOpened the show> Down with DiseaseGap5SET 1
10. 2024-08-10SatBethel Woods Center for the ArtsBethel, NYBefore / afterWeigh> Run Like an AntelopeGap10SET 1
11. 2024-07-26FriAlpine Valley Music TheatreEast Troy, WIBefore / afterLlama> Ya MarGap23SET 1
12. 2023-10-07SatBridgestone ArenaNashville, TNRated 77 · Listen

    Jam chartThe "Music City" inspires another big 2023 version of "Cities". Mike's fat synth bass carves out the initial funky path. Trey and Page dial in the murk in response, crossing through some vague "MLB"-isms on the way to a major mode shift. The music turns on a dime toward celebratory fare, but retains some of its spacious-ness, as Trey alternates between clean melodic phrasing and long echoed notes. Play then cools back towards da funk and -> "Llama".

    Before / afterEverything's Right ->-> LlamaGap13SET 2
13. 2023-07-28FriMadison Square GardenNew York, NYRated 76 · Listen

    NoteLyrics changed to "find the best city to live in" and "I found myself a city to live in."

    Jam chartBig Red's love affair with The Big Apple, coupled with his renewed interest in jamming "Cities," yields a whole lotta good points. Chill playing ushers in fantastic, truly rhythmic improvisation, Trey's strumming offering a shimmery, warm, almost shoegaze feel - and, most importantly, room for the entire band to breathe. Play pulses until just after the 8:00 mark, when Trey takes a really great lead, which he builds into patterned play that bursts with a celebratory vibe. A nod to Trey's old home place, indeed.

    Before / afterA Wave of HopeThe Old Home PlaceGap4SET 1
14. 2023-07-21FriThe Pavilion at Star LakeBurgettstown, PABefore / afterDavid Bowie-> FuegoGap7SET 2
15. 2023-04-23SunHollywood BowlHollywood, CAHighly rated 85 · Listen

    Jam chartThis first set delight comes out the gate with swingin' swagger. Trey locks the band into Bmin to escape the confines of "Cities" proper and the band develops an incredibly cohesive, melodic, effect-drenched boogie down. After the 12 minute mark, the music takes a hazy, cinematic turn towards patient psychedelia. This then develops into a gorgeous, technicolor dreamscape that crescendos towards anthemic territory before > "Tube."

    Before / afterDivided Sky> TubeGap25SET 1
16. 2022-08-05FriAtlantic City BeachAtlantic City, NJBefore / afterSigma Oasis ->> MoreGap11SET 1
17. 2022-07-19TueTD Pavilion at the MannPhiladelphia, PABefore / afterTweezer ->-> TweezerGap27SET 2
18. 2021-10-22FriAk-Chin PavilionPhoenix, AZBefore / afterA Life Beyond The Dream> Harry HoodGap8SET 2
19. 2021-09-01WedShoreline AmphitheatreMountain View, CAHighly rated 85 · Listen

    Jam chartThe band moves into a more driving version of the usual "Cities" jam, thanks to Fishman, before Trey makes the move into a brief bit of major key bliss, and then takes the jam into smoother and more relaxed waters. A very nice first set jam, with a wonderful -> into "Passing Through".

    Before / afterThe Wedge-> Passing ThroughGap31SET 1

20. 3.048 shows2009–2019

21. 2019-12-01SunNassau Veterans Memorial ColiseumUniondale, NYBefore / afterDown with Disease ->> CariniGap17SET 2
22. 2019-06-26WedDarling's Waterfront PavilionBangor, MEHighly rated 86 · Listen

    Jam chart-> out of a superb "Fuego". Gets deliciously, almost heavy-metal sludgy dark right out of the gate, Mike and Fish really powering this gruesomeness. Fish snaps into a wickedly danceable beat which the band rides for all it's worth (nearly swerving into "Sand" at one point), before they swing into a new key and pull out a sick -> into "The Final Hurrah". A wonderful jam.

    Before / afterFuego ->-> The Final HurrahGap15SET 2
23. 2018-12-29SatMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / after46 Days >CorinnaGap5SET 1
24. 2018-10-28SunAllstate ArenaRosemont, ILBefore / afterNo Quarter ->> Gotta JibbooGap8SET 2
25. 2018-10-16TueTimes Union CenterAlbany, NYBefore / afterEverything's Right ->> Walls of the CaveGap15SET 1
26. 2018-07-24TueBill Graham Civic AuditoriumSan Francisco, CA

    NoteLyrics changed to "home of Zenon."

    Before / afterPigtail> Nellie KaneGap23SET 1
27. 2017-07-22SatMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterPeaches en Regalia >My Sweet OneGap4ENCORE
28. 2017-07-15SatHuntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly IslandChicago, ILBefore / afterScents and Subtle Sounds ->> Slave to the Traffic LightGap5SET 2
29. 2016-12-30FriMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterGumbo >The Old Home PlaceGap6SET 1
30. 2016-10-25TueVerizon Theatre at Grand PrairieGrand Prairie, TXBefore / afterChalk Dust Torture> FoamGap7SET 1
31. 2016-10-14FriNorth Charleston ColiseumNorth Charleston, SC

    NoteTrey on Marimba Lumina.

    Before / afterDown with Disease ->> RoggaeGap8SET 2
32. 2016-07-19TueBill Graham Civic AuditoriumSan Francisco, CABefore / afterTheme from the Bottom >> MazeGap5SET 1
33. 2016-07-08FriXfinity CenterMansfield, MAHighly rated 86 · Listen

    NoteTrey broke a string and switched guitars mid-song, also introducing his guitar tech, Brian Brown. Trey then switched to Marimba Lumina and Mike played Trey's guitar.

    Jam chartEarly technical issues, a Brian Brown introduction, and a guitar switch do nothing to deter the band from taking "Cities" on a journey across the globe. Some strong but typical jamming leads to more instruments switching and the jam evolves / devolves into highly percussive near free-form jazz.

    Before / afterFuegoSpace OddityGap3SET 1
34. 2016-07-01FriSaratoga Performing Arts CenterSaratoga Springs, NYBefore / afterNICUDavid BowieGap7SET 1
35. 2016-01-16SatBarceló Maya BeachRiviera Maya, Quintana Roo

    Jam chartAfter a stretch of perfunctory versions, "Cities" has now gone four for its last four. A laid back tropical vibe yields to a stormy, foreboding jam, before the sun peeks through the clouds and the -> Light grows brighter.

    Before / afterRift-> LightGap9SET 1
36. 2015-08-22SatWatkins Glen InternationalWatkins Glen, NYRated 77 · Listen

    Jam chartAnother strong and typically funky "Cities" -> "Mind Left Body Jam" sandwich.

    Before / afterPossum >-> Mind Left Body JamGap4SET 3 · 2×
37. 2015-08-12WedThe Mann Center for the Performing ArtsPhiladelphia, PA

    Jam chartTrey's Echoplex leads the second straight solid "Cities" to some extended between-verses jamming, before the whole band picks up where he left off and explores a pulsing, minor mode space before the 'plex is left behind for a more straight-ahead jam that eventually fades out.

    Before / afterSample in a JarStashGap18SET 1
38. 2014-12-31WedAmerican Airlines ArenaMiami, FL

    Jam chart-> from "Theme", this "Cities" jam starts with some nice staccato work from Trey, passes through a Manteca-like section, and settles into the 3.0 Type II bliss zone.

    Before / afterTheme from the Bottom ->> Chalk Dust TortureGap10SET 2
39. 2014-10-18SatKey ArenaSeattle, WABefore / afterLight ->-> 46 DaysGap5SET 2
40. 2014-08-02SatOak Mountain AmphitheatrePelham, ALBefore / afterPoor HeartKill Devil FallsGap32SET 1
41. 2013-10-25FriDCU CenterWorcester, MABefore / afterThe Curtain With> RiftGap13SET 1
42. 2013-07-30TueLake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at HarveysStateline, NVBefore / afterFunky Bitch> RiftGap4SET 1
43. 2013-07-20SatFirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly IslandChicago, ILBefore / afterPossumLawn BoyGap5SET 1
44. 2013-07-12FriNikon at Jones Beach TheaterWantagh, NYBefore / afterTweezer ->-> The WedgeGap3SET 2
45. 2013-07-05FriSaratoga Performing Arts CenterSaratoga Springs, NYBefore / afterMy Friend, My Friend >-> David BowieGap2SET 1
46. 2012-12-30SunMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterRunaway Jim> Divided SkyGap9SET 1
47. 2012-08-24FriOak Mountain AmphitheatrePelham, ALBefore / afterPossum> Sample in a JarGap4SET 1
48. 2012-08-15WedLong Beach ArenaLong Beach, CABefore / afterSuzy Greenberg> Kill Devil FallsGap1SET 1
49. 2012-07-07SatSaratoga Performing Arts CenterSaratoga Springs, NYBefore / afterRift-> MazeGap10SET 1
50. 2012-06-20WednTelos PavilionPortsmouth, VABefore / afterWeekapaug Groove-> Ya MarGap3SET 1
51. 2012-06-15FriBader FieldAtlantic City, NJBefore / afterTube >> It's IceGap6SET 1
52. 2011-12-28WedMadison Square GardenNew York, NY

    Jam chartThe jam soars beyond "Cities" into some rhythmic, exploratory, and gorgeous territory, but seems to fizzle out prematurely.

    Before / afterPossumThe Ballad of Curtis LoewGap10SET 1
53. 2011-08-08MonHollywood BowlHollywood, CABefore / afterPossumPeaches en RegaliaGap3SET 1
54. 2011-07-02SatWatkins Glen InternationalWatkins Glen, NYBefore / afterCamel Walk> Poor HeartGap5SET 1
55. 2011-06-14TueVerizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore ParkAlpharetta, GABefore / afterPossum> FluffheadGap4SET 1
56. 2011-06-07TueComcast CenterMansfield, MABefore / afterPossumInstant Karma!Gap6SET 1
57. 2011-05-28SatBethel Woods Center for the ArtsBethel, NY

    Jam chartNice little extended outro with a good Trey-led peak.

    Before / afterNICUHalley's CometGap3SET 1
58. 2010-12-30ThuMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterOpened the showChalk Dust TortureGap4SET 1
59. 2010-10-29FriBoardwalk HallAtlantic City, NJHighly rated 81 · Listen

    Jam chartAll four team up in the well-played, extended jam that gets somewhat spacey at the very end.

    Before / afterThe Moma Dance >> 46 DaysGap4SET 1
60. 2010-10-20WedUtica Memorial AuditoriumUtica, NY

    NoteAlternate "Genesee Factory" lyric.

    Before / afterWolfman's Brother ->> GuyuteGap6SET 1
61. 2010-10-08FriZilker ParkAustin, TXBefore / afterDown with Disease >> PossumGap1SET 1
62. 2010-08-17TueNikon at Jones Beach TheaterWantagh, NYBefore / afterKill Devil Falls >Funky BitchGap7SET 1
63. 2010-08-06FriWilliam Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CAHighly rated 80 · Listen

    Jam chartSome incredible playing by Mike and Page in this extended version that gets into a spell-binding, enchanting groove. A fantastic version that transitions (oddly and arguably abruptly) to "Moma Dance."

    Before / afterIt's Ice> The Moma DanceGap11SET 1
64. 2010-06-20SunSaratoga Performing Arts CenterSaratoga Springs, NYBefore / afterUndermindGotta JibbooGap13SET 1
65. 2009-12-03ThuMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterFluffhead> FreeGap5SET 2
66. 2009-11-24TueWachovia CenterPhiladelphia, PABefore / afterBathtub Gin> Camel WalkGap14SET 1
67. 2009-08-05WedShoreline AmphitheatreMountain View, CABefore / afterOh! Sweet Nuthin'-> MazeGap17SET 2
68. 2009-06-02TueNikon at Jones Beach TheaterWantagh, NYBefore / afterTimber (Jerry the Mule)DriverGap12SET 1

69. 2.05 shows2003–2004

70. 2004-06-24ThuVerizon Wireless Music CenterNoblesville, INBefore / afterLoving Cup-> Back on the TrainGap10SET 1
71. 2003-12-30TueAmerican Airlines ArenaMiami, FLBefore / afterWeighStrange DesignGap2SET 1
72. 2003-12-02TueFleetCenterBoston, MABefore / afterBoogie On Reggae Woman >> MazeGap13SET 2
73. 2003-07-21MonVerizon Wireless Music CenterNoblesville, INBefore / afterOpened the show> Runaway JimGap13SET 1
74. 2003-02-25TueFirst Union SpectrumPhiladelphia, PABefore / afterAC/DC BagTheme from the BottomGap13SET 2

75. 1.041 shows1984–2000

76. 2000-10-06FriShoreline AmphitheatreMountain View, CABefore / afterRift> SandGap7SET 2
77. 2000-09-24SunTarget CenterMinneapolis, MNHighly rated 91 · Listen

    Jam chartThe jam gets way beyond "Cities" into some very deep, quiet, and contemplative space. Regains some energy in the final four minutes and is must-hear for fans of groove-based jams.

    Before / afterOpened set 2, after Sample in a Jar> FreeGap24SET 2
78. 2000-06-29ThuPNC Bank Arts CenterHolmdel, NJ

    NoteLyrics altered to reference Tokyo, the Meatstick Dance, and sushi.

    Before / afterMeatstick >-> Walk AwayGap7SET 2
79. 2000-06-14WedDrum LogosChuo Ward, FukuokaHighly rated 84 · Listen

    NoteTrey altered the lyrics in Cities to reference noodles.

    Jam chartVery serene and mellow version from a highly regarded show.

    Before / afterThe Curtain >GumboGap34SET 1
80. 1999-09-29WedPyramid ArenaMemphis, TN

    NoteAltered lyrics.

    Before / afterOpened the encore, after Weekapaug GrooveClosed the showGap15ENCORE
81. 1999-08-01SunNaeba Ski ResortNiigata, NiigataBefore / afterOpened the show> RiftGap6SET 1
82. 1999-07-21WedStar Lake AmphitheatreBurgettstown, PABefore / afterAC/DC Bag >Gold SoundzGap15SET 1
83. 1998-12-31ThuMadison Square GardenNew York, NYRated 75 · Listen

    Jam chartSegues out of "Tweezer." Good funky version that gets eerie and spacey at the end before transitioning to "Velvet Sea."

    Before / afterTweezer ->> Wading in the Velvet SeaGap10SET 2
84. 1998-11-19ThuLawrence Joel Veterans Memorial ColiseumWinston-Salem, NCBefore / afterOpened the showThe CurtainGap20SET 1
85. 1998-08-15SatLoring Commerce CentreLimestone, MEBefore / afterFunky Bitch >> Weekapaug GrooveGap9SET 1
86. 1998-07-31FriPolaris AmphitheaterColumbus, OHHighly rated 85 · Listen

    Jam chartOutstanding, R&B-esque, and quite melodic jam emerges from "Cities" proper that gets more and more rocking before cycling down. This is what the "HOSE" is all about.

    Before / afterRiftWater in the SkyGap14SET 1
87. 1998-07-06MonLucerna TheatrePrague, PragueHighly rated 84 · Listen

    Jam chartGreat -> into "Cities" from a roaring "Ghost." Starts VERY uptempo, but there's a cool, smooth tempo downshift mid-first verse. Cool little guitar solo at the end taboot.

    Before / afterGhost ->Limb By LimbGap4SET 1
88. 1998-06-30TueThe Grey HallCopenhagen, Capital RegionBefore / afterStash ->RoggaeGap0SET 1
89. 1998-04-05SunProvidence Civic CenterProvidence, RI

    Jam chart-> in from "Gin." Initially funky, the jam gets a little more rocking before some Mike-led quiet space and a > to "Sparkle."

    Before / afterBathtub Gin ->> SparkleGap6SET 1
90. 1997-12-28SunUSAir ArenaLandover, MD

    Jam chartMike and Page add a lot to the richly funky jam that becomes very repetitious, with Trey playing in a staccato manner.

    Before / afterJulius> The CurtainGap12SET 1
91. 1997-11-26WedHartford Civic CenterHartford, CTHighly rated 80 · Listen

    Jam chartSegues out of "2001." Nice mellow groove tacked onto the outro. -> to "Ya Mar."

    Before / afterAlso Sprach Zarathustra ->-> Ya MarGap9SET 2
92. 1997-08-16SatLoring Commerce CentreLimestone, MEHighly rated 81 · Listen

    NoteTrey altered lyrics to reference "Fishman sleeping in the daytime."

    Jam chartAnother SUPER SLOW, funky version from '97. Segues out of "Halley's Comet." The tempo picks up at about 8:40, and the funk comes on even thicker. Gets more rocking and bluesy before -> to "Llama."

    Before / afterHalley's Comet ->-> LlamaGap3SET 3
93. 1997-08-10SunDeer Creek Music CenterNoblesville, INHighly rated 88 · Listen

    Jam chartAmazing jam that begins in heavy funk mode and transitions to a more quiet vibe before shifting into high gear with some serious rock and roll. The jam then breaks into some beautiful, peaceful and textured playing ("HOSE") before rebuilding into a powerful groove. -> into "GTBT." Must-hear.

    Before / afterOpened set 2, after Harry Hood-> Good Times Bad TimesGap6SET 2
94. 1997-07-30WedVentura County FairgroundsVentura, CARated 79 · Listen

    Jam chartFantastic -> in from "David Bowie" and -> back to "David Bowie."

    Before / afterDavid Bowie ->-> David BowieGap13SET 2
95. 1997-07-01TueParadisoAmsterdam, North HollandHighly rated 87 · Listen

    Jam chartA super slow tempo, groovy straightforward "Cities" -> to an incredible "Jam."

    Before / afterBathtub Gin ->> JamGap6SET 2
96. 1997-06-20FriDivadlo ArchaPrague, PragueBefore / afterJam ->> HornGap1SET 1
97. 1997-06-16MonRoyal Albert HallLondon, EnglandBefore / afterOpened the encore, after Harry HoodPoor HeartGap4ENCORE
98. 1997-03-01SatMarkthalleHamburg, HamburgBefore / afterOpened the show> The Oh Kee Pa CeremonyGap221SET 1
99. 1994-07-05TueCongress CenterOttawa, OntarioBefore / afterLifeboy> You Enjoy MyselfGap677SET 2
100. 1989-03-01WedGallagher'sWaitsfield, VTBefore / afterOpened set 3, after Big Black Furry Creature from Mars> Dave's Energy GuideGap33SET 3 · 2×
101. 1988-09-13TueSam's TavernBurlington, VTBefore / afterBoogie On Reggae Woman> Dave's Energy GuideGap3SET 2 · 2×
102. 1988-09-08ThuThe FrontBurlington, VTBefore / afterYou Enjoy Myself-> Dave's Energy GuideGap4SET 2 · 2×
103. 1988-08-22MonNectar'sBurlington, VTBefore / afterFluffhead> Dave's Energy GuideGap8SET 1 · 2×
104. 1988-08-05FriThe RomaTelluride, CORated 75 · Listen

     Jam chart"Dave's Energy Guide" ("DEG") is played towards the end of the song before a brief return to "Cities." "DEG" would be played within "Cities" again on 8/22/88, 9/8/88, 9/13/88, and 3/1/89 in a similar manner.

     Before / afterYou Enjoy Myself >-> Dave's Energy GuideGap6SET 1 · 2×
105. 1988-07-24SunNectar'sBurlington, VTBefore / afterOn Your Way DownDavid BowieGap1SET 2
106. 1988-07-12TueSam's TavernBurlington, VTBefore / afterOpened the showThe LizardsGap9SET 1
107. 1988-06-19SunNectar'sBurlington, VTBefore / afterGood Times Bad TimesAlumni BluesGap7SET 2
108. 1988-05-22SunNectar'sBurlington, VTBefore / afterRocky TopTake the 'A' TrainGap64SET 3
109. 1987-04-29WedNectar'sBurlington, VTBefore / afterSkin It Back ->LushingtonGap10SET 1
110. 1987-01-21WedHunt'sBurlington, VTBefore / afterSkin It Back >FluffheadGap0SET 2
111. 1986-12-06SatThe RanchShelburne, VTBefore / afterSkin It Back ->Closed set 2, before Mike's SongGap5SET 2
112. 1986-10-15WedHunt'sBurlington, VTBefore / afterSkin It Back >I Am HydrogenGap22SET 1
113. 1985-09-27FriSlade Hall, University of VermontBurlington, VTBefore / afterMcGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters >AnarchyGap2SET 3
114. 1985-05-03FriUniversity of VermontBurlington, VTBefore / afterJam ->Bring It On HomeGap3SET 2
115. 1985-04-06SatFinbar'sBurlington, VTBefore / afterDon't Want You No MoreWild ChildGap7SET 1
116. 1984-12-01SatNectar'sBurlington, VT

     NoteFirst known Phish performance.

     Jam chartDebut at Nectar's in Burlington, VT.

     Before / afterDon't Want You No More ->-> Drums—GapDebutSET 1

No performances match that search.