Esther

Debut 1988-09-12 · Last played 2026-04-23 · 137 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
137
Median Gap, Last 10 Years10 Yr
17.5
Median Gap, All-Time
7
Longest Gap
148

Best version1993-02-21VenueRoxy Theatre, AtlantaScore87Hear itListen · Details

phish.netphish.in

Eras4.0113.091.0117 137 of 137 shows
DateVenueBefore / afterGap · mark at median 7

  1. 4.011 shows2021–2026

  2. 2026-04-23ThuSphereLas Vegas, NVGap12SET 1
  3. 2025-09-20SatHampton ColiseumHampton, VAGap68SET 1
  4. 2024-07-27SatAlpine Valley Music TheatreEast Troy, WIGap29ENCORE
  5. 2023-09-01FriDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, COGap19SET 1
  6. 2023-07-15SatAmeris Bank AmphitheatreAlpharetta, GAGap5SET 1
  7. 2023-04-22SatHollywood BowlHollywood, CAGap14SET 1
  8. 2022-12-28WedMadison Square GardenNew York, NYGap13ENCORE
  9. 2022-08-02TueBlossom Music CenterCuyahoga Falls, OHGap16SET 2
  10. 2022-06-03FriRuoff Music CenterNoblesville, INGap8SET 1
  11. 2022-04-21ThuMadison Square GardenNew York, NYGap26SET 1
  12. 2021-08-28SatGorge AmphitheatreGeorge, WAGap112SET 1

  13. 3.09 shows2009–2017

  14. 2017-07-30SunMadison Square GardenNew York, NYGap76SET 1
  15. 2015-08-09SunAlpine Valley Music TheatreEast Troy, WIGap75SET 1
  16. 2013-08-30FriDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, COGap81SET 1
  17. 2011-06-18SatTime Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek Raleigh, NCGap61SET 2
  18. 2010-06-17ThuThe Comcast TheatreHartford, CTGap16SET 1
  19. 2009-11-25WedWachovia CenterPhiladelphia, PAGap6SET 2
  20. 2009-11-01SunEmpire Polo ClubIndio, CAGap4ENCORE
  21. 2009-08-15SatMerriweather Post PavilionColumbia, MDGap8SET 1
  22. 2009-08-01SatRed Rocks AmphitheatreMorrison, COGap89SET 2

  23. 1.0117 shows1988–2000

  24. 2000-09-30SatThomas & Mack CenterLas Vegas, NVHighly rated 81 · Listen

    NoteFlubbed lyrics for the final verse, ending with Trey proclaiming: "She died. Dead."

    Jam chart"She's dead. She died." A flub paves the way for both lyrical and musical improvisation, and "Esther" truly goes for a ride. A feeling of warmth and mirth, as opposed to anger or frustration, informs great, soulful jamming, which eventually breaks for a > into "Weekapaug Groove."
    Gap148SET 1
  25. 1998-08-09SunGTE Virginia Beach AmphitheaterVirginia Beach, VAHighly rated 81 · Listen

    Jam chartThis very pretty and subdued version features notably strong playing from Trey and Page.

    Gap6SET 1
  26. 1998-08-01SatAlpine Valley Music TheatreEast Troy, WIGap139SET 1
  27. 1996-10-19SatMarine Midland ArenaBuffalo, NYGap5SET 1
  28. 1996-08-16FriPlattsburgh Air Force BasePlattsburgh, NYHighly rated 80 · Listen

    Jam chartClassic "Clifford Ball" version featuring a totally relaxed vibe, glittering Page, and one of Trey's most memorable "Esther" solos.

    Gap3SET 1
  29. 1996-08-12MonDeer Creek Music CenterNoblesville, INHighly rated 80 · Listen

    Jam chartExceptionally strong version featuring great solos and tight playing from all four musicians.

    Gap40SET 1
  30. 1995-12-05TueMullins Center, University of MassachusettsAmherst, MAGap15SET 1
  31. 1995-11-14TueUniversity of Central Florida ArenaOrlando, FLGap14SET 1
  32. 1995-10-19ThuMunicipal AuditoriumKansas City, MOGap30SET 1
  33. 1995-06-16FriWalnut Creek AmphitheaterRaleigh, NCHighly rated 80 · Listen
    Jam chartThe watery sounds produced by Trey's use of the Leslie percoloate throughout this great version. Add fantastic Page and Fish, with his uncharacteristic rim shots, and an unusual and highly engaging concluding Trey solo, and it adds up to a stellar performance.
    Gap25SET 1
  34. 1994-11-25FriUIC Pavilion, University of IllinoisChicago, ILGap11SET 1
  35. 1994-11-12SatMAC Center, Kent State UniversityKent, OHGap13SET 1
  36. 1994-10-20ThuMahaffey TheatreSt. Petersburg, FL

    NoteRandom Note and Simpsons signals.

    Gap7SET 1
  37. 1994-10-10MonPalace TheatreLouisville, KYGap12SET 2
  38. 1994-07-05TueCongress CenterOttawa, OntarioHighly rated 85 · Listen
    Jam chartEarly "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" teasing is enhanced by great Trey, whose unique soloing features dynamic modulation before the band comes togehter for a strong conclusion and a great > into "DwD."
    Gap11SET 1
  39. 1994-06-21TueCincinnati Music HallCincinnati, OHRated 78 · Listen
    Jam chartMike mows everyone down on this bass-centric version. 1994 is a great year for "Esther," and here is one reason why. Page's and Trey's solos smoke, but it's Mike's powerful playing that distinguishes this version, not a song one normally associates with Mike.
    Gap6SET 2
  40. 1994-06-13MonMemorial HallKansas City, KSRated 79 · Listen
    Jam chartTotally on point, Trey moves the band though this version with verve and tenacity. Instead of modifying his tone, Trey dances through a series of notes, providing a solo not wholly unique (this is not the only of its kind), but perhaps the finest of its nature. A "heavy metal" outro of sorts befits this fine, "exploratory" "Esther."
    Gap4SET 2
  41. 1994-05-29SunLaguna Seca RacewayMonterey, CAHighly rated 82 · Listen
    Jam chartTerrific Page. Outstanding Trey (whose solo departs from that sound characteristically "emotive" to become something more "musical"). Fish is the surpirse, here, though. Rim shots, extra floursihes and fills really work to bring this version to a fun and fiery close.
    Gap18SET 2
  42. 1994-05-06FriTower TheaterHouston, TXGap10SET 1
  43. 1994-04-23SatThe Fox TheatreAtlanta, GAHighly rated 80 · Listen

    Jam chartSuper musical, this version, which features "Caravan" teasing and wonderful Page, boasts incredibly strong soloing (Trey) and remarkable full-band play.

    Gap11SET 1
  44. 1994-04-10SunAlumni Arena, SUNY BuffaloBuffalo, NY

    NoteSimpsons signal in intro.

    Gap9SET 1
  45. 1993-12-28TueBender Arena, American UniversityWashington, DCGap2SET 1
  46. 1993-08-26ThuArlene Schnitzer Concert HallPortland, ORRated 73 · Listen
    Jam chartThis "Esther" features a fun and different sort of intro - which invites a really cool and shuffling sort of tempo - before great soloing and flashes of improvisational flair hint at what would come in 1994.
    Gap8SET 1
  47. 1993-08-14SatWorld Music TheatreTinley Park, ILGap3SET 1
  48. 1993-08-11WedEastbrook TheatreGrand Rapids, MIGap8SET 2
  49. 1993-07-30FriThe Veranda at StarwoodAntioch, TNGap9SET 1
  50. 1993-07-18SunIC Light AmphitheaterPittsburgh, PAGap10SET 1
  51. 1993-05-03MonState TheatreNew Brunswick, NJRated 77 · Listen

    NoteRandom Note signal in intro.

    Jam chartVery pretty and delicate soloing. Impressive Page and a strong conclusion. Proof positive that "Esther" is not necessarily best reflected in the studio.

    Gap9SET 1
  52. 1993-04-22ThuThe Agora TheatreCleveland, OH

    NoteRandom Note signal in intro.

    Gap5SET 1
  53. 1993-04-16FriThe Macauley TheaterLouisville, KYGap12SET 1
  54. 1993-03-30TueHilton BallroomEugene, OR

    NoteRandom Note signal.

    Gap7SET 1
  55. 1993-03-21SunVentura TheatreVentura, CA

    NoteRandom Note signal in intro.

    Gap4SET 1
  56. 1993-03-16TueCelebrity TheatrePhoenix, AZRated 68 · Listen

    NoteRandom Note and Simpsons signals.

    Gap4SET 2 · 2×
  57. 1993-03-09TuePike's Peak CenterColorado Springs, CO

    NoteRandom Note signal in intro.

    Gap11SET 1
  58. 1993-02-21SunRoxy TheatreAtlanta, GAHighly rated 87 · Listen

    NoteBegan with Page modifying the intro (including a brief reggae attempt) and included a Simpsons signal.

    Jam chartReggae style and other fun throughout the intro, as if to set the table for Page. And Page responds in kind, his playing strong throughout the version, both when soloing or providing fills for Trey.

    Gap5SET 1
  59. 1993-02-15MonMemorial Hall, University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, NC

    NoteRandom Note signal in intro.

    Gap2SET 1
  60. 1993-02-12FriMid-Hudson Civic CenterPoughkeepsie, NY

    NoteSimpsons and Random Note signals in intro.

    Gap3SET 1
  61. 1993-02-09TueAuditorium TheatreRochester, NYHighly rated 83 · Listen

    NoteSimpsons and Random Note signals in intro.

    Jam chartSignal-laden intro with fun stop / start playing. Trey even seems to sing with a sense of urgency, before great soloing gives way to thoughtful and inspired full-band playing.

    Gap7SET 1
  62. 1992-12-30WedSymphony HallSpringfield, MA

    NoteSimpsons signal in intro.

    Gap5SET 1
  63. 1992-12-11FriMichigan TheaterAnn Arbor, MIGap6SET 2
  64. 1992-12-04FriMississippi NightsSt. Louis, MOGap5SET 2
  65. 1992-11-28SatThe Capitol TheatrePort Chester, NY

    NoteRandom Note and Aw Fuck! signals in intro.

    Gap7SET 1
  66. 1992-11-19ThuRoss Arena, St. Michael's CollegeColchester, VTGap11SET 1
  67. 1992-08-17MonThe Coach HouseSan Juan Capistrano, CAHighly rated 83 · Listen

    Jam chartAwesome version with dynamic, full-band play, and, unsurprisingly, especially strong Trey.

    Gap19SET 2
  68. 1992-07-15WedTraxCharlottesville, VA

    NoteRandom Note signal.

    Gap23SET 2
  69. 1992-05-07ThuThe Agora TheatreCleveland, OHGap6SET 1
  70. 1992-04-30ThuBarrymore TheatreMadison, WIGap8SET 1
  71. 1992-04-18SatWilbur Field, Stanford UniversityPalo Alto, CARated 73 · Listen

    Jam chartInspired from the jump, Trey works with Mike to inform a highly musical passage before breaking to solo with great intensity.

    Gap8SET 1
  72. 1992-04-06MonPaul Wright Gym, Western State CollegeGunnison, COGap16SET 1
  73. 1992-03-17TueLisner Auditorium, George Washington UniversityWashington, DCGap7SET 2
  74. 1991-12-31TueWorcester Memorial AuditoriumWorcester, MA

    NoteVoice box that uttered curses.

    Gap9SET 1
  75. 1991-11-21ThuSomerville TheatreSomerville, MARated 76 · Listen
    Jam chartAn especially thoughtful and busy intro sets the foundation for a strong version featuring dynamic playing and impressive modulation, with particularly strong contributions from Page and inventive soloing from Trey.
    Gap6SET 1
  76. 1991-11-13WedLove Auditorium, Davidson CollegeDavidson, NCGap18SET 1
  77. 1991-10-17ThuGreat American Music HallSan Francisco, CAGap3SET 1
  78. 1991-10-12SatRoseland TheaterPortland, ORGap6SET 1
  79. 1991-10-03ThuMabel'sChampaign, ILGap5SET 2
  80. 1991-09-27FriThe WarehouseRochester, NYGap3SET 1
  81. 1991-08-03SatLarrabee Farm, a.k.a. Amy’s FarmAuburn, MEGap6SET 2
  82. 1991-07-21SunArrowhead RanchParksville, NYGap5SET 2
  83. 1991-07-14SunTownshend Family ParkTownshend, VTGap11SET 3
  84. 1991-05-09ThuPortland Performing Arts CenterPortland, MEBefore / afterStash> Split Open and MeltGap9SET 2
  85. 1991-04-20SatDouglass Dining Center, University of RochesterRochester, NYBefore / afterThe Landlady> Chalk Dust TortureGap2SET 1
  86. 1991-04-18ThuDionysus Club, The 'Sco, Oberlin CollegeOberlin, OHBefore / afterMy Sweet One> Chalk Dust TortureGap6SET 1
  87. 1991-04-06SatThe Library Building, Evergreen CollegeOlympia, WABefore / afterTweezer >> The Oh Kee Pa CeremonyGap3SET 1
  88. 1991-04-03WedBritt Ballroom, Southern Oregon State CollegeAshland, ORBefore / afterStash> The LandladyGap2SET 2
  89. 1991-03-31SunBerkeley SquareBerkeley, CABefore / afterMy Sweet One> PossumGap6SET 1
  90. 1991-03-17SunWheeler Opera HouseAspen, CORated 74 · Listen

    NoteTrey repeated the first line of Esther several times.

    Jam chartCool intro. This leads to a really "chilled out" and relaxed vibe, with Trey's solo particularly nuanced, strikingkly hushed, and patient. Near reverent. Super Page and strong percussion lead to a fiery close.
    Before / afterRunaway Jim> My Sweet OneGap3SET 2
  91. 1991-03-13WedBoulder TheaterBoulder, COBefore / afterDivided Sky> LlamaGap7SET 1
  92. 1991-02-28ThuSarratt Student Center, Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TNBefore / afterFoam> Mike's SongGap7SET 1
  93. 1991-02-19TueThe BayouWashington, DCBefore / afterThe Landlady> Split Open and MeltGap3SET 2
  94. 1991-02-14ThuState Theatre Of IthacaIthaca, NYBefore / afterRunaway JimAlumni BluesGap5SET 2
  95. 1991-02-03SunThe FrontBurlington, VTBefore / afterTweezerDestiny UnboundGap1SET 1
  96. 1991-02-02SatAlumni Gymnasium, Bates CollegeLewiston, MEBefore / afterDinner and a Movie >> StashGap3SET 1
  97. 1990-12-29SatCampus ClubProvidence, RIBefore / afterYou Enjoy Myself> David BowieGap6SET 1
  98. 1990-11-30FriThe Colonial TheatreKeene, NHBefore / afterWeekapaug Groove> Dinner and a MovieGap4SET 1
  99. 1990-11-17SatSomerville TheatreSomerville, MABefore / afterWeekapaug GrooveHold Your Head UpGap9SET 2
  100. 1990-11-02FriGlenn Miller Ballroom, University of ColoradoBoulder, COBefore / afterWeekapaug Groove> CavernGap5SET 1
  101. 1990-10-25ThuThe ShowbarHouston, TXBefore / afterCarolinaRun Like an AntelopeGap8SET 1
  102. 1990-10-12FriCat's CradleChapel Hill, NCBefore / afterCavern> TweezerGap5SET 1
  103. 1990-10-06SatThe Capitol TheatrePort Chester, NYBefore / afterSuzy Greenberg> PossumGap2SET 1
  104. 1990-10-04ThuField House, University of New HampshireDurham, NH

    Jam chartGreat pacing and impressive musicianship. Trey modifies his tone and solos beutifully, with Page striking a fine balance.

    Before / afterThe Landlady> PossumGap5SET 1
  105. 1990-09-28FriThe ChancePoughkeepsie, NYBefore / afterAC/DC Bag >> GumboGap3SET 2
  106. 1990-09-21FriSomerville TheatreSomerville, MABefore / afterFoam> The LandladyGap11SET 1
  107. 1990-06-16SatTownshend Family ParkTownshend, VTBefore / afterGolgi Apparatus> TweezerGap8SET 2
  108. 1990-05-31ThuThe Georgia TheatreAthens, GABefore / afterCaravan> TweezerGap14SET 1
  109. 1990-05-06SunToad's PlaceNew Haven, CTBefore / afterHarry Hood> David BowieGap6SET 2
  110. 1990-04-26ThuDionysus Club, The 'Sco, Oberlin CollegeOberlin, OHBefore / afterHow High the MoonBathtub GinGap1SET 2
  111. 1990-04-25WedThe Clarke Memorial Fountain, Notre Dame UniversityNotre Dame, INBefore / afterYou Enjoy MyselfLa GrangeGap2SET 1
  112. 1990-04-22SunCutler Quad, Colorado CollegeColorado Springs, CORated 74 · Listen
    Jam chartA fun and playful intro yields to strong and spirited playing. Trey's solo is particularly melodic, and great full-band syncopation (highlighted by some notable percussion) rounds out this excellent version.
    Before / afterHow High the Moon> Big Black Furry Creature from MarsGap1SET 2
  113. 1990-04-21SatCanyon West Room, Lincoln CenterFort Collins, COBefore / afterFunky Bitch> FoamGap5SET 1
  114. 1990-04-13FriThe InfernoSteamboat Springs, COBefore / afterFluffheadLa GrangeGap2SET 1
  115. 1990-04-09MonFly Me to the Moon SaloonTelluride, COBefore / afterFunky Bitch> Uncle PenGap3SET 2
  116. 1990-04-06FriEl Dorado CaféCrested Butte, COBefore / afterLa Grange> The SlothGap2SET 2
  117. 1990-04-04WedQuigley's, University of ColoradoBoulder, COBefore / afterWeekapaug Groove> Uncle PenGap6SET 2
  118. 1990-03-17Sat23 East CabaretArdmore, PABefore / afterGolgi ApparatusDinner and a MovieGap3SET 1
  119. 1990-03-10SatThe FrontBurlington, VTBefore / afterWilsonMcGrupp and the Watchful HosemastersGap3SET 1
  120. 1990-03-07WedMemorial Union Building, Granite State Room, University of New HampshireDurham, NHBefore / afterPossum> CaravanGap2SET 1
  121. 1990-03-03SatThe Wetlands PreserveNew York, NYRated 72 · Listen

    Jam chartGreat "Esther" with strong, full-band playing. Both Page and Trey standout amidst this version which features a unique, shuffling tempo.

    Before / afterFluffhead >> Funky BitchGap1SET 2
  122. 1990-03-02FriThe ChancePoughkeepsie, NYBefore / afterPossumThe Squirming CoilGap3SET 1
  123. 1990-02-24SatThe BayouWashington, DCBefore / afterDivided Sky> PossumGap4SET 1
  124. 1990-02-16FriThe ParadiseBoston, MABefore / afterFluffhead> Mike's SongGap2SET 1
  125. 1990-02-10Sat23 East CabaretArdmore, PABefore / afterLa Grange> AC/DC BagGap13SET 2
  126. 1990-01-26FriTree CafePortland, MEBefore / afterSplit Open and MeltRebaGap2SET 2
  127. 1990-01-20SatWebster Hall, Dartmouth CollegeHanover, NHBefore / afterLawn BoyMike's SongGap9SET 2
  128. 1989-12-09SatHuden Dining Hall, Castleton State CollegeCastleton, VTBefore / afterFluffhead> Alumni BluesGap5SET 2
  129. 1989-12-03SunThe FrontBurlington, VTBefore / afterAC/DC Bag >> The Oh Kee Pa CeremonyGap11SET 2
  130. 1989-11-02ThuMemorial Union Building, Granite State Room, University of New HampshireDurham, NHBefore / afterSplit Open and Melt> Good Times Bad TimesGap9SET 1
  131. 1989-10-12ThuMabel Brown Room, Keene State CollegeKeene, NHBefore / afterWeekapaug GrooveWalk AwayGap35SET 2
  132. 1989-05-28SunIan McLean's Party, Connie Condon's FarmHebron, NYRated 79 · Listen

    Jam chart> from "Slave to the Traffic Light," this too is slow, patient, and well-played. Trey is particularly on point, deploying a series of "jazzy" chords before offering up a great solo.

    Before / afterSlave to the Traffic LightSuzy GreenbergGap10SET 1
  133. 1989-05-09TueThe FrontBurlington, VTBefore / afterSlave to the Traffic Light >> Run Like an AntelopeGap3SET 2
  134. 1989-05-06SatCollis Center, Dartmouth CollegeHanover, NHBefore / afterWeekapaug GrooveThe SlothGap3SET 1
  135. 1989-05-01MonPearl Street BallroomNorthampton, MABefore / afterYou Enjoy MyselfAC/DC BagGap7SET 1
  136. 1989-04-20ThuHumphries House (The Zoo), Amherst CollegeAmherst, MABefore / afterFireSuzy GreenbergGap2SET 1
  137. 1989-04-15SatBillings Lounge, University of VermontBurlington, VTBefore / afterWeekapaug Groove> You Enjoy MyselfGap1SET 1
  138. 1989-04-14FriThe Base Lodge, Stearns Hall, Johnson State CollegeJohnson, VTRated 70 · Listen

    Jam chartGreat early version which showcases the song's potential, featuring particularly strong playing from Page and great soloing from Trey.

    Before / afterWeekapaug GrooveGap23SET 2
  139. 1989-02-07TueThe FrontBurlington, VTRated 74 · Listen

    Jam chartReworked, "Esther" more closely assumes its now familiar lyrical and musical structure.

    Before / after> McGrupp and the Watchful HosemastersGap27SET 1
  140. 1988-09-12MonSam's TavernBurlington, VTRated 73 · Listen

    NoteFirst known performance.

    Jam chartDebut version. Original lyrics alter the song's now familiar structure.

    Before / afterHarry HoodGapDebutSET 2