Sand
Debut 1999-09-11 · Last played 2026-07-21 · 165 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
165
Median Gap, Last 10 Years10 Yr
4
Median Gap, All-Time
4
Longest Gap
45
Current Gap
Best version1999-12-31VenueBig Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, Big CypressScore94Hear itListen · Details
DateVenueBefore / afterGap · mark at median 4
4.054 shows2021–2026
- 2026-07-21TueEmpower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at LakeviewSyracuse, NYBefore / after> Everything's RightGap4SET 2
- 2025-09-17WedAmeris Bank AmphitheatreAlpharetta, GAHighly rated 84 · ListenBefore / afterCarini >-> PiperGap4SET 2
Jam chartStellar version that marries the Spirit of '99 with the earnestness and multi-faceted nature of modern Phish. Trey's expert loop-craft, Mike's perfectly-timed effect deployment/note choices, Page's pristinely tasteful keyboard textures, and Fishman's relentless swing combine as pieces to a puzzle only a band 40 years into their career could create. Fishman's "Yeah Baby" sample to end is an appropriate acknowledgment.
- 2025-09-12FriHighland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Expo CenterLouisville, KY
Jam chartThis Set 2 opener is pretty standard "Sand" fare until after the return to the song proper. A dreamy outro jam breaks out after the song should have ostensibly finished. > into a 20 minute "CDT".
Before / after> Chalk Dust TortureGap2SET 2 - 2025-07-26SatBroadview Stage at SPACSaratoga Springs, NYBefore / afterWeekapaug GrooveEvolveGap8SET 1
- 2025-07-15TueTD Pavilion at the MannPhiladelphia, PAHighly rated 83 · ListenBefore / afterMy Friend, My FriendGap7SET 2
Jam chartA massive, hypnotic piece of multi-faceted improvisation that imbues the spirit of "Sand'"s minimalism, while also using its hypnotic grooves as a platform for a bevy of subtle complexities. Key modulations, textural effects-based shifts, and crescendos/decrescendos all remain tethered to Mike and especially Fishman's unrelenting, deep pocket, culminating in the longest version of "Sand" to date.
- 2024-12-31TueMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterMy Friend, My Friend >Golden AgeGap6SET 2
- 2024-08-30FriDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, CORated 76 · ListenBefore / afterChalk Dust TortureRuby WavesGap5SET 2
Jam chartLess Sand (although, astonishingly, the band keeps the song's signature line - mostly - running throughout) and more method of critical analysis of philosophical and musical language, one which emphasizes the internal workings of expression and conceptual systems, the relational quality of meaning, and the assumptions implicit in Phish-forms of expression. > "Ruby Waves".
- 2024-08-15ThuThe WoodlandsDover, DERated 79 · Listen
Jam chartStrong set-closer marked by impressive, collective, improvisation. Patient, Trey pushes the band to, and through, a pointed peak before the band returns to land "Sand's" signature riff.
Before / afterA Wave of HopeGap2SET 1 - 2024-07-27SatAlpine Valley Music TheatreEast Troy, WIBefore / afterLifeboy> Golgi ApparatusGap5SET 2
- 2024-07-20SatXfinity CenterMansfield, MABefore / afterBack on the Train> Bouncing Around the RoomGap5SET 1
- 2024-04-18ThuSphereLas Vegas, NVHighly rated 80 · ListenBefore / after> TweezerGap4SET 2
Jam chartSpends little time in the typical "Sand" zone with an early modulation to major and is soon transformed into a dreamy soundscape awash with synths. Over the next several minutes, the jam is gradually shaped by subtly shifting riffs while maintaining its ethereal heading, until a more grounded peaking section emerges in the final minutes.
- 2023-12-29FriMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterMy Friend, My Friend ->About to RunGap4SET 2
- 2023-10-13FriUnited CenterChicago, ILBefore / afterWavesGap4SET 2
Jam chartA fantastic sort of throwback to "Sands" of the late 1.0 era in that it doesn't range far from the format, but in doing so is able to drill down into the entrancing groove even deeper with loops and synths aplenty over top of a rock-solid rhythm section. Around 9:30, the reins are loosened slightly, allowing the jam to transition to major and Page to really show out for a spell, but the ominous minor tone soon returns to see things through to the conclusion.
- 2023-10-07SatBridgestone ArenaNashville, TNBefore / afterLife Saving Gun ->> Everything's RightGap4SET 2
- 2023-09-01FriDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, COHighly rated 83 · ListenBefore / after> No Men In No Man's LandGap3SET 2
Jam chartAnother year at Dick's produces yet another monster version of "Sand." Strong play from Mike and Page kicks this jam off in fun fashion. Ideas are thrown out from each band member, with nothing ever sticking for too long. If a portion of this jam doesn't hook you, just give it two minutes and the next section will. Trey finds some lilting riffs towards the end, and then the whole band locks into a rocking, fun jam before meandering back to the familiar territory of the song proper, briefly jamming the outro. > "NMINML".
- 2023-08-25FriBroadview Stage at SPACSaratoga Springs, NYRated 77 · Listen
Jam chartThe "We Welcome You to Munchkinland" teases from Trey start at 6:45 and don't stop as they become the theme of this bizarrely triumphant jam on the 84th Anniversary of "The Wizard of Oz's" release.
Before / afterPunch You in the EyeRock and RollGap2SET 1 - 2023-08-04FriMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterMike's Song >-> Crosseyed and PainlessGap9SET 2
Jam chartActing as the palate cleanser between a titanic "Mike's Song" and a breakneck "Crosseyed and Painless", this version opts for supreme patience despite its short run-time. Trey's throwback Whammy loops set the tone, as the band settles into a blissy psychedelic space. This then slowly builds to a swirl of hose-y playing before setting MSG on fire with a -> "Crosseyed".
- 2023-07-16SunAmeris Bank AmphitheatreAlpharetta, GABefore / afterWeekapaug Groove> RebaGap10SET 2
Jam chartThe band eschews the typical "Sand" guitar-led jam for immediate introspective exploration. The music grows inward, with Trey's thoughtfully psychedelic approach leading the way. Page's enveloping synth and electric piano textures spread the music out, while Fish and Mike provide an indefatigable, dynamic pulse. The music eventually returns to the "Sand" riff to close, and > "Reba".
- 2023-04-17MonWilliam Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CABefore / afterMiss YouGap6ENCORE
- 2023-02-23ThuMoon PalaceCancun, Quintana RooBefore / afterMy Friend, My Friend> Sample in a JarGap2SET 1
- 2022-12-30FriMadison Square GardenNew York, NYHighly rated 80 · ListenBefore / afterGolden Age> If I CouldGap6SET 2
Jam chartFlirts with a few blissful passages in the first half, but at 10:45 this version locks into a propulsive, heavy jam with Trey pouring on a bevy of punishing riffs, and then wraps up with a final cimb interspersed in the traditional closing.
- 2022-09-01ThuDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, CO
NoteUnfinished.
Before / after-> Down with DiseaseGap4SET 1 - 2022-08-05FriAtlantic City BeachAtlantic City, NJBefore / afterWilson >> PlasmaGap4SET 1
Jam chartAfter a brief passage of standard "Sand" fare, the music modulates at 5:15 for major key. The band immediately locks onto an anthemic chord progression, with Page's grand piano bed providing a solid platform for Trey's soaring guitar. The main "Sand" riff reappears at the 10 minute mark, as the tune patiently winds down. > "Plasma."
- 2022-06-05SunRuoff Music CenterNoblesville, INHighly rated 83 · ListenBefore / afterSigma OasisGap7SET 2 · 2×
Jam chartBreaks away at 7:00 and never looks back, blending multiple bliss sections with darker-tinged synth/delay play (including a "Crosseyed" tease from Mike at 12:00) all within the first twenty minutes. Shortly before 22:00 a tidal wave of sound starts building as the jam crests in a series of massive peaks, after which a final easy-going segment serves as an effective exhale.
- 2022-05-27FriThe Wharf AmphitheaterOrange Beach, ALBefore / afterHalley's Comet >The Old Home PlaceGap2SET 1
- 2022-04-22FriMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterWaves >Split Open and MeltGap6SET 3
Jam chartAn extremely efficient jam that concisely hits on a lot of sweet mini-movements beginning with a bubbly major groove at 4:20. Later returns to minor tonality with an edge and Trey finds a nice descending theme.
- 2021-10-29FriMGM Grand Garden ArenaLas Vegas, NVBefore / afterReba-> TweezerGap4SET 2
Jam chartTrey wastes no time getting a "Tweezer" tease in, kicking off a "blissy" jam. No longer chained to the song's bass line, Mike has some very inventive play. The "bliss" gives way to Trey going heavy on his effects, and eventually -> "Tweezer."
- 2021-10-23SatNorth Island Credit Union AmphitheatreChula Vista, CABefore / afterJoy >-> PiperGap6SET 2
- 2021-09-05SunDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, CORated 78 · Listen
NoteUnfinished.
Before / afterMcGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters> Sigma OasisGap6SET 1Jam chartThis isn't your typical "Sand" jam, as the start of it wouldn't be out of place at the beginning of a "Tube" jam. Things mellow out later, then get to a murky outer-space place. The most impressive thing about this jam is Jon Fishman's refusal to quit; he is fantastic throughout. > a must-hear "Sigma Oasis."
- 2021-08-28SatGorge AmphitheatreGeorge, WABefore / after> Down with DiseaseGap4SET 2
Jam chartThe jam begins typically with solid, funky playing led by Trey and with Page's crunchy keyboard action. Around 7:00, there is a noticeable break to major mode. The forces seem to gather, suggestive of an oncoming peak. Instead, the band seems to luxuriate in this blissful mode, stretching and exploring the terrain without ever pushing the sentiment over the top. The intensity gradually diminishes, but the warm sentiment continues before devolving to transition space.
- 2021-08-06FriRuoff Music CenterNoblesville, INBefore / afterWolfman's BrotherLawn BoyGap4SET 1
Jam chartThe actual "Sand" proper is taken at a slower and milkshake-thick pace, and the band luxuriates in the usual "Sand" jam until about the 7:30 mark, when Trey hits on a particularly gorgeous major-key riff and the band follows him to a very pretty space. Page's work on the keys and Mike's rock-steady accompaniment are what to look out for here. Pretty strong peak at the end, too.
3.085 shows2009–2020
- 2019-12-31TueMadison Square GardenNew York, NY
NoteClone dancers on additional vocals.
Before / afterAuld Lang SyneDrift While You're SleepingGap11SET 3 - 2019-08-30FriDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, COBefore / afterParty Time> What's the Use?Gap3SET 2
- 2019-06-16SunBonnaroo Music & Arts FestivalManchester, TNBefore / afterFree >Wolfman's BrotherGap6SET 1
- 2017-01-13FriBarceló Maya BeachRiviera Maya, Quintana RooBefore / afterYarmouth RoadTheme from the BottomGap1SET 1
- 2016-12-31SatMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterPiper >Slave to the Traffic LightGap4SET 2
- 2016-10-31MonMGM Grand Garden ArenaLas Vegas, NV
Jam chartAround the 8 minute mark, Page leads the band into a "Type II" segment of glorious, major-key play.
Before / after46 Days >> TwistGap9SET 3 - 2016-01-15FriBarceló Maya BeachRiviera Maya, Quintana Roo
Jam chartStrong peaking action in the first jam and then some growly, staccato funk in the second segment, which ultimately -> into "Ghost" stupendously.
Before / afterWhat's the Use? >-> GhostGap1SET 2 - 2015-08-11TueThe Mann Center for the Performing ArtsPhiladelphia, PABefore / afterAlso Sprach Zarathustra >> The HorseGap4SET 2
- 2015-08-01SatAaron's Amphitheatre at LakewoodAtlanta, GABefore / afterWaste >> Tweezer RepriseGap7SET 2
- 2015-01-03SatAmerican Airlines ArenaMiami, FLBefore / afterSneakin' Sally Thru the Alley >> Harry HoodGap6SET 2
- 2014-10-31FriMGM Grand Garden ArenaLas Vegas, NVHighly rated 83 · Listen
Jam chartA multi-section winner, featuring extended funk jamming, a rocking peak with a "School's Out" tease, and a great -> into "Tweezer Reprise."
Before / afterGuyute-> Tweezer RepriseGap3SET 3 - 2014-10-27MonBill Graham Civic AuditoriumSan Francisco, CABefore / after> Birds of a FeatherGap5SET 2
- 2014-10-18SatKey ArenaSeattle, WABefore / after46 Days >> Backwards Down the Number LineGap2SET 2
Jam chartTrey sits back allowing Page to lead the first half of the jam until the groove turns upbeat around 6:45. From there, Trey increases his role and brings it home with melodic leads before the > to "BDTNL". A really nice, atypical version.
- 2014-08-31SunDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, CO
NoteUnfinished.
Jam chartAfter teasing "Tweezer" at the conclusion of the first jam segment, the music takes on a darkish tone and features staccato funk that becomes increasingly abstract until a > to "Piper."
Before / afterTweezer ->> PiperGap4SET 2 - 2014-08-02SatOak Mountain AmphitheatrePelham, ALBefore / afterJulius> Wading in the Velvet SeaGap4SET 2
- 2014-07-27SunMerriweather Post PavilionColumbia, MDBefore / afterMy Sweet OneBouncing Around the RoomGap5SET 1
- 2014-07-18FriFirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly IslandChicago, ILBefore / afterThe Mango Song-> PiperGap3SET 2
- 2013-12-28SatMadison Square GardenNew York, NYRated 79 · Listen
Jam chartA typical "Sand" jam ensues before shifting to some ambience and then locking onto a repetitious riff from Trey. > to "Piper."
Before / after> PiperGap2SET 2 - 2013-10-20SunHampton ColiseumHampton, VABefore / afterAlso Sprach Zarathustra >> Slave to the Traffic LightGap5SET 2
- 2013-08-30FriDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, CO
Jam chart> from "PYITE". Type II version that breaks form around 7:30 and continues on through sections of upbeat melodic playing, rock, and funk. All in all, another strong "Dick's Sand".
Before / afterPunch You in the Eye >Say SomethingGap1SET 2 - 2013-08-05MonHollywood BowlHollywood, CABefore / afterBirds of a Feather> Down with DiseaseGap3SET 2
- 2013-08-02FriBill Graham Civic AuditoriumSan Francisco, CABefore / afterRoggaeWhen the Circus ComesGap14SET 1
- 2013-07-06SatSaratoga Performing Arts CenterSaratoga Springs, NYBefore / afterTweezer >> CariniGap3SET 2
- 2012-09-02SunDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, COHighly rated 93 · ListenBefore / after-> GhostGap4SET 2
Jam chartIn the most improvisational "Sand" played by Phish up to this date, the band launches into a multifaceted jam after a typically groovy first segment. Initially ambient with a siren loop, this jam gains intensity as it moves through a serene groove into a thrilling peak. Throw in a funkified return to the "Sand" theme and a slick -> into "Ghost," and you've got yourself a must-hear jam.
- 2012-08-28TueChaifetz Arena, Saint Louis UniversitySt. Louis, MOBefore / afterUndermind ->-> Walk AwayGap3SET 2
- 2012-08-17FriBill Graham Civic AuditoriumSan Francisco, CABefore / afterCorinnaHalley's CometGap4SET 1
- 2012-07-06FriSaratoga Performing Arts CenterSaratoga Springs, NYBefore / afterCarini >Roses Are FreeGap2SET 2
- 2012-07-03TueNikon at Jones Beach TheaterWantagh, NYHighly rated 81 · ListenBefore / afterChalk Dust Torture-> Golden AgeGap3SET 2
Jam chartEach band member puts their stamp on this one in a great collective effort, which includes an "Izabella" tease. Shifts at 6:50 to allow Page to lead on the Wurlitzer as Trey lays back. Ends with staccato playing from Page, loops, and a -> into an exceptional "Golden Age."
- 2012-06-29FriKlipsch Music CenterNoblesville, INRated 77 · Listen
Jam chartComing out of a very good "Disease," the jam is a tight, rhythmic groove with "Walk This Way" and "Weekapaug" teases from Trey. Segues into "Twist."
Before / afterDown with Disease >> TwistGap4SET 2 - 2012-06-16SatBader FieldAtlantic City, NJBefore / afterGolgi Apparatus >> Backwards Down the Number LineGap3SET 2
- 2011-08-15MonUIC Pavilion, University of IllinoisChicago, IL
Jam chartThe band crushes the groove before before laying down some spacey effects and segueing into "Light."
Before / after> LightGap5SET 2 - 2011-08-06SatGorge AmphitheatreGeorge, WAHighly rated 81 · Listen
Jam chart> of "Prince Caspian." Excellent playing from Trey over funky rhythms and returns to "Tweezer" from earlier in the set.
Before / afterPrince Caspian >-> TweezerGap4SET 2 - 2011-07-01FriWatkins Glen InternationalWatkins Glen, NYBefore / afterChalk Dust Torture> The WedgeGap1SET 2
- 2011-06-19SunnTelos PavilionPortsmouth, VAHighly rated 83 · Listen
NoteLengthy pause near the end before band finished song.
Before / afterFluffhead >> Sneakin' Sally Thru the AlleyGap4SET 2Jam chartThe band put on an impressive display of focused group improvisation in this great funky jam, which also featured stop-start jamming and a short reprise of the jam before ending the song. > into "Sneakin' Sally."
- 2011-06-14TueVerizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore ParkAlpharetta, GABefore / afterCarini >> Down with DiseaseGap2SET 2
- 2010-12-31FriMadison Square GardenNew York, NY
Jam chartStaccato jam with great full-band interplay gives way to a more typical guitar-led conclusion.
Before / after46 DaysNICUGap6SET 2 - 2010-10-29FriBoardwalk HallAtlantic City, NJHighly rated 85 · ListenBefore / afterPunch You in the Eye >-> CariniGap5SET 2
Jam chart> out of "Punch You in the Eye." Another strong version with a dynamic groove and tension-filled playing from Trey. Also includes an upbeat, "type 2" outro jam that seems to hint at "Cool it Down" and a -> into "Carini."
- 2010-10-20WedUtica Memorial AuditoriumUtica, NYBefore / afterDrowned ->> Theme from the BottomGap2SET 2
- 2010-10-16SatNorth Charleston ColiseumNorth Charleston, SCBefore / afterThe Mango Song >Limb By LimbGap13SET 1
- 2010-08-09MonTelluride Town ParkTelluride, COHighly rated 84 · ListenBefore / after> Backwards Down the Number LineGap17SET 2
Jam chartThis version opened the floodgates for the modern "Sand" resurgence as Mike improvised his bass line rather than sticking to the fixed groove, adding another element of improvisation. Trey's uncompressed growl and Mike's playing through the envelope filter in the first half of the jam add cool textures. Short outro jam and a > into "Backwards Down the Number Line."
- 2009-06-07SunSusquehanna Bank CenterCamden, NJHighly rated 86 · Listen
Jam chartOne of the first great jams of 3.0. This version contains an old-school groove which goes "type 2" via a funk jam and an uplifting conclusion by way of a repetitive, descending riff from Trey.
Before / afterSuzy GreenbergGap28SET 2 2.01 show2003–2004
1.025 shows1999–2000
- 2000-10-06FriShoreline AmphitheatreMountain View, CA
Jam chart> from "Cities." Starts with a mellow, airy loop and Trey on the keyboard before he switches to guitar and gives the jam a boost with some great playing.
Before / afterCities >> Golgi ApparatusGap4SET 2 - 2000-09-20WedRiverbend Music CenterCincinnati, OHBefore / afterWading in the Velvet Sea >GuyuteGap7SET 2
- 2000-09-09SatPepsi ArenaAlbany, NY
NoteMichael Ray on trumpet.
Jam chart> from "The Curtain" with Michael Ray on trumpet and includes a "First Tube" tease. Ambient space jam before Michael Ray joins in.
Before / afterThe Curtain >Makisupa PolicemanGap4SET 2 - 2000-07-03MonE CentreCamden, NJ
Jam chartGroovy funk jam with a stop-on-a-dime ending and a brief reprise of the jam to end the song. The "Die" effect heard in the 9/29/99 "2001" also makes an appearance.
Before / afterTheme from the Bottom >MeatGap3SET 2 - 2000-06-29ThuPNC Bank Arts CenterHolmdel, NJRated 79 · Listen
Jam chartDark jam with Trey on the keyboard for a good portion and effects/loops throughout.
Before / afterHeavy Things >MeatstickGap5SET 2 - 2000-06-22ThuAmSouth AmphitheatreAntioch, TNHighly rated 83 · ListenBefore / afterAlso Sprach Zarathustra >> Harry HoodGap4SET 2
Jam chartAn interesting jam which takes a more reserved, melodic route with Fish playing unaccompanied for a time as the band comes down to near silence briefly. The latter part of the jam includes some effects from Page and a nice ascending progression.
- 1999-12-31FriBig Cypress Seminole Indian ReservationBig Cypress, FLHighly rated 94 · ListenBefore / afterThe Inlaw Josie Wales-> Quadrophonic TopplingGap2SET 2
Jam chartThe masterpiece of the '99-'00 style "Sands" from the early morning at Big Cypress. A dark groove develops with all sorts of eerie effects added to the mix. Trey's lead work is scintillating and gives the jam an ominous feel as it builds to a devilish peak and then transitions to the hypnotic second movement replete with looped minimalist elements which continue into -> "Quadrophonic Toppling". A must-hear jam from the band's ambient era.
- 1999-12-18SatHampton ColiseumHampton, VA
Jam chartAmbient roar.
Before / afterAlso Sprach Zarathustra >The HorseGap2SET 2 - 1999-12-16ThuReynolds ColiseumRaleigh, NCBefore / afterThe Mango SongGap2SET 2
Jam chartInitially, the jam revolves around a menacing, effects-laden groove. Trey then hops on the keys to inject some melody and later expands on those ideas on guitar before the jam builds to a screaming finale.
- 1999-12-13MonProvidence Civic CenterProvidence, RIHighly rated 82 · Listen
Jam chartTrey's lead playing is thematic and anthemic in this great version which begins as a textural soundscape. "Gotta Jibboo" bassline tease.
Before / afterNICUThe Inlaw Josie WalesGap4SET 2 - 1999-12-08WedCumberland County Civic CenterPortland, ME
Jam chartExplosive trance.
Before / afterDirtGap4SET 2 - 1999-10-04MonRedbird Arena, Illinois State UniversityNormal, ILBefore / afterMakisupa Policeman >> Ya MarGap8SET 2
- 1999-09-11SatGorge AmphitheatreGeorge, WAHighly rated 83 · Listen
NotePhish debut.
Jam chartThe great debut version begins with a -> out of "Wolfman's Brother". The groove remains constant while Trey solos extensively with gradually increasing intensity.
Before / afterWolfman's Brother ->MeatstickGapDebutSET 2
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