Slave to the Traffic Light299 shows · median gap 5
DateVenueBefore / afterGap · mark at median 5
Slave to the Traffic Light
Debut 1984-12-01 · Last played 2026-07-24 · 299 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
299
Median Gap, Last 10 Years10 Yr
5
Median Gap, All-Time
5
Longest Gap
242
Current Gap
Best version1995-12-07VenueNiagara Falls Convention Center, Niagara FallsScore92Hear itListen · Details
2024-10-26SatMVP ArenaAlbany, NYHighly rated 83 · ListenJam chartVery strong 4.0 version. The first half of the jam segment is playful and punchy, with everyone contributing multiple ideas to a cascading musical conversation, with Fish and Page standing out as especially inventive. Eventually everyone coalesces into multiple raging peaks, and right when you think it's over, the band adds one last peak.Before / afterGolgi Apparatus >Gap2ENCORE
2024-09-01SunDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, COBefore / afterCharacter ZeroGap7SET 2
2022-12-29ThuMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterTube >Blaze OnGap3SET 1
2022-09-03SatDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, COBefore / afterFee >Gap3ENCORE
2022-08-14SunAlpine Valley Music TheatreEast Troy, WIJam chart"Slave" is often relegated to rote status, these days... A means to cap a terrific show... A "call" your 'bro' made a mile away. This is not one of those. Patient. Melodic. Forceful. Special. Here, the four, as if time (or curfews) were not invented, artfully work a version worthy of multiple re-listens, music worthy of myriad, fist-pumping adjectives. Awesome.Before / afterPossum >Gap5SET 2
2022-08-06SatAtlantic City BeachAtlantic City, NJBefore / afterGolgi Apparatus >Gap7SET 2
2022-07-27WedNorthwell Health at Jones Beach TheaterWantagh, NYGap8ENCORE
2021-10-23SatNorth Island Credit Union AmphitheatreChula Vista, CABefore / afterTube >> LlamaGap5SET 1
2021-10-16SatChase CenterSan Francisco, CAJam chartA mostly smooth -> in from "46 Days". The first Set 1 version of "STTTL" in over five years is a gem. This jam peaks and peaks again, and just when you think it's peaked for the final time, it peaks once more.Before / after46 Days ->SimpleGap4SET 1
2021-09-03FriDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, COBefore / afterRunaway JimGap5SET 2
2016-12-31SatMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterSandMoreGap4SET 2
2016-10-31MonMGM Grand Garden ArenaLas Vegas, NVBefore / afterBackwards Down the Number Line >Gap7SET 3
2016-10-21FriVerizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore ParkAlpharetta, GABefore / afterPossumGap7SET 2
2016-09-03SatDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, COBefore / afterDown with DiseaseGap8SET 1
2016-07-18MonBill Graham Civic AuditoriumSan Francisco, CABefore / afterLimb By Limb >Gap5SET 2
2016-07-08FriXfinity CenterMansfield, MABefore / afterBack on the Train >Gap6SET 2
2016-06-28TueThe Mann Center for the Performing ArtsPhiladelphia, PAHighly rated 84 · Listen
Jam chartFish and Mike are out front on this one, giving the jam an early sense of drive and power. Soaring play by Trey and a solidly peaking conclusion all add up to a strong "Slave."
Before / afterTimber (Jerry the Mule) >> You Enjoy MyselfGap5SET 2
Jam chartA great version in which the Page and Mike stick mostly to the primary beat, while Trey adds off-beat color. As the intensity builds, Trey jumps mostly to the primary beat, providing power and grace.
Before / afterWeekapaug GrooveGap4SET 2
2016-01-01FriMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterFuego >Gap3SET 2
2015-09-06SunDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, COHighly rated 84 · ListenJam chartAgain, a touching Mike/Trey duet of sorts at first. Page and Fish jump in to add color and accent. Approaching the peak, Trey plays several sustained notes that work quite well. And the final peak is fittingly powerful.Before / afterSilent in the Morning >Gap5SET 2
2015-08-21FriWatkins Glen InternationalWatkins Glen, NYBefore / afterNo Men In No Man's Land ->Gap1SET 2
2015-08-16SunMerriweather Post PavilionColumbia, MDBefore / afterDown with Disease ->> LightGap6SET 2
2015-08-08SatAlpine Valley Music TheatreEast Troy, WIBefore / afterBackwards Down the Number Line >Gap3SET 2
2014-08-30SatDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, CO
Jam chartSome great Trey/Mike counterpoint early, then Trey plucks away quite nicely. As the energy builds, Trey adeptly strums chords before launching the final peaking section.
Before / afterFuego >> MeatstickGap4SET 2
2014-08-01FriAmphitheater at the WharfOrange Beach, ALBefore / afterFuego >> Also Sprach ZarathustraGap3SET 2
2014-07-27SunMerriweather Post PavilionColumbia, MDBefore / afterCatapult >-> Down with DiseaseGap5SET 2
2014-07-18FriFirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly IslandChicago, ILBefore / afterChalk Dust Torture >Gap3SET 2
2014-07-13SunRandall's IslandNew York, NYBefore / afterSing MonicaGap5SET 2
2014-07-05SatSaratoga Performing Arts CenterSaratoga Springs, NYBefore / afterHeavy Things >You Enjoy MyselfGap7SET 2
2013-12-30MonMadison Square GardenNew York, NYGap4ENCORE
2013-11-01FriBoardwalk HallAtlantic City, NJBefore / afterThe WedgeGap3SET 2
2012-06-16SatBader FieldAtlantic City, NJBefore / afterCrosseyed and Painless >> LightGap5SET 2
2011-12-31SatMadison Square GardenNew York, NYGap4ENCORE
2011-09-14WedChamplain Valley ExpositionEssex Junction, VTHighly rated 83 · Listen
Jam chart> in from "DwD." Although shorter, this one starts with delicate, heartfelt playing by Trey, but quickly amps up to pack a full punch from all by the conclusion.
Before / afterDown with Disease >> Rock and RollGap3SET 2
2011-09-02FriDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, CO
Jam chartTrey sustains a single note for 1:08. Debatable whether or not this effort "works," but it's certainly unusual and worth checking out. Decide for yourself!
Before / afterScents and Subtle Sounds >> Silent in the MorningGap2SET 2
2011-08-16TueUIC Pavilion, University of IllinoisChicago, ILBefore / afterHeavy Things >> Rocky TopGap4ENCORE
2010-08-13FriVerizon Wireless Music CenterNoblesville, INBefore / afterContact >Gap4ENCORE
2010-08-07SatWilliam Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA
Jam chartEnds Set II of a great show, following a jammed-out "Suzy." Beautifully played with a long, gradual build. Like 11/14/97, it's the ride, not the destination that matters most here.
Before / afterSuzy Greenberg >Gap4SET 2
2010-07-03SatVerizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore ParkAlpharetta, GABefore / afterTweezer ->Bouncing Around the RoomGap5SET 2
2003-07-23WedVerizon Wireless Music CenterNoblesville, INBefore / afterThunderhead >Gap6SET 2
2003-07-15TueUSANA AmphitheatreWest Valley City, UTBefore / afterGolgi Apparatus >Gap10SET 2
2003-02-25TueFirst Union SpectrumPhiladelphia, PAHighly rated 85 · ListenJam chartNot sure how Page adroitly plays both the Fender-Rhodes and piano simultaneously, but he does here. Another good one where Trey hangs back for much of the jam, allowing Mike and Page to lead until he steps forward.Before / afterFrankie SaysWater in the SkyGap24SET 1
Jam chartThe longest "Type I" version. If you like a slow, really stretched out "Slave," this one is for you. But the peak is nothing remarkable, in fact it sort of collapses under its own weight.
Before / afterQuadrophonic TopplingAlbuquerqueGap6SET 2
1999-10-09SatPepsi ArenaAlbany, NYJam chartAccording to an unconfirmed story, Phish played this emotional encore to honor a fan tragically killed in a car accident on the way to the show. There are powerful moments prior to the jam and a somber sentiment at the beginning, which miraculously transforms to an uplifting, joyful celebration by the end. A truly gracious and heartfelt version whether or not the story is true.Gap6ENCORE
1999-07-04SunLakewood AmphitheatreAtlanta, GAHighly rated 85 · ListenJam chart-> in from a big "Ghost." Played at a slower tempo than usual, one is lulled into thinking the slowed pace will make for a weak ending. Wrong; this is an awesome version, and includes "What's The Use" and "Dark Star" teases.Before / afterGhost ->The HorseGap5SET 2
1998-11-18WedBI-LO CenterGreenville, SCHighly rated 88 · ListenJam chartBeginning with classic '98 ambience, there is ample delicate space early on. Yet Fish drives this jam to soaring, powerful heights, with Mike, Page and trilling Trey each masterfully responding to the rhythmic foundation. The final, well-coordinated push to the summit is epic.Before / afterAlbuquerqueFluffheadGap5SET 2
1998-11-09MonUIC Pavilion, University of IllinoisChicago, ILBefore / afterThe Moma Dance >> You Enjoy MyselfGap15SET 2
1998-08-12WedVernon DownsVernon, NYHighly rated 85 · ListenJam chart-> in from "Ramble On." "Those Were The Days" and "Ramble On" teases. Page is great on the Fender-Rhodes before shifting back to piano with Trey leading a spirited finale that has a bit more gusto than most '97s.Before / afterRamble On ->Gap9SET 1
1998-07-31FriPolaris AmphitheaterColumbus, OHBefore / afterPunch You in the Eye >Gap5ENCORE
1998-07-24FriCynthia Woods Mitchell PavilionThe Woodlands, TXBefore / afterScent of a Mule> Chalk Dust TortureGap5SET 2
Jam chartThe "Type II" version. The band breaks into a dissonant, spacey jam following the standard one that eventually > to "The Lizards." "Slave" purists may not care for this one, but cannot deny its improvisational aspect.Before / afterJulius >> The LizardsGap5SET 2
1997-11-28FriWorcester Centrum CentreWorcester, MAHighly rated 84 · ListenJam chartSomewhat unusual mid second set placement, before a serious "Ghost." This one and 8/9/97 have a bit more of the traditional "Slave" dynamic, with a serious peak, rather than a gradual swelling like other '97s.Before / afterLimb By Limb> GhostGap4SET 2
1997-11-21FriHampton ColiseumHampton, VAHighly rated 85 · ListenJam chart-> in from a monster "Bag." '94 and '97: Great years for Phish and for "Slave." But the styles (for both) are very different. This "Slave," like many '97s, has a feeling of gradual building, rather than skyrocketing from valley to peak.Before / afterAC/DC Bag ->Loving CupGap4SET 2
1997-11-14FriThe “E” CenterWest Valley City, UTHighly rated 88 · Listen
Jam chartEpic, long version that works very well. Impeccably well-played. Here, the journey, rather than the ending, is what really counts (although the ending is pretty spectacular, too).
1997-08-09SatAlpine Valley Music TheatreEast Troy, WI
Jam chartSuch a graceful version. In 1997, the band was in no hurry to rush things. Here the patient building makes the eventual, huge peak that much sweeter. > to "Weekapaug."
Before / afterScent of a Mule> Weekapaug GrooveGap3SET 2
1997-08-03SunGorge AmphitheatreGeorge, WABefore / afterBouncing Around the RoomGap9ENCORE
1997-07-21MonGTE Virginia Beach AmphitheaterVirginia Beach, VAHighly rated 87 · ListenJam chartTrey's playing includes some subtle and effective melodic variation. Meanwhile Page and Fish add really nice color and texture, transforming this lazy summertime version into one with a powerful sense of grandeur, reaching lofty heights in its strong conclusion.Before / afterFunky BitchGap8SET 2
1997-07-01TueParadisoAmsterdam, North HollandBefore / afterLoving Cup >Gap11SET 2
1997-03-02SunPumpehusetCopenhagen, Capital RegionBefore / afterCharacter Zero >> Tweezer RepriseGap3SET 2
1997-02-26WedLonghornStuttgart, Baden-WürttembergBefore / afterScent of a MuleGap6SET 2
1997-02-18TueBataclanParis, Île-de-FranceBefore / afterCharacter Zero >Gap4SET 1
1997-02-13ThuShepherd's Bush EmpireLondon, EnglandBefore / afterJam >> When the Circus ComesGap2SET 2
1996-12-30MonFleetCenterBoston, MABefore / afterScent of a MuleGap6SET 2
1996-12-01SunPauley Pavilion, University of California Los AngelesLos Angeles, CABefore / afterJohnny B. Goode >Gap6SET 2
1996-11-22FriSpokane ArenaSpokane, WAJam chartAfter some solid but typical early play, Trey shifts to strumming chords in the middle section, nicely giving space to Mike. Page shines while jumping from piano to the B-3 as the power cranks up, and all four are in sync as they push the jam to a full power peak.Before / afterTheme from the BottomHello My BabyGap7SET 2
1996-10-19SatMarine Midland ArenaBuffalo, NYBefore / afterSparkle >Bouncing Around the RoomGap4SET 2
1996-08-17SatPlattsburgh Air Force BasePlattsburgh, NYJam chartPage deploys the Fender-Rhodes early on. This one has great balance, with everyone contributing in equal measure. Trey's skillful use of the Leslie effect as the jam builds to a peak puts this one in the elite category.Before / afterGolgi Apparatus >Gap3SET 2
1996-08-13TueDeer Creek Music CenterNoblesville, INJam chartPage stays on the piano throughout which gives this version a majesty similar to 12/30/93. Trey's restraint early on puts the spotlight nicely on Mike, Page, and Fish. Of course Trey makes a strong showing near the ending.Before / afterGlideGap6SET 1
1995-12-28ThuWorcester Centrum CentreWorcester, MAHighly rated 83 · ListenJam chartVery improvisational version. Both Trey and Page repeatedly voice dissonant chords in the build section, creating an eerie tension. Trey's melody lines are also unusual at times. And Fish's drumming is thunderous.Before / afterUncle PenGap4SET 2
1995-12-14ThuBroome County Veterans Memorial ArenaBinghamton, NYHighly rated 83 · Listen
Jam chart-> in from a jammed out "NICU." Extremely powerful version. Fish and Trey lay it all out to end Set II of an epic show.
1995-12-07ThuNiagara Falls Convention CenterNiagara Falls, NYHighly rated 92 · ListenJam chartUnusual mid first set placement. Trey hits on a great riff that he molds as the jam develops. The band really stretches this one out, with unbelievable intensity even before mounting the final peak. One for the ages.Before / afterRiftGuyuteGap6SET 1
Jam chartThis one starts peaking just before 8:00 and continues building, with one or more false peaks before the final ending.
Before / afterPunch You in the Eye >I'm Blue, I'm LonesomeGap4SET 1
1995-11-12SunO'Connell Center, University of FloridaGainesville, FLJam chartJust solid all around. Trey leads brilliantly, Page jumps to the 88s earlier than usual, and the rhythm guys punctuate the dynamic with an exclamation point. Great sounding Aud, or Aud/SBD matrix on the spreadsheet.Before / afterSample in a Jar >Hold Your Head UpGap5SET 2
1995-10-06FriThe Orpheum TheatreVancouver, British ColumbiaBefore / afterHold Your Head UpGap3SET 2
1995-10-02MonSeattle Center ArenaSeattle, WAHighly rated 84 · Listen
NoteFish on vacuum.
Jam chartNear silence at the beginning of the jam, then listen carefully at 4:45 as Fish delicately and musically adds his Electrolux to the mix. The jam then kicks up several notches, and like 6/15/95, Fish seems to up the tempo slightly to add energy and power to this very fine version.Before / afterKeyboard ArmyHello My BabyGap3SET 2
Jam chartVersion featured on A Live One. Like many of the stellar '94s, this "Slave" has a huge dynamic shift from the subtle, quiet, early part of the jam, to the soaring, high intensity peak.
Before / afterSample in a Jar >Gap8SET 2
1994-11-17ThuHara ArenaDayton, OHJam chartMike and Fish lead this one early on, with Mike playing way up the fret bar and Fish maintaining the pulse. Trey adds power chords and little flourishes. Then Trey has takes the lead, with Fish and Page hammering away.Before / afterHold Your Head Up >Golgi ApparatusGap2SET 2
Jam chartTypical full power '94-style "Slave." Great quieter teaming by Mike and Trey early in the jam. At 5:43 Fish kicks into gear and it's throttle-up time.
Before / afterMy Friend, My Friend >> Suzy GreenbergGap7SET 1
Jam chartHere, there's a noticeable, bouncy groove to the jam section, like you want to tap your foot along, which seems unusual for "Slave." And Trey really brings it on heading into the finish.
Before / afterIt's Ice >Gap9SET 1
1994-04-14ThuBeacon TheatreNew York, NYBefore / afterDog Faced BoyGap4SET 2
1994-04-09SatBroome County Veterans Memorial ArenaBinghamton, NY
Jam chartGreat Fender-Rhodes action from Page early, with the others gradually joining the mix. By 6:00, the power has cycled up on all fronts in a very crisp and cleanly played version. This one goes to 11.
Before / afterTela >CavernGap6SET 2
1993-12-30ThuCumberland County Civic CenterPortland, MEJam chartPage stays on piano throughout, which adds grandeur to this version, while Trey really just adds color to the chord progression for most of the jam, enhancing its majesty. But it's over the top when Trey takes the lead.Before / afterHold Your Head UpGap8SET 2
1993-08-20FriRed Rocks AmphitheatreMorrison, COJam chartAlmost an eerie quiet early in the jam with mostly Page, Mike and Fish gently musing. Gradually Trey brings in the melody, and there is a near linear sequence of intensity building as the chord progression repeats itself.Before / afterAlso Sprach Zarathustra >> Split Open and MeltGap11SET 2
Jam chartFirst time played in 241 shows. Serious tension/anticipation building early on in the jam, making the release glorious.
Before / afterHalley's Comet >Hold Your Head UpGap242SET 2
1991-10-24ThuCrystal Ballroom, Hotel St. MichaelPrescott, AZJam chartIn its final appearance for 2 years and 241 shows, "Slave" hints at its innate and powerful potential. Beginning with Page leading on the keyboard, Fish and Mike bring the power up, while Trey's initially soaring play turns to powerful trilling, a perfect template from which the band would expand.Before / afterTube> Dinner and a MovieGap71SET 2
1991-03-17SunWheeler Opera HouseAspen, COBefore / afterFeeChalk Dust TortureGap41SET 2
1990-11-15ThuLengyel Gym, University of MaineOrono, MEBefore / afterFoamLlamaGap77SET 2
1989-08-26SatTownshend Family ParkTownshend, VTBefore / afterYa MarAC/DC BagGap10SET 2
1989-06-30FriPearl Street BallroomNorthampton, MABefore / afterThe Curtain >Bathtub GinGap9SET 2
1989-05-28SunIan McLean's Party, Connie Condon's FarmHebron, NY
Jam chartAlthough this version begins with spacey elements similar to 5/6/89, it also peaks in a more customary and shredding manner, reestablishing a more conventional approach to the jam.
Before / afterFee ->EstherGap2SET 1
1989-05-26FriValley Club CafeRutland, VTBefore / afterFunky BitchGap8SET 3
1989-05-09TueThe FrontBurlington, VTBefore / afterIf I Don't Be There By Morning> EstherGap3SET 2
1989-05-06SatCollis Center, Dartmouth CollegeHanover, NHJam chartA unique rendering in which Trey adopts a very space-oriented style and tone. This outer space "Slave" has more similarity to the 5/13/89 "Whipping Post" than most conventional "Slave" versions. The jam eventually fades into the Ether rather than peaking.Before / afterGolgi Apparatus >Divided SkyGap12SET 2
1989-04-15SatBillings Lounge, University of VermontBurlington, VTBefore / afterGolgi Apparatus >The Mango SongGap16SET 2
1989-03-01WedGallagher'sWaitsfield, VTBefore / afterJesus Just Left ChicagoDinner and a MovieGap4SET 2
1989-02-18SatOld Stone ChurchNewmarket, NHBefore / afterLa GrangeContactGap4SET 2
Jam chartGreat quiet interplay at first between Trey, Mike, and Page. Then at 5:15, Pete Danforth kicks in on saxophone, and the result is a super and unexpected combination, with an impressive and fiery peak.
Before / afterDinner and a MovieThe Ballad of Curtis LoewGap1SET 3
Jam chartUnusually long version for this time period. Page is great on the electric piano and organ. Trey shreds impressively in the big, full power finish.
Before / afterMakisupa PolicemanAC/DC BagGap9SET 2
1988-06-20MonNectar'sBurlington, VTBefore / afterPeaches en RegaliaGap32SET 1
1988-03-11FriThe Base Lodge, Stearns Hall, Johnson State CollegeJohnson, VTBefore / afterGolgi Apparatus >Flat FeeGap3SET 1