The Curtain With

Debut 1987-08-09 · Last played 2026-07-14 · 46 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
46
Median Gap, Last 10 Years10 Yr
17.5
Median Gap, All-Time
14
Longest Gap
1,184

Best version1988-07-23VenuePete's Phabulous Phish Phest, UnderhillScore91Hear itListen · Details

phish.netphish.in

Eras4.073.0212.021.016 46 of 46 shows
DateVenueBefore / afterGap

  1. 4.07 shows2023–2026

  2. 2026-07-14TueEnmarket ArenaSavannah, GABefore / afterSteam> HornGap10SET 1
  3. 2026-04-23ThuSphereLas Vegas, NVRated 57 · ListenBefore / afterFuegoGap9SET 2
  4. 2025-12-29MonMadison Square GardenNew York, NYRated 68 · ListenBefore / afterQuadrophonic Toppling> Bathtub GinGap18SET 1
  5. 2025-07-16WedTD Pavilion at the MannPhiladelphia, PABefore / afterA Wave of HopeGap12SET 2
  6. 2025-06-22SunSNHU ArenaManchester, NHBefore / afterOblivionLlamaGap43SET 1
  7. 2024-07-24WedMohegan Sun ArenaUncasville, CTBefore / afterAC/DC Bag >> SteamGap55SET 1 · 2×
  8. 2023-04-17MonWilliam Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CABefore / afterCariniGap117SET 1

  9. 3.021 shows2009–2019

  10. 2019-06-30SunBB&T PavilionCamden, NJBefore / after> Fast Enough for YouGap14SET 1
  11. 2019-02-23SatBarceló Maya BeachRiviera Maya, Quintana RooBefore / after> Punch You in the EyeGap24SET 1
  12. 2018-08-12SunMerriweather Post PavilionColumbia, MDRated 53 · ListenBefore / afterBathtub Gin >> Chalk Dust TortureGap13SET 1
  13. 2018-07-22SunGorge AmphitheatreGeorge, WARated 57 · ListenBefore / afterThe BirdsGap17SET 1
  14. 2017-07-30SunMadison Square GardenNew York, NYRated 70 · ListenBefore / after> Runaway JimGap14SET 1
  15. 2017-01-14SatBarceló Maya BeachRiviera Maya, Quintana RooRated 60 · ListenBefore / afterAC/DC BagGap26SET 1
  16. 2016-07-20WedBill Graham Civic AuditoriumSan Francisco, CABefore / afterDemandAlumni BluesGap18SET 1
  17. 2016-01-17SunBarceló Maya BeachRiviera Maya, Quintana RooBefore / afterMexican CousinSample in a JarGap48SET 1
  18. 2014-08-31SunDick's Sporting Goods ParkCommerce City, COBefore / afterWombatGap8SET 1
  19. 2014-07-27SunMerriweather Post PavilionColumbia, MDBefore / afterFee46 DaysGap29SET 1
  20. 2013-10-25FriDCU CenterWorcester, MABefore / afterWilson >CitiesGap15SET 1
  21. 2013-07-27SatGorge AmphitheatreGeorge, WARated 60 · ListenBefore / afterGolgi ApparatusKill Devil FallsGap41SET 1
  22. 2012-06-28ThuKlipsch Music CenterNoblesville, INRated 76 · Listen
    Jam chartThe Curtain section is well-executed, with notably strong Mike and Fish. The With jam features great Trey and Page interplay - not exactly call and response, but Trey plays a few licks, then Page responds with thoughts of his own. As the jam develops, they play simultaneously, each offering similar, yet distinct musical collages, while Fish and Mike adeptly keep the rhythm machine chugging along. A solid version start to finish.
    Before / afterThe BirdwatcherFuck Your FaceGap39SET 1
  23. 2011-06-10FriSusquehanna Bank CenterCamden, NJHighly rated 80 · Listen
    Jam chartThere are a few spots here and there in The Curtain and the beginning of With that seem a bit off. Nonetheless, Trey soloing in With seems particularly inspired, and Mike is also noticeably strong. The jam reaches a fairly intense peak, before expectedly settling to conclude.
    Before / afterThe SlothGap19SET 1
  24. 2010-10-26TueVerizon Wireless ArenaManchester, NHHighly rated 83 · Listen
    Jam chartThe Curtain bristles with crisp energy and is tightly rendered, with Mike and Fish seeming to propel the opening section. The animated jam in With also seems to bound along at a slighly quicker clip than the usual, more languid pace. Again, Fish and Mike drive the tempo, while Trey offers inspired and rapid-fire melodies. A high octane version.
    Before / afterAll of These Dreams> Scent of a MuleGap6SET 1
  25. 2010-10-16SatNorth Charleston ColiseumNorth Charleston, SCBefore / afterGuelah Papyrus> The Mango SongGap36SET 1
  26. 2009-12-30WedAmerican Airlines ArenaMiami, FLBefore / afterSand> LifeboyGap11SET 2
  27. 2009-11-24TueWachovia CenterPhiladelphia, PABefore / afterCamel WalkThe WedgeGap5SET 1
  28. 2009-11-01SunEmpire Polo ClubIndio, CA

    NoteAcoustic.

    Before / afterMountains in the MistArmy of OneGap7SET 1
  29. 2009-08-11TueToyota ParkBridgeview, ILRated 67 · ListenBefore / afterWindy CityTrain SongGap5SET 1
  30. 2009-08-01SatRed Rocks AmphitheatreMorrison, COBefore / afterAC/DC BagMoundGap21SET 1

  31. 2.02 shows2004–2004

  32. 2004-08-15SunNewport State AirportCoventry, VTRated 63 · Listen

    NoteJam segment stopped and restarted in correct key.

    Gap14ENCORE
  33. 2004-06-17ThuKeySpan ParkBrooklyn, NYRated 60 · ListenBefore / afterDinner and a MovieSample in a JarGap54SET 1

  34. 1.016 shows1987–2000

  35. 2000-09-30SatThomas & Mack CenterLas Vegas, NVRated 54 · ListenBefore / afterWalfredoMazeGap9SET 1
  36. 2000-09-17SunMerriweather Post PavilionColumbia, MDRated 79 · Listen
    Jam chartCompared to the well-known bustout version from Deer Creek in 2000, this version features much better execution in The Curtain and a more competent delivery in the With jam. Trey's use of the Leslie during the early, "Rift" part of With is a cool plus, and the band coalesces nicely from there, for a snappy and spirited instrumental jam.
    Before / afterFluffhead> Chalk Dust TortureGap10SET 1
  37. 2000-07-12WedDeer Creek Music CenterNoblesville, INBefore / afterMy Friend, My FriendTubeGap1,184SET 1
  38. 1988-07-29FriThe RomaTelluride, CORated 60 · ListenBefore / afterSneakin' Sally Thru the AlleyFireGap4SET 1
  39. 1988-07-23SatPete's Phabulous Phish PhestUnderhill, VTHighly rated 91 · Listen

    NoteUnknown additional percussionist.

    Jam chartAn unprecedented and highly improvisational version, which includes an unknown additional percussionist. Following a strong run through The Curtain section, the band breaks into the familiar With jam. However, this jam quickly takes on a more dissonant and frenetic character, with "DEG"-like undertones, although it retains some semblance of With through about the 15:00 mark. After this point, the band breaks for "DEG," followed by some abstract and crazed jamming, a testament to the band's nascent improvisational nature. Eventually, the playing returns to the customary With ending.
    Before / after-> Dave's Energy GuideGap2SET 2 · 2×
  40. 1988-07-11MonSam's TavernBurlington, VTRated 60 · ListenBefore / afterSuzy GreenbergFunky BitchGap9SET 1
  41. 1988-06-19SunNectar'sBurlington, VTHighly rated 82 · Listen
    Jam chartOn this recording, Page is more prominent in the mix, which provides a nice audio record of his important role with this song. While The Curtain is generally tight, minor bumps here and there point to the difficulty of performing this highly composed section. The With jam begins with some nice, quiet interplay between Trey and Page. The jam gradually builds energy, but remains largely undulating and uplifting straight through to the downshifting conclusion.
    Before / afterFunky BitchGap6SET 1
  42. 1988-05-24TueNectar'sBurlington, VTHighly rated 80 · Listen
    Jam chartA well-executed Curtain - not spotless, but few, if any, are. This With jam is evocative and captures a sense of weigtlessness, soaring above the musical clouds. Many of these early With jams move beyond this uplifting section, exploring more dissonant, rocking terrain. Not so here, as the band seems content to let this one gracefully recede, following a soaring peak.
    Before / afterRocky TopGap2SET 1
  43. 1988-05-22SunNectar'sBurlington, VTBefore / afterTake the 'A' TrainSuzy GreenbergGap1SET 3
  44. 1988-05-15SunBeecher Hill FarmHinesburg, VTHighly rated 86 · Listen
    Jam chartAlthough The Curtain seems to hit a few minor bumps, these are offset by a strong, lift-off type jam in With. Beginning with a light, weightless sense, the jam becomes more grounded and intense as it develops, with Trey's spiralling soloing reaching an intial peak. "Fly Famous Mockingbird" debuted in February, 1988, and if you listen closely from about 12:40 - 13:30, you'll notice striking similarities between these instrumental sections.
    Before / afterMcGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters> WilsonGap29SET 2
  45. 1988-02-07SunNectar'sBurlington, VTHighly rated 82 · Listen
    Jam chartThis impressive version begins with a nearly flawless Curtain section, led by intese Fish action. In With, Trey's tone is measured and confident, bolstered by strong support from Mike and Fish. After reaching a peak, the jam takes on a more rocking, almost "DEG"-like vibe, beginning at about 12:55, sounding very different from the typical With jam, before ending with the traditional diminuendo conclusion.
    Before / afterBundle of JoyThe Ballad of Curtis LoewGap19SET 3
  46. 1987-09-21MonNectar'sBurlington, VTBefore / afterYou Enjoy MyselfBig Black Furry Creature from MarsGap6SET 2
  47. 1987-08-29SatThe RanchSouth Burlington, VTHighly rated 82 · Listen
    Jam chartFish and Mike are noticeably strong in The Curtain section, despite some minor precision issues from Trey and Page. After the anthemic repeat which would evolve into "Rift," this With jam really takes off into some stunning and inspired playing by Trey, strengthened by colorful and delicate Page counterpoint. Trey's spirited melodies from about 10:25 - 11:00 sound remarkably similar to the as yet unhatched jam in "Mockingbird." The cathartic settle seems the perfect ending.
    Before / afterSwing Low, Sweet ChariotMcGrupp and the Watchful HosemastersGap2SET 2
  48. 1987-08-21FriIan McLean's FarmHebron, NYRated 75 · Listen
    Jam chartGotta love the dogs, Marley and/or others barking in the background throughout. The Curtain section is very precise, and filled with a sense of energy. Listening along, you can imagine the band had practiced the composed section extensively. The With jam begins with delicate, lofty soloing by Trey, then gradually builds up to a crescendo, before easing back down and fading into the ether.
    Before / afterClodLight Up Or Leave Me AloneGap1SET 1
  49. 1987-08-10MonNectar'sBurlington, VTBefore / afterFeeI Know a LittleGap1SET 2
  50. 1987-08-09SunNectar'sBurlington, VTHighly rated 81 · Listen

    NoteFirst known performance.

    Jam chartThe debut includes both the highly composed section we now think of as The Curtain, as well as the flowing and spriralling instrumental section familiar to us as the With jam. Melodies and musical ideas from this classic would later be incorporated into "Reba" and "Rift," while songs which debuted subsequently, especially "Mockingbird" and "Esther," both seem to draw inspiration from With.
    Before / afterHalley's CometGapDebutSET 2