Waves

Debuted 2002-12-31 · Last played 2026-10-09 · 58 performances

This song onphish.netphish.infouldomain

Median gap
14
last 10 years · 8 all-time
Current gap
longest 77

Best version2019-07-14 · Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy · Rated 97 · Listen · Details

Most often out ofCarini5× Twist4× Prince Caspian4×
Most often intoTweezer6× Sample in a Jar4× Fuego3×
Eras4.0113.0322.015 58 of 58 shows
DateVenueBefore / after > and –>Gap · mark at median 8

  1. 4.011 shows2021–2026

  2. 2026-10-09FriVyStar Veterans Memorial ArenaJacksonville, FLBefore / afterTwist >TweezerGap29SET 2
  3. 2026-04-25SatSphereLas Vegas, NVBefore / afterMercury >> About to RunGap8SET 2
  4. 2026-01-28WedMoon PalaceCancun, Quintana RooBefore / afterOpened set 2, after Chalk Dust Torture> FuegoGap63SET 2
  5. 2024-08-10SatBethel Woods Center for the ArtsBethel, NYBefore / afterDown with Disease ->> TwistGap30SET 2
  6. 2023-10-13FriUnited CenterChicago, ILBefore / afterSand> TweezerGap40SET 2
  7. 2023-02-24FriMoon PalaceCancun, Quintana Roo
    Jam chartFish sets the tone early with some stellar play that shines through. As the jam breaks from the song proper, a dark, subdued tone accompanies a slower tempo. Music served better for a mystery than on the beach. The tempo gradually rises again and the jam builds to a frenetic, heavy-effects peak-adjacent. > "Ruby Waves" setting the stage for the first ever pairing of the two Waves tunes.
    Before / afterFirst Tube> Ruby WavesGap10SET 2
  8. 2022-08-13SatAlpine Valley Music TheatreEast Troy, WIBefore / afterAbout to Run> UndermindGap8SET 2
  9. 2022-07-30SatMerriweather Post PavilionColumbia, MDBefore / afterPrince Caspian >> MeatstickGap20SET 2
  10. 2022-04-22FriMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterA Wave of Hope> SandGap28SET 3
  11. 2021-08-15SunAtlantic City BeachAtlantic City, NJBefore / afterCarini >> SimpleGap4SET 2
  12. 2021-08-08SunRuoff Music CenterNoblesville, INBefore / afterBathtub Gin >-> GhostGap9SET 2

  13. 3.032 shows2009–2020

  14. 2020-02-22SatMoon PalaceCancun, Quintana RooHighly rated 89 · Listen
    Jam chartThe first section recedes quietly without a return to the lyrics before the jamming begins anew in minor and works through a few different variations with Fish's ever persistent drumming keeping things moving at a brisk pace. A closing theme begins building around 15 minutes and leads to an encouraging group peak with looped guitar riffs and "Soul Planet" quotes included, and a final reset briefly hints at a new direction before jumping ship > "Carini".
    Before / afterSoul Planet >> CariniGap10SET 2
  15. 2019-12-03TueMet PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia, PABefore / afterMiss You >> TwistGap19SET 2
  16. 2019-06-25TueDarling's Waterfront PavilionBangor, MEBefore / afterThe Dogs> Mike's SongGap7SET 1
  17. 2019-06-12WedChaifetz Arena, Saint Louis UniversitySt. Louis, MOBefore / afterThe Moma Dance> Bouncing Around the RoomGap17SET 1
  18. 2018-10-21SunHampton ColiseumHampton, VAHighly rated 85 · Listen
    Jam chartThe substantial post-lyrics jam visits places both light and dark and eventually settles into a jazzy minor zone with a vibe similar to "Timber Ho" and, in the last minute, "David Bowie", as it gathers steam and seems poised to explode but makes a good -> to "Rise/Come Together" instead.
    Before / afterOpened set 2, after Saw It Again-> Rise/Come TogetherGap12SET 2
  19. 2018-08-05SunVerizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore ParkAlpharetta, GABefore / afterTwist >> FuegoGap7SET 2
  20. 2018-07-22SunGorge AmphitheatreGeorge, WABefore / afterTwist >> Miss YouGap21SET 2
  21. 2017-07-23SunMadison Square GardenNew York, NYRated 78 · Listen

    Jam chartA delicate but somewhat perfunctory customary jam is followed by an outro jam which shifts from soothing piano play to more dissonant, eerie outer space exploration.

    Before / afterTwist >> Miss YouGap3SET 2
  22. 2017-07-18TueErvin J. Nutter Center, Wright State UniversityDayton, OHBefore / afterMountains in the Mist >> GhostGap14SET 2
  23. 2016-10-25TueVerizon Theatre at Grand PrairieGrand Prairie, TXBefore / afterFriday> JuliusGap14SET 2
  24. 2016-07-22FriThe ForumInglewood, CABefore / afterPrince Caspian >> JoyGap24SET 2
  25. 2015-12-30WedMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterGhost >> Bathtub GinGap11SET 2
  26. 2015-08-09SunAlpine Valley Music TheatreEast Troy, WIBefore / afterCarini >-> TweezerGap11SET 2
  27. 2015-07-22WedLes Schwab AmphitheaterBend, ORHighly rated 81 · Listen

    Jam chartPatient, confident, wonderful type-I version with a sustained crest that recedes swiftly into space.

    Before / afterA Song I Heard the Ocean Sing >> WingsuitGap13SET 2
  28. 2014-10-22WedSanta Barbara BowlSanta Barbara, CABefore / afterSteam >> Twenty Years LaterGap10SET 2
  29. 2014-07-29TuenTelos PavilionPortsmouth, VABefore / afterPrince Caspian >> Weekapaug GrooveGap4SET 2
  30. 2014-07-19SatFirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly IslandChicago, ILBefore / afterCarini ->> FuegoGap8SET 2
  31. 2014-07-05SatSaratoga Performing Arts CenterSaratoga Springs, NYBefore / afterCarini ->WingsuitGap7SET 2
  32. 2013-12-29SunMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterCarini >> TwistGap1SET 2
  33. 2013-11-02SatBoardwalk HallAtlantic City, NJBefore / afterRoggae >> TweezerGap5SET 2
  34. 2013-10-25FriDCU CenterWorcester, MARated 74 · Listen

    Jam chartThe second jam swells to blissful heights once, recedes, then builds to a Freedom Rock peak, finally crashing into Carini.

    Before / afterOpened set 2, after 46 Days> CariniGap15SET 2
  35. 2013-07-26FriGorge AmphitheatreGeorge, WAHighly rated 80 · Listen
    Jam chartA great straightforward version of "Waves" provides a similar uplifting and spirit raising boost as a strong "Hood" or "Divided Sky" does. The soaring jam and delicate outro in this fine version from the Gorge underscores this point.
    Before / afterSteam >-> Twenty Years LaterGap2SET 2
  36. 2013-07-20SatFirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly IslandChicago, ILBefore / afterGolden Age >> PiperGap13SET 2
  37. 2012-12-29SatMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterGolden Age >-> Prince CaspianGap22SET 2
  38. 2012-06-28ThuKlipsch Music CenterNoblesville, INRated 79 · Listen
    Jam chartDelicate and beautifully played at first, the jam has growing intensity, and then leaves the "Waves" ranch altogether with several movements that skirt around the perimeter of "Waves" proper. Unfinished with > to "Bug."
    Before / afterPrince Caspian >> BugGap21SET 2
  39. 2011-08-15MonUIC Pavilion, University of IllinoisChicago, IL

    Jam chart"Waves" jam is intense and good, but following the final verse, the band breaks into a nice, snappy rocking jam that segues -> masterfully into "Undermind."

    Before / afterDirt >-> UndermindGap6SET 2
  40. 2011-07-03SunWatkins Glen InternationalWatkins Glen, NYBefore / afterLight> What's the Use?Gap8SET 2
  41. 2011-06-11SatMerriweather Post PavilionColumbia, MDBefore / afterSilent in the Morning >> Chalk Dust TortureGap10SET 2
  42. 2011-05-27FriBethel Woods Center for the ArtsBethel, NYHighly rated 87 · Listen

    Jam chartFantastic playing by Trey in the jam proper. Beautiful, lush and serene outro jam. In many ways the polar opposite of the haunting outro from "IT." Transitions to a solid "Prince Caspian."

    Before / afterBoogie On Reggae Woman >> Prince CaspianGap77SET 2
  43. 2011-05-26ThuBethel Woods Center for the ArtsBethel, NY
    Jam chartFirst played during Superball IX's From the Archives show and later released as LP on LP 02, this tech rehearsal version of "Waves" represented a turning point of 3.0 by proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that Phish was still capable of astounding long-form improv. Elements that would reappear in key moments of 2011 such as the "A Love Supreme" theme in the 6/3/11 DWD and the abstract transcendence of the 7/2/11 Storage Jam are also present, further underscoring the outsized influence of this momentous performance. The FTA track begins with Trey asking Page "Do you want to play a jammier song?" to which Page replies "Sure, I do", and what resulted stands as one of the finest jams of any era. Departing the song at 7:45 with a willingness to explore and employing a wide array of tones and textures, the band charts a course for choppy waters and intentional discord enhanced by Trey's "out" playing. From the depths of the churning storm, an exquisite final movement of immense beauty eventually emerges to bring this odyssey of improvisation to a conclusion that is all at once wistful, cathartic, and profound.
    Before / afterOpened the showClosed the showGapTech rehearsalSET 1
  44. 2009-08-02SunRed Rocks AmphitheatreMorrison, CO

    NoteBill Kreutzmann on drums.

    Before / afterAlso Sprach Zarathustra >> Character ZeroGap4SET 2
  45. 2009-06-20SatAlpine Valley Music TheatreEast Troy, WIBefore / afterOpened set 2, after Run Like an Antelope> Sample in a JarGap5SET 2
  46. 2009-06-10WedThompson-Boling ArenaKnoxville, TN

    Jam chartThis is a very well-played version with a full length "Waves" jam. 3 minute outro jam leads to transition to "ASIHTOS."

    Before / afterBack on the Train> A Song I Heard the Ocean SingGap13SET 2

  47. 2.015 shows2002–2004

  48. 2004-08-11WedTweeter CenterMansfield, MAHighly rated 80 · Listen

    Jam chartOne of the best played standard versions of 2.0.

    Before / afterGolgi Apparatus >> TweezerGap7SET 2
  49. 2004-06-20SunSaratoga Performing Arts CenterSaratoga Springs, NYHighly rated 85 · Listen
    Jam chartAlthough the jam between verses is standard "Waves" fare, the band moves into an excellent 7 minute plus jam following the final verse that is rhythmic and upbeat, with multiple movements and "Maze" teases.
    Before / afterBill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home?GumboGap4SET 1
  50. 2004-04-16FriThomas & Mack CenterLas Vegas, NVBefore / afterHold Your Head Up >> LifeboyGap8SET 2
  51. 2003-11-28FriNassau Veterans Memorial ColiseumUniondale, NYHighly rated 89 · Listen

    Jam chartLong intro. Quite intense, jarring and distorted towards the ending.

    Before / afterOpened set 2, after Free> Sample in a JarGap1SET 2
  52. 2003-08-02SatLoring Commerce CentreLimestone, MEHighly rated 88 · Listen
    Jam chartAfter Waves ends, an improvisation bearing no relation to Waves begins, that dissolves into ~10 minutes of haunting, pulsing space that is mesmerizing. A soundscape more than music that, when combined with Kuroda's lights, must have been other worldly.
    Before / afterDiscern> JamGap4SET 2
  53. 2003-07-26SatHiFi Buys AmphitheatreAtlanta, GABefore / afterMountains in the Mist> TweezerGap6SET 2
  54. 2003-07-17ThuVerizon Wireless Amphitheater Kansas CityBonner Springs, KSBefore / afterHorn >CavernGap3SET 2
  55. 2003-07-10ThuShoreline AmphitheatreMountain View, CABefore / afterSpices ->RebaGap2SET 1
  56. 2003-07-07MonCricket PavilionPhoenix, AZBefore / afterBilly Breathes >SpicesGap0SET 1
  57. 2003-03-01SatGreensboro ColiseumGreensboro, NCBefore / afterMountains in the Mist> Sample in a JarGap1SET 1
  58. 2003-02-26WedWorcester Centrum CentreWorcester, MABefore / afterGuyute> Prince CaspianGap1SET 2
  59. 2003-02-24MonContinental Airlines ArenaEast Rutherford, NJBefore / afterAll of These Dreams> Sample in a JarGap2SET 2
  60. 2003-02-20ThuAllstate ArenaRosemont, ILBefore / afterDriver> SimpleGap2SET 1
  61. 2003-02-15SatThomas & Mack CenterLas Vegas, NVBefore / afterOpened set 2, after Run Like an Antelope> BugGap4SET 2
  62. 2002-12-31TueMadison Square GardenNew York, NY

    NoteDebut.

    Jam chartDebut. Jam section features soaring guitar soloing and great complimentary piano from Page. Nice Page led outro jam after the final verse.

    Before / afterOpened set 2, after David Bowie> Divided SkyGapDebutSET 2