The Phish New Years Eve run is one of live music’s great traditions, and the 2023 edition brought four more nights at Madison Square Garden – kicking off with the band’s 80th show ever at the world’s most famous arena.
Phish is about to take the stage for their 80th show ever at Madison Square Garden, their first night of four at the storied venue. start the resolutions early @phish pic.twitter.com/omBQ5b7nsP — MSG (@TheGarden) December 27, 2023 We’ll be following along with the setlist as it rolls in and collecting some notes below as we […]
The Phish New Years Eve Tradition
Few bands own a venue-holiday combination the way Phish own MSG in late December. The Phish New Years Eve run has become an annual pilgrimage: multi-night stands, no repeated songs across the run, and a December 31 gag – an elaborate, surprise theatrical set piece – that fans speculate about for weeks in advance.
Hitting show number 80 at the Garden put Phish in rare company; only a handful of acts in history have played MSG that many times. The Garden itself celebrated the milestone on social media as the run opened on December 28, 2023.
Couldn’t Be There? The Webcast Option
Every night of the run was webcast in 4K and HD via LivePhish, so fans everywhere could follow along in real time – though nothing replaces being in the building when the balloons drop at midnight.
Phish New Years Eve FAQ
How many nights does the run last? The 2023 edition followed the classic four-night format, December 28 through 31, all at Madison Square Garden.
How hard are tickets to get? The December 31 show is among the toughest tickets in jam-band world. Verified resale is often the realistic route – compare seats on Hunt Tickets with all-in pricing, and use promo codes TAKE5 or TAKE10 at checkout.
What makes the NYE show special? The midnight gag – past years have included flying hot dogs and giant props – plus a countdown, balloon drop, and a set built for celebration.
More Phish New Years Eve Reading
Want a preview before the show? Watch Phish Kicks Off Annual live performances on YouTube.
Prefer a full set? Browse complete live shows on YouTube before picking your night.
Original reporting via LIVE music blog.