The night before the breakthrough Hamburg show, a very different type of Phish performance occurred in Berlin. In fact, this show is so pedestrian that perhaps they were seeking to make up for it's poor execution the following night. Other than Stash and David Bowie, there's virtually no jamming at this show, which makes for a less-than-exciting listening experience.

In the 50-minute first set, the surprise appearance of a rusty Paul and Silas follows a short Carini opener. The Stash features some traditional tension and release Trey jamming, but never delves into Type II territory.

The Taste that opens the second set features some more missed notes by Trey at the end and never really fires on all cylinders. Drowned gets broken out of the third time ever, and the first time since New Years Eve 1995, but this straightforward version never jams, which is the story of this night. Bowie is played patiently, but never finds a theme that sustains itself. Love Me is a rare treat for those interested in hearing Mike croon like Elvis. Let's just say that there's a reason they don't play this one any more.

The opening to The Day in a Life is botched, forcing the band to restart it. A forgettable ending to an eminently forgettable show.

The Bowie is actually pretty good! The rest is very blah. How they could play a show like this between 2/26 and 3/1 doesn't make too much sense... perhaps they were taken a breather. Drowned pops up for the first time since NYE '95 and does not jam. Lots of short songs. Skip this one.

3/5

PHISH, FRIDAY 02/28/1997
HUXLEY’S NEUE WELT
Berlin, Germany
Soundcheck: Character Zero, Funky Bitch

SET 1:

Carini: Standard.

Paul and Silas: Standard. >

My Soul: Standard.

Cars Trucks Buses: Standard.

Peaches en Regalia: Standard. >

Stash: Standard.

Swept Away > Steep: Standard. >

Ya Mar: Standard.

Character Zero: Standard.

SET 2:

Taste: Standard.

Drowned: Standard. ->

Prince Caspian: >

Frankenstein: >

David Bowie: Short but cool! Super cool, brief sojourns into major mode territory in the late 11’s. They weave that bliss stuff in and out of the darkness. Very tastefully done. Would recommend!

Love Me: Standard.

Axilla[1] Standard. >

Waste: Standard. >

Julius: Smokes!

ENCORE:

A Day in the Life: The beginning is a trainwreck, Page lol.

Summary: A very bland, below average show. 3/5.

Replay Value: David Bowie

[1] Contained Axilla II ending.

This show included the first Paul and Silas since October 24, 1995 (120 shows).