Great choice, LBC. What an underrated set that was, with an all-time Boogie and Halley's, and solid versions of Twist and McGrupp, and...that's it. One of the all-time greats among the list of rare four-song sets:



Of course, this absolute SCORCHER of a set closer is overshadowed somewhat by the controversy of Trey's mid-song departure, a la the 10/31/98 Ghost. I was dead center, around the 25th row back. I kind of vaguely remember Trey flashing an annoyed look to his right (stage left), but it's foggy enough of a memory that I can't be sure of whether it's legitimately my own memory, or my lasting mental picture from hearing and reading other fans' stories of that moment.

What I clearly remember is, while the other three kept the groove, Trey took off his guitar, bowed, and walked off. I remember Mike and Page exchanging a glance, maybe showing a bit of confusion, but still maintaining decent poker faces. They then went with a fade out, exited stage right, and then minutes later the four of them returned uneventfully for the last two songs of 1.0 I'd see them play.

To use the parlance of our times, the level of "ripcording" in Trey's sudden departure has been built up way too much over the twelve-plus years since that show. Relistening to the Halley's jam today, I was surprised to hear them turn the heat down to a simmer a good minute or two before Trey exits, making the fade out sound absolutely natural. Given the rumors swirling about the details of the impending hiatus at the time, and with the 10/31/98 Ghost in recent memory (a far more jarring end to a jam than this one), I think it's very likely that fans perceived drama that did not exist. Does anyone else there who was there remember any other details that would support or disprove this?

I'm not particularly huge on watching past Phish shows -- as opposed to just listening to them -- but this is one song/set/show I'd absolutely love to see again someday.