Birmingham, September 15, 2025

News Summary

Phish made a long-awaited return to Birmingham, Alabama, after 31 years, performing at the newly opened Coca-Cola Amphitheater. The concert featured an engaging setlist with a blend of original works and improvisational segments, showcasing the band’s legacy. The event, part of their Late Summer Tour, welcomed a vibrant crowd contributing to a festive atmosphere.

Birmingham Welcomes Phish Back After 31-Year Hiatus

Phish returned to Birmingham, Alabama on September 13, 2025, marking the band’s first concert in the city in over 31 years. The performance took place at the newly launched Coca-Cola Amphitheater, attracting an eager crowd who contributed to the evening’s celebrated atmosphere. This concert was significant, as it was the band’s 18th performance in Alabama, with the last show held on May 2, 1994.

The crowd witnessed an impressive start to the evening as Phish took the stage earlier than expected at approximately 7:25 p.m. The first set featured a total of seven songs, showcasing a blend of original compositions and extended improvisational segments characteristic of the band. The set opened with “Back on the Train,” followed by “Cities,” which included a lyrical nod to Birmingham itself.

Other notable song inclusions in the first set comprised “Sample in a Jar,” “Theme From The Bottom,” and “Old Home Place,” the latter providing the night’s only bluegrass flavor. A standout moment was a 39-minute improvisational segment of “Bathtub Gin” leading seamlessly into “Runaway Jim.”

Engaging Performance and Crowd Response

The concert featured stunning visual effects crafted by lighting designer Chris Kuroda, further enhancing the musical experience. Set two unfolded with a continuous 70-minute segment starting with “Sigma Oasis.” This second half also included “Down with Disease,” “Life Saving Gun,” “Pillow Jets,” and “Mountains in the Mist,” culminating in a remarkable but unfinished jam of “Down with Disease,” which drew mixed reactions for its sonic explorations.

The encore concluded with “Shine a Light,” followed by “Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.” While the audience’s initial response seemed subdued, excitement grew throughout the performance, as fans became increasingly engaged as the show progressed. Overall, the event was branded as a classic Phish concert, solidifying the band’s legacy in Birmingham.

Concert Context and Future Plans

This concert was part of Phish’s mini Late Summer Tour and followed their performance at the Bourbon & Beyond Festival. Despite the Coca-Cola Amphitheater being in the early stages of development, it hosted a successful and memorable event. The temperature on the day of the show reached 83 degrees and remained sunny, adding to the positive atmosphere.

Phish is also supporting environmental causes through this tour, utilizing a fundraiser for the Black Warrior Riverkeeper. This aspect of their concert series reflects their commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship.

Conclusion

As the crowd celebrated this long-awaited return of Phish to Birmingham, the show served as an introduction for many first-time attendees, highlighting the band’s rich history and cherished improvisational style. The concert not only marked a milestone for the band but also reinforced the welcoming spirit of the city.

FAQ

Key Features of the Concert

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Additional Resources

• JamBase: Phish September 2025 Birmingham Setlist Recap
• Live for Live Music: Phish Finds a Lot of Bridges in Birmingham
• AL.com: Phish Summer 2025 Tour Adds More Dates
• Wikipedia: Phish
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Phish

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.