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Phish Cools It Down in Worcester

Phish kicked off its New Year’s Run last night at Worcester, MA’s DCU Center. Despite a blizzard that paralyzed the Northeast this past Sunday, the show started on time, and Phish nodded to the inclement weather by dotting its setlist with several songs that referenced the wintery conditions, including “It’s Ice,” “Mound” and “Seven Below.” Mike Gordon also dressed entirely in white for the show while Trey Anastasio changed the word “shoes” to “boots” at one point during “Cavern.”

Last night’s performance was Phish’s first appearance at the Worcester venue since 2003. The arena has hosted several acclaimed Phish shows over the years: a New Year’s Eve show in 1993, two New Year’s Run shows in 1995, a three-night run in 1997 that boasted a 50-minute “Runaway Jim,” a zany 1998 run that featured teases of the song “Wipe Out” and a 2003 gig that included songs from the four musicians’ solo catalogs.

Though last night’s show had a decidedly mellow feel, the band stretched out during a version of “Seven Below” that bled into “What’s The Use” and a set-closing “David Bowie.” The show also included Phish’s second takes on both the Velvet Underground’s “Cool It Down” and the Rift track “Mound” since the group’s reunion. (Gordon’s Moss original “What Things Seem” was also played by Phish for the second time.)

Here’s a look at last night’s set via Phish.net

12/27/2010,DCU Center, Worcester, MA

Set 1: Sample in a Jar, Funky Bitch, Cool It Down, Roggae, Heavy Things, What Things Seem, Roses Are Free > It’s Ice, Mountains in the Mist, Julius

Set 2: Mike’s Song > Mound, Weekapaug Groove, Farmhouse, Seven Below > What’s the Use? > Twenty Years Later, Wading in the Velvet Sea, Possum > Cavern > David Bowie

Encore: Loving Cup