The Dead of Summer Music Festival in Vermont witnessed a special moment as God Street Wine brought their unique twist to Phish's iconic song, 'The Wedge.' This debut performance, a first-ever Phish cover for GSW, adds a new chapter to the rich history of these jam bands.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the shared background of these bands. Both God Street Wine and Phish emerged from the vibrant 1980s music scene, gaining prominence in the 1990s through their relentless touring. The fact that GSW's guitarists, Lo Faber and Tom Osander, grew up in the same town as Phish's Trey Anastasio adds an intriguing layer to this musical connection.
'The Wedge' holds a special place in Phish's repertoire, having been debuted live in 1992 and released on 'Rift' a year later. Its performance in Vermont, Phish's home state, further emphasizes the significance of this cover.
During their set at Dead of Summer, God Street Wine delivered an extended rendition of 'The Wedge,' with joint lead vocals by Aaron Maxwell and Lo Faber. Maxwell's fiery guitar solo set the stage for an expansive jam that veered away from the song's original structure. The anthemic riff that followed showcased the guitarists' synergy, culminating in a powerful cover performance.
The band's setlist at the festival was a fan-favorite-filled journey, including 'Hammer and a Spike,' 'Mile by Mile,' and 'Goodnight Gretchen.' They also paid tribute to Bob Weir with a cover of the Grateful Dead's 'Cassidy' and ventured into Pink Floyd territory with 'Wot's... Uh the Deal.' The set closed with a unique twist as Tomo took on guitar and vocals for the Pink Floyd cover, while Lo Faber switched to the drum kit.
God Street Wine's decision to reprise 'The Wedge' at their final show of the 2026 run in Asbury Park, New Jersey, suggests that this Phish cover might become a permanent fixture in their setlist.
In my opinion, this cover not only showcases God Street Wine's musical prowess but also highlights the enduring influence of Phish's music. It's a testament to the power of live performances and the ability of artists to reinterpret and rejuvenate classic songs.
As we reflect on this musical moment, it's clear that God Street Wine's take on 'The Wedge' is more than just a cover; it's a celebration of musical heritage and a testament to the enduring spirit of the jam band scene.
