LIVE: The Lizards @ Putnam Place, 10/15/2022

SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Saturday night, Oct. 15, I got to experience what has been hailed as “the best Phish tribute band out there right now,” at Putnam Place – The Lizards. It was my first experience seeing this band, and I must admit that the assessment is correct. These guys absolutely rocked. 

There was no opening band, so on top of The Lizards being able to play some tough Phish tunes flawlessly – they did so for over four hours. Their stamina matches their talent and frankly, I was deeply impressed by this band. 

There were a few things that stood out to me as exceptional. First of all, the lead guitarist never opens his eyes. He played the entire set with his eyes completely closed. Secondly, this was the first band I have seen at Putnam Place that didn’t use any flashy video on the screen behind the stage and frankly, they didn’t need it. Their performance had the entire crowd on their feet for the duration. 

Setlist: 

• Set one: Carini > We Are Come to Outlive Our Brains > Roggae > Ya Mar, It’s Ice > Egg in Hole > It’s Ice, Sand
• Set Two: Possum (w/secret language Simpsons, Oom Pa Pa, Random Note) > Chalk Dust Torture, Slave to the Traffic Light > Wading in the Velvet Sea, Backwards Down the Number Line
• Encore: Boogie on Reggae Woman

Photo Gallery by Tammie Birdwell