Of all the valuable assets that defense industry contractors have, their reputation and credibility with government customers and regulators rank among the highest. That's especially true as it relates to Law of War compliance. In an atmosphere of increasingly pervasive regulation, heightened scrutiny, and aggressive enforcement directed at government contractors, members of the defense industry need to prioritize legal and regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. To do so, it is proactive and strategic to work with a defense contractor attorney Near North Charleston, SC for tailored guidance.
U.S.-RECOGNIZED COUNTRIES in 2024
ONGOING ARMED CONFLICTS as of 2024
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If you're a defense contractor using Google to search for a defense contractor compliance attorney, you're probably well-versed in the Laws of War. But if you're unaware of these laws or you're starting a business geared towards DoD contracting, it's crucial that you understand IHL and the compliance standards you must meet. Otherwise, you could face serious consequences and lose your ability to provide goods and services across the domains of land, sea, air, space, and cyber.
The Law of War, often referred to as International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), comprises a set of international treaties and customary laws that establish guidelines for conduct during armed conflicts. Its primary aim is to minimize unnecessary suffering for the wounded and sick, prisoners of war (POWs), and civilians caught up in hostilities. In a nutshell, the primary goal of the Laws of War is to help save lives and promote some degree of humanity during armed conflicts.
To achieve this, IHL governs the conduct of wars, striking a balance between weakening the opponent and minimizing suffering. The principles of warfare are global. The Geneva Conventions, which form the foundation of IHL, have been ratified by all 196 states. Very few international agreements enjoy such widespread support.
All parties involved in a conflict must adhere to IHL, including both state forces and nonState armed groups. If the Law of War is violated, there are repercussions. War crimes are recorded and examined by nations and international tribunals, and individuals may face prosecution for war crimes.
The Law of War also applies to defense contractors, who must uphold strict compliance standards in order to sell their services. Sometimes, DoD contractors are unaware of or unprepared to meet these compliance standards. That is why they should consult with a government contractor attorney Near North Charleston, SC, like Richard Waring, who focuses on Law of War compliance matters.
Some examples of Law of War compliance as it relates to defense contractors include:
Defense contractors, especially private military and security companies (PMSCs), are obligated to follow international humanitarian law (IHL) concerning the safeguarding of civilians and civilian objects. They must promote that they do not engage directly in hostilities if those involved are considered to be civilians.
Both people employed by defense contractors and the companies they work for may face legal accountability for breaches of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This encompasses possible criminal charges for serious violations of the Geneva Conventions and assigning blame to superiors for the actions of their subordinates.
Although defense contractors are typically not permitted to engage in offensive use of force, they may be granted permission to utilize force in situations of self-defense or to safeguard other civilians or their property.
Four of the most basic rules of IHL include the following:
Parties involved in a conflict must always make a clear distinction between civilians and combatants to protect the civilian population and their property. No attacks should be directed at the civilian population as a whole or at individual civilians. Instead, military actions should be aimed solely at military targets.
Individuals who are unable or unwilling to engage in combat have the right to life and to be treated with care for their physical and mental health. They should always be safeguarded and treated humanely, without any discrimination. It is prohibited to kill or injure an adversary who has surrendered or who is no longer able to participate in the fighting.
Neither the conflicting parties nor their military personnel possess an unrestricted right to select their methods and means of warfare. The use of weapons or warfare methods that may result in unnecessary casualties or excessive suffering is prohibited.
Those who are injured or ill should be gathered and provided care by the party in control of them. Medical staff, health facilities, and transport vehicles are to be protected from attack. Individuals displaying the recognized symbol of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, or Red Crystal on a white background, as well as facilities and vehicles marked with these symbols, must be treated with respect.
Understanding DoD and international Law of War is about more than memorizing complex legal terms. Let's look at a real-life scenario where it applies.
Consider a drone strike aimed at a suspected terrorist hideout nestled within a crowded village. While the strike may be seen as a necessary military action, the risk of civilian casualties raises serious questions about proportionality. In this context, here's how the principles of the Law of War come into play:
Is the expected military benefit greater than the possible harm to civilians? Are there safer alternatives that could accomplish the same goal?
Is it possible for intelligence to verify if the hideout contains solely combatants, or might there be civilians unknowingly present as well?
Is this the only way to tackle the threat, or are there less harmful alternatives that can be considered?
Situations like those outlined above are complicated issues. There are no easy solutions to them. Commanders often face heart-wrenching decisions, weighed down by the potential consequences of their actions. Meanwhile, defense contractors must take significant strides to promote that their products and services comply with DoD and international Law of War mandates.
That's why open and clear communication among military leaders, military companies, legal advisors, and the public is essential. By sharing their thought processes, the factors they consider, and the efforts made to reduce civilian harm, they can promote understanding and foster accountability. If you own a company that supplies the military or DoD, working with a lawyer who specializes in defense contractor compliance could save your business and your reputation.
In 2010, the global market for private military companies (PMC) was estimated to be worth $200 billion and to employ around one million individuals. Today, the PMC sector provides a diverse array of services, with some firms having more than ten thousand employees. In Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Army has depended on private military firms and defense contractors for many reasons, including:
In March 2011, the U.S. Department of Defense cited more defense contractor personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq at 155,000 than active military members, 145,000. In those two regions alone, defense contractors accounted for 52% of the U.S. workforce. With those figures in mind and with increasingly volatile and dangerous attacks in areas like Israel and Iran, military companies are in high demand.
If you're a defense contractor - whether large or small - now is the time to promote compliance with both international and DoD Law of War rules and provide appropriate training to key personnel. Here are just a few ways that defense contractor compliance law firms like Conflict Orbit can help your defense company uphold IHL laws.
Conflict Orbit provides in-depth compliance readiness and policy development support to help your business meet Law of War requirements with confidence. Richard Waring helps create a framework that supports operational integrity and contract security. With the rising scrutiny in federal procurement, now is the time to get your business audit-ready and fully aligned with government expectations.
This service can also include pre-design or post-design legal reviews for organizations designing weapons platforms with the goal of marketing them to the government. The government will require these systems to comply with the Law of War, and performing a front-end compliance review may help ensure alignment with government expectations and mitigate potential legal risks.
For defense contractors, comprehensive risk assessments and mitigation services can mean the difference between being in business and bankruptcy. When tailored to the unique challenges of private military organizations, this service evaluates potential legal, operational, and compliance risks related to Law of War obligations, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending targeted strategies to address them.
Whether assessing technology, weapons systems, or operational practices, experienced attorneys like Richard Waring are needed for many reasons, including:
In-depth Law of War audits are very important for assessing and strengthening an organization's compliance with international and Department of Defense (DoD) Law of War obligations. These audits can carefully evaluate an organization's policies, procedures, training programs, and operational practices to help them better align with Law of War standards. When you hire a defense contractor attorney Near North Charleston, SC to perform an audit, you're taking proactive steps to promote your operations adhere to Law of War principles. Just as important, you're demonstrating a commitment to lawful conduct in conflict scenarios.
Comprehensive partner due diligence and screening services, help organizations evaluate potential collaborators, contractors, or third parties for Law of War compliance and applicable regulatory standards. Due diligence and screening services may include the following:
By performing thorough due diligence, organizations can reduce the risk of partnering with non-compliant or unreliable entities, ensuring smoother and more lawful operations in conflict-affected environments.
Custom training and education programs from defense contract lawyers help your organization better understand Law of War obligations. Since training is often a necessity for defense contractors, it should always be taken seriously. IHL sessions go over a variety of topics, from following the Geneva and Hague Conventions to navigating ethical conduct in conflict zones, all tailored to fit your specific needs. Whether it's for senior leaders or frontline staff, this type of education and training gives you the knowledge needed to tackle legal challenges and keep practices lawful in highrisk situations.
These Law of War compliance services include in-depth research, detailed report writing, and professional presentations on IHL topics tailored to your defense organization's needs. Whether analyzing complex legal issues, drafting compliance reports, or delivering briefings to leadership, these options provide you with wellsupported insights to inform decision-making. Be sure to ask your government contractor attorney about how they can turn legal and regulatory frameworks into actionable guidance so that your team can stay informed and prepared when it matters most.
Around the globe, conflict is evolving. If you're a defense contractor and you're not making adjustments to secure your operations, you could violate the Law of War. However, with compliance counsel from Conflict Orbit, you can focus on doing what you're best at while lead attorney Richard Waring protects your legal interests.
Throughout Richard's professional career, he has seen a lack of private legal services for companies who need guidance on maintaining federally and internationally mandated compliance with the Law of War. He also observed that many contractors are unaware of these requirements.
As a former Intelligence Officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and a current U.S. Army JAG Officer (National Guard), Richard has had real-life exposure to the Law of War. He is a creative and relentless attorney who also has a background in criminal justice (prosecution, defense, and investigations) and education in drone and space law.
DISCLAIMER: Conflict Orbit, LLC is a private law firm and Richard Waring is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DoD.
Richard investigated and prosecuted 1000s of criminal cases with relentlessness, including the most serious violent crimes. As a prolific trial attorney, he held countless criminals accountable for their actions while refining the skills of communication, attention to detail, and persistence in the face of challenging legal scenarios.
Having defended numerous clients accused of wrongdoing, Richard has the ability to view legal scenarios from all sides. He utilized creativity, persuasion, and a strong work ethic to obtain positive results.
Former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) intelligence officer in the Intelligence Community's Prisoner of War (POW)/Missing in Action (MIA) Analytic Cell. The Cell provides intelligence support to military personnel recovery efforts for POW/MIAs, hostages, and kidnapped individuals worldwide. The Cell also currently supports unresolved U.S. and allied kidnapping cases by politically motivated anti-U.S. groups around the world.
As a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army (National Guard) Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps), Richard received formal Law of War military legal training. He currently faithfully serves both his country and state of South Carolina as a Judge Advocate, and Richard feels privileged to be able to serve in this capacity.
DISCLAIMER: Conflict Orbit, LLC is a private law firm and Richard Waring is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DoD.
On a personal level, Richard is committed to reducing the amount of harm to the wounded and sick, POWs, and civilians in armed conflict. He has reorganized his law firm to be an innovative option for organizations needing guidance on Law of War compliance. Above all, Richard finds duty to country and service to others the highest callings, and it inspires him to know that his work potentially saves lives.
Is your defense organization ready to withstand what the future holds? If you're unsure, now is the time to act. Contact Conflict Orbit today and protect yourself from an uncertain tomorrow.
DISCLAIMER: This information, which includes non-client endorsements and testimonials from paying clients, should not be construed as a guarantee of any result in your matter. Past results do not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.
On Sunday, July 13, Phish returned ot North Charleston, S.C. for their third and final performance at the North Charleston Coliseum. With their first two nights at the venue they&rs...
On Sunday, July 13, Phish returned ot North Charleston, S.C. for their third and final performance at the North Charleston Coliseum. With their first two nights at the venue they’ve frequented since 1995, the legendary jam quartet locked into a mid-tour flow state and served up shows packed with the same sort of expansive jams and eclectic, eye-catching setlists that have made their Summer Tour so consistently engaging. Sunday’s show continued to build on this momentum with more surprising selections and lengthy explorations of old classics from a band that’s clearly enjoying the ride.
Phish stepped onstage last night with a romp through “Runaway Jim,” establishing a lighthearted and loose air that brought some buoyancy to the melodic intricacy of “Foam.” “Wolfman’s Brother” rolled in like a great exhale, stretching out past the 15-minute mark as the group rode the first set staple’s loping funk groove off into their eighth all-time performance of the undersung Sigma Oasis standout. Over a subtle jazzy flutter from John Fishman and a convincing Jaco Pastorious impersonation from Mike Gordon, the band unfurled 12 minutes of subversive rhythmic change-ups, clearly relishing every moment of the rarity.
As they crossed to the set’s second half, Phish followed their jazz impulse to the pointillistic changes of “Stash,” which centered a nimble melodic duet from Page McConnell and Trey Anastasio. That theme crashed into the slowly rolling groove of Gordon’s original “555,” which in turn gave way to their first treatment of the James Gang’s “Walk Away” since July 2023, complete with lead vocals from McConnell. To wrap up the first frame, the band turned up a 13-minute exploration of the Ghosts of the Forest standout “Drift While You’re Sleeping,” which sent the crowd off into the intermission with a dreamy, contemplative energy that recalled Friday’s unexpected “Sightless Escape.”
Phish found their footing in the second set with a 17-minute take on Anastasio’s Burn It Down original “Set Your Soul Free,” led by some dynamic effects deployments by the guitarist. In keeping with the one-two punch structure that’s kicked off some of their most thrilling second sets of this Summer Tour, the group swiftly moved into the intense and unmistakable opening of “Tweezer,” which started funkier than recent iterations (like Manchester, N.H.’s “Tweezerfest”) as it leaned back on some heavy slaps from Gordon. After settling into a lurching rhythm, Anastasio built heat with chunky riffs and released pressure with softer melodic lines, dancing in an atmospheric mood on the cusp of powerful peaks for a whopping 29 minutes. When they pivoted into “Ghost,” the quartet finally reached those promised heights with the evening’s searing, shreddy apex.
Phish capped off Sunday’s performance with a steady descent through TV on the Radio’s “Golden Age,” “A Life Beyond the Dream” and a blissed-out “Slave to the Traffic Light,” followed by an encore of the oddball fun-forward selections “Meatstick” and “Turtle in the Clouds” and a cathartic finale of “Tweezer Reprise.” They’ll return to the stage tomorrow, July 15, for the first of two nights at Philadeliphia’s TD Pavilion at The Mann, then continue on the road through the end of the month with standout stagings like two nights at Queens, N.Y.’s beloved Forest Hills Stadium on July 22 and 23 and tour-closing three-night return to Saratoga Springs’ Broadview Stage at SPAC from July 25-27. Following their Summer Tour, the band will embark on a seven-stop fall series from Sept. 13-21. Find tickets and more information here.
Read on for Sunday’s full setlist.
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PhishNorth Charleston Coliseum – North Charleston, S.C.7/11/25Set I: Runaway Jim, Foam, Wolfman’s Brother, Thread, Stash, 555 > Walk Away, Drift While You’re SleepingSet II: Set Your Soul Free, Tweezer -> Ghost, Golden Age, A Life Beyond The Dream, Slave to the Traffic LightEncore: Meatstick, Turtle in the Clouds, Tweezer RepriseSetlist via phish.net
Phish was two-thirds of the way to a memorable Charleston run as fans surrounded the North Charleston Coliseum on Sunday for the weekend’s final hurrah.Friday and Saturday had been apt representations of why people are praising...
Phish was two-thirds of the way to a memorable Charleston run as fans surrounded the North Charleston Coliseum on Sunday for the weekend’s final hurrah.
Friday and Saturday had been apt representations of why people are praising this tour—big jams, rarely played songs, a generally free-wheeling approach. With the “Sunday show” mystique adding to the anticipation, the Coliseum was particularly loud as the house lights went down just before 8:00.
“Runaway Jim” was first out of the gates, with the band speeding through a quick jam to get to “Foam”. The two songs have remained a reliable early-show pairing since the early 90’s, and their appearance on a 2025 setlist showed that the band is still willing and able to nod to its past. Nowaday, when the band chooses to tackle the complicated fugues of an early Trey Anastasio composition, the excitement of hearing an old classic is often met with the disappointing reminder why the band doesn’t play it anymore (sorry, “Glide”, you’ve never recovered from Coventry). Luckily for the Charleston crowd, that was not the case here: Trey made it through all of the sections without derailing the train at Flub City.
Page McConnell’s piano chords were instantly recognized as “Wolfman’s Brother”, the band and the crowd both antsy to groove after remembering just how difficult it is to dance to “Foam”. The band delivered the first exploration of the night here with patient interplay that saw Trey opting for rhythmic stabs rather than wailing high notes. The funky shuffle dipped into mellow waters before building back up to the song’s theme (with proper Trey heroics for good measure).
“Thread” was tasked with the job of being a less familiar-new song following a raging classic, and the drop-off in audience reaction was noticeable, but the band was undeterred. The song is definitely one of the weirder, darker songs that has come from Trey’s recent cache of sunny tunes about love, ocean, and waves, and this version leaned into that darkness. The band began to mimic a malfunctioning UFO before stopping on a dime, ending the surprising first-set interplanetary trip. The band had a laugh, with Trey adding, “We hope that was as much fun for all of you as it was for us…don’t knock it til you’ve tried it.”
“Stash” was another well-played classic, with the band hitting the changes before waltzing around the main theme. Trey had a few missteps, but all was forgiven with a strong ending. The solid version of “555” that followed begged the question, “Why is Mike Gordon only singing one song a night?”
“Walk Away” continued another first set trend as of late: a rarity to keep the setlist hounds and song-chasers coming back for more. The James Gang classic was appropriately incinerated, with Page’s vocals sounding just as sweet and radio friendly as the original.
For many, the set ended at the opening notes of “Drift While You’re Sleeping” as hordes of fans headed to concession early rather than take in the newer Trey song. But for those that stuck around, the multi-part composition was rendered admirably—whether you like it or not is a whole other thing.
“Set Your Soul Free” started off the final set of the weekend, quickly giving way to a jam that mellowed out quickly before picking up steam around a Trey-led climax.
Then, the inevitable: the Charleston “Tweezer”.
The jam started off as a synopsis of the musical theme of the night: full band interplay with a solid layer of mellow funk beneath it all. Around the ten-minute mark, it shifted as Page’s synth drones washed over Trey’s sustain notes. Jon Fishman picked up the beat, and the once-calming jam became an aggressive overload of grimy tension. In time, it wound down with a cascade of delay note flutters, clocking a little less than half an hour by the time “Ghost” appeared.
This “Ghost” continued the eerie, elastic funk of “Tweezer” before Trey’s tremolo notes made every guitarist in the house either want to quit or start practicing more.
TV On The Radio’s “Golden Age” covered similar ground as the previous two jams, but with a two-chord ending section that saw the band rising to the sort of peak that can make a set feel monumental.
“A Life Beyond The Dream” signaled the end of the nearly hour-long, three-song jam suite. The band knows how to deliver the song well, and it has the effect of the previous night’s “Joy”: you don’t have to like the song, but you can appreciate the moment (especially when Trey and LD Chris Kuroda are hitting the peaks during the solo).
“Slave To The Traffic Light” brought Phish back to the hallowed ground of its early material, as the band ended the set with a standard but solid performance of the classic piece.
After a night of watching the crowd in the Coliseum dance their asses off, it was the band’s turn. First, “Meatstick”—Trey and Mike refused to let the “Macarena”-era dance trend and (and failed Guinesss World Records attempt) die, doing their best Meatstick choreography as the audience sang and danced along. Then, “Turtle In The Clouds”—which gave Trey and Mike a chance to do that weird art dance jig thing that consistently leaves both them and the crowd laughing.
But like so many great multi-night runs prior, it was time to end this thing right with “Tweezer Reprise”. The Coliseum erupted as Phish’s most adrenalized three minutes of music pulverized the delighted faithful one last time.
Bows and smiles adjourned the evening, ending a weekend that will make a strong case as the best Charleston run yet.
Below, check out the setlist from Sunday night’s Phish finale at North Charleston Coliseum. Revisit our coverage of the rest of Phish’s summer 2025 run at North Charleston Coliseum here: Night 1 (7/11/25) | Night 2 (7/12/25). Find a list of upcoming Phish tour dates and grab your tickets here.
You can stream or download audio of this show—and every Phish show dating back to 2003—via LivePhish here. LivePhish is also offering nightly pay-per-view webcasts of Phish’s ongoing summer tour, which is set to hit Philadelphia, PA on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 15th and 16th. Order your LivePhish webcasts for Philly or check out the various discounted bundles available here.
[Editor’s note: Live For Live Music is a LivePhish affiliate. Ordering a webcast/download or subscribing to LivePhish+ via the links on this page helps support our work covering Phish and the rest of the live music world. Thanks for reading!]
Setlist [via phish.net]: Phish | North Charleston Coliseum | North Charleston, SC | 7/13/25 Set One: Runaway Jim, Foam, Wolfman’s Brother, Thread, Stash, 555 > Walk Away, Drift While You’re Sleeping Set Two: Set Your Soul Free, Tweezer -> Ghost, Golden Age, A Life Beyond The Dream, Slave to the Traffic Light Encore: Meatstick, Turtle in the Clouds, Tweezer Reprise Notes: Trey teased the All Things Considered theme in Tweezer.
Phish – “Runaway Jim” [Pro-Shot] – 7/13/25
Phish – “Walk Away” (James Gang) – 7/13/25
[Video: BRADFORD WALKER]
Phish – “Set Your Soul Free” [Pro-Shot] – 7/13/25
Phish – “Tweezer” Jam (Partial) – 7/13/25
[Video: BRADFORD WALKER]
Phish – “Tweezer Reprise” – 7/13/25
[Video: BRADFORD WALKER]
Phish’s second night in North Charleston, SC picked up where night one left off—except instead of a single marathon jam, night two was a showcase in how to go deep without going long.The opening “The Moma Dance” surprised absolutely no one. The song usually serves as musical small talk before the real hard-hitting conversation, but this “Moma” slipped i...
Phish’s second night in North Charleston, SC picked up where night one left off—except instead of a single marathon jam, night two was a showcase in how to go deep without going long.
The opening “The Moma Dance” surprised absolutely no one. The song usually serves as musical small talk before the real hard-hitting conversation, but this “Moma” slipped into Type II territory for a few minutes, foretelling the musical direction for the evening.
“NICU”’s Caribbean feel was the sonic equivalent of an ocean breeze tickling a palm frond, even as Trey Anastasio struggled with the signature lick. Then, after a few setlist softballs, it was time for a change-up.
The tour’s run of bust-outs continued with “Jesus Just Left Chicago”, resurrected for the first time since 12/3/2019. Page McConnell reminded everyone that he may be the best vocalist in the band, while Anastasio slayed the song’s blues licks. Chris Kuroda projected saintly white circles on the ceiling of the coliseum, serving as a halo for the crowd of Holy City heathens.
“Divided Sky” was up next, serving as the music theory quiz portion of the night. The band, Trey in particular, earned high marks during the song’s soaring final section.
The band has been ensuring that at least one Mike Gordon song shows up in the first set, and tonight’s was the early classic “Destiny Unbound”. The song has officially evolved into a jam-like animal, and this version got its legs with a groove that Trey used to tease the ’60s flower power chords of “I’m A Man”.
“Monsters”, one of Phish’s most somber rockers, was next, with its minor key chords serving as a frail whimper waiting to be destroyed by an epic Trey solo. His guitar gently weeped over the band’s slow build, with six-string fireworks that were more Gilmour than Hendrix, the Charleston crowd loving every string bend and distorted squeal.
“Plasma” reaffirmed that this was indeed still a party, with the song’s rolling groove paving the way for some fun interplay from Mike and Trey. The band gave the song a similar jam treatment as “Moma” and “Destiny”, taking the song out just far enough to momentarily mingle with the cosmos before returning to earth.
Phish – “Plasma” [Pro-Shot] – 7/12/25
Trey sketched out the familiar chords of “Bathtub Gin” as Page smashed his Baby Grand, and it was on. It was obvious why “Gin” has found its home as a set closer as the band built up towards a crescendo. The entire set up to that point had been a balance of improvisational indulgences and guitar heroics, and the best of each built to a white light peak before the band wound down the signature “Gin” riff.
“Mike’s Song” opened the second frame, welcomed by the crowd as Mike took the mic once again to tell the tale of an overzealous doorman. The change to the minor key gave way to a mid-’90s tradition that seems to have fallen by the wayside: Mike’s jam. Trey switched back to a major key, and the gearshifts were officially set to Set 2 Type 2. Trey played confidently as Page laid down a strong foundation of piano chords underneath. If the previous night’s “Down with Disease” was a clinic in long-form improv, this “Mike’s” was a masterclass in how to deliver a quick punchline without sacrificing the exploratory weirdness.
“Mike’s” dissolved into the soothing sound salve of “I Am Hydrogen”, the classic combination confirming that this Mike’s was coming from the old school mid-’90s playbook.
“Weekapaug Groove” was up next, because of course it was. The song dipped into the improvisational Milky Way while keeping its feet firmly grounded in the groove, clocking in at a lean but muscular eight minutes.
“Mercury” allowed the band a few verses to catch its breath before returning to the ether. Jon Fishman’s marimba break cued up what would be the longest jam of the night. The drummer danced around a psychedelic disco groove that was far too hip (and fatigueless) for a 60-year-old dad. Trey laid back before showing why he’s “one of the great Texas guitar players,” building a solo over the last few minutes of the jam before steering it towards “Soul Planet”.
There is an argument to be made that out of all of Phish’s 300+ songs, “Soul Planet” gets the distinguished honor of being the worst song that has produced the best jams, such as the 47-minute monster from a few years back. It sometimes feels as if the band is saying, “Hey, get through just three minutes of this awkward ocean love song and you’ll be rewarded with a sick jam,” and tonight’s version was no different.
Fishman announced the arrival of “Harry Hood”, and the band synthesized three decades of playing the song into a version that followed the form of so many before while still feeling fresh. Echoing the way Friday’s “Suzy Greenberg” punctuated “Chalk Dust Torture”, Trey took one more crack at it, this time calling up “I Am The Walrus” for the first time since 10/11/2023. The song’s climax was full-on lysergic overload, affirming the night’s theme that your trip can still be short.
Phish emerged for the encore, quieting the rowdy crowd as the quartet gathered around the a single mic to belt out an a cappella “Carolina”. The old-time charm was endearing, as the band sang of “morning glories” and “strolling with your girlie,” reminding the crowd just how fine it was to be in Carolina.
“Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.” was tasked with delivering the final knockout punch for the evening. S.A.N.T.O.S. said whatever it was that he had to say, and Trey crushed one final solo before the band took a bow and called it a night.
Night two in Charleston was a night of big, but not necessarily long, jams. The band didn’t need the half hour of the previous night’s “Disease” to get to a place that excited them or the audience; they were able to do it in contained bursts in practically every song, never looking back—from the jammed out “Moma” all the way until the ending “S.A.N.T.O.S.”. Night one may have delivered one of the longest jams of the tour, but night two delivered some of the strongest, proving that the biggest jams aren’t always the best jams.
Below, check out the setlist and a selection of videos from night two in North Charleston, SC. Stream or download audio of the show here.
Phish returns to North Charleston Coliseum tonight. Tune in live via LivePhish’s nightly webcasts here.
Phish – “Jesus Just Left Chicago” – 7/12/25
[Video: Blake Jefferson]
Setlist [via phish.net]: Phish | North Charleston Coliseum | North Charleston, SC | 7/12/25 Set 1: The Moma Dance, NICU, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Divided Sky, Destiny Unbound, Monsters, Plasma, Bathtub Gin Set 2: Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove, Mercury > Soul Planet, Joy, Harry Hood, I Am the Walrus Encore: Carolina, Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S. Notes: Jesus Just Left Chicago was performed for the first time since December 3, 2019 (208 shows). Trey teased I’m a Man in Destiny Unbound. Carolina was performed for the first time since December 6, 2019 (206 shows).
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 29: Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drive towards the basket during a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on February 29, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brien Aho/Getty Images)NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder are coming to...
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 29: Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drive towards the basket during a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on February 29, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brien Aho/Getty Images)
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder are coming to North Charleston to play the Charlotte Hornets, each organization announced in a preseason schedule release Monday.
Charlotte will play Oklahoma City at the North Charleston Coliseum on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 5 p.m. They will then match up against the Memphis Grizzlies at Greensboro's First Horizon Coliseum on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m.
Tickets for each context will go on sale Wednesday, July 16. They will be available online through the Hornets website or each venue's website.
“We’re always looking to foster new and existing fan engagement throughout the Carolinas, so with Spectrum Center renovations nearing completion in early October, this is the perfect opportunity to host our preseason games in outer markets,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment Chief Marketing Officer Seth Bennett. “The Hornets are the NBA team of the Carolinas. We’re excited for fans in Charleston and Greensboro to experience the excitement of a home game, while deepening our visibility, connection and impact within each community.”
The Hornets' full preseason schedule, including the local preseason broadcast schedule, is set to be released at a later date.
As for the NBA champs, the Thunder, after playing the Hornets, will take on the Dallas Mavericks in Fort Worth, Texas.
Oklahoma then returns to Paycom Center for the team’s preseason home debut vs. the Charlotte Hornets on Oct. 9. The Thunder hits the road again to face the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 11 and the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 14 before concluding exhibition play with a home match-up versus the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 17.
Opening the preseason in North Charleston grants NBA fans in South Carolina a chance to see reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was recently named Finals MVP after averaging 30.3 points and 5.6 assists per game against the Indiana Pacers.
Two Home Preseason Games – Presented by Bank of America – To Be Played In Charleston and Greensboro; Tickets On Sale Wednesday, July 16July 14, 2025 – The Charlotte Hornets announced today their two-game 2025-26 home preseason schedule, with both games being played outside of the Charlotte market in Charleston, S.C. and Greensboro, N.C. The Hornets will host the reigning NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder at the North Charleston Coliseum on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. followed by a matchup against the...
July 14, 2025 – The Charlotte Hornets announced today their two-game 2025-26 home preseason schedule, with both games being played outside of the Charlotte market in Charleston, S.C. and Greensboro, N.C. The Hornets will host the reigning NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder at the North Charleston Coliseum on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. followed by a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies at Greensboro’s First Horizon Coliseum on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. Charlotte’s preseason games are presented by Bank of America. Tickets for each game will go on sale Wednesday, July 16 and are available online at hornets.com, ticketmaster.com and each venue’s website: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com and gsocomplex.com.
“We’re always looking to foster new and existing fan engagement throughout the Carolinas, so with Spectrum Center renovations nearing completion in early October, this is the perfect opportunity to host our preseason games in outer markets,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment Chief Marketing Officer Seth Bennett. “The Hornets are the NBA team of the Carolinas. We’re excited for fans in Charleston and Greensboro to experience the excitement of a home game, while deepening our visibility, connection and impact within each community.”
The Hornets have traditionally hosted several regional home contests as part of their preseason schedule and have previously played 10 preseason games in Greensboro, most recently in 2022. Greensboro has a strong connection to the Hornets as the city has served as the home of the Greensboro Swarm, the team’s NBA G League affiliate, since 2016. Charlotte has played four preseason contests in Charleston, most recently in 2012, also at the North Charleston Coliseum.
Charlotte’s full preseason schedule, including local preseason broadcast schedule, will be released at a later date.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS 2025-26 HOME PRESEASON GAMES
Spectrum Center, which will be celebrating 20 incredible years of sports and entertainment when its doors reopen Sunday, Oct. 19 for a Billie Eilish concert, is currently undergoing phase two of renovations that will result in a transformed arena. Hive Society Memberships for the Hornets 2025-26 season, including the newly introduced Half Season Plans (Purple and Teal), are currently available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 704.HORNETS or visit hornets.com.
Carl Sagan
Let's be the exception.