Phish addresses fatal stabbing outside Virginia concert

Phish addressed a fatal stabbing outside the band’s Friday-night concert at Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia, saying in a Saturday statement that the incident occurred in the venue’s parking area and that there was an altercation behind one of the tents in the unofficial vending area in which someone lost their life and two other people were injured. The group said it did not have information beyond what police have reported and that the event was an isolated incident; the band added that it is deeply saddened and that its thoughts are with those affected.

Corporal Shaun Stalnaker of the Hampton Police Division said officers responded to a report of a stabbing outside the venue at 9:30 p.m. local time. He described an argument between several individuals that escalated into a physical altercation. One victim sustained life-threatening injuries and died at a local hospital; a second victim was transported for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries; a third adult male arrived at a local hospital with a laceration deemed non-life-threatening. The suspect fled on foot but was later detained by officers. Police have labeled the stabbing an “isolated incident” and said the investigation is ongoing.

Phish’s Instagram post noted that the band had no information beyond police reports, and reiterated that the incident was upsetting for the group and fans alike as the Hampton venue continued its weekend run with heightened security.

Phish played three Hampton Coliseum shows over the weekend. Saturday’s and Sunday’s performances went on as planned, with an increased police presence in the area, according to local CBS affiliate WTKR. The band, formed in Burlington, Vermont in 1983, is led by guitarist and vocalist Trey Anastasio and also features bassist Mike Gordon, drummer Jon Fishman and keyboardist Page McConnell. Phish recently wrapped its summer tour, which included a headlining appearance at Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville, Kentucky. Looking ahead, Phish has four nights at Madison Square Garden in New York City from Dec. 28 to 31, followed by another four-night run at Moon Palace Cancun in early 2026.

The Hampton incident arises as venues nationwide continue to balance open-access performances with security measures in the wake of recent high-profile events. Officials emphasized that such incidents remain rare and are investigated as isolated in nature, while Phish and its fans process the weekend’s events.

As the cultural calendar continues, Phish’s live-work remains central to its identity, with the band’s management and venues reiterating commitments to safety and continued performance schedules. The Hampton Coliseum weekend shows reflected a broader industry push to maintain concert momentum while adapting to security needs in real-time.