10/15/1986 – Hunts

 In the intimate confines of Hunt’s in Burlington, Vermont, on October 15, 1986, Phish embarked on a musical escapade that would go down in history as a pivotal moment in their journey. This remarkable night not only featured the birth of several Phish classics but also marked the debut of their longtime sound engineer, Paul Languedoc.


The first set kicked off with the dynamic pairing of “Alumni Blues > Makisupa Policeman,” setting the stage for an evening of eclectic surprises. The first-known Phish performance of “Skin It Back” introduced a touch of funk, paving the way for a musical exploration that would redefine the boundaries of their repertoire.

The set continued with the debut of “Cities” and an ethereal rendition of “I Am Hydrogen > McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters.” The energy spiked with the infectious beats of “AC/DC Bag,” leading into the tour de force that is “You Enjoy Myself.” The debut of “Lushington” rounded off a set that showcased Phish’s evolving musical prowess.

Set two opened with the first-known Phish performances of “Peaches en Regalia” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” revealing the band’s ability to seamlessly shift between genres. The crowd was treated to the debut of “Shaggy Dog,” which concluded with a quote from Magic.

The night continued with a mix of covers and originals, including the first-known Phish version of “Mustang Sally.” The set concluded with the epic “Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) -> Mike’s Song,” paving the way for a mesmerizing sequence that included “Have Mercy” and “Harry Hood.”

The third set, unfortunately incomplete due to recording limitations, featured the debuts of “Roll Like a Cantaloupe,” “Sanity,” and “Clod.” The impromptu kazoo solo from Mike during the encore of “Clod” added a whimsical touch to an already unforgettable night.

This show at Hunt’s on 10/15/1986 was a testament to Phish’s musical innovation and their willingness to push boundaries. The birth of several iconic Phish compositions, coupled with the seamless fusion of genres, set the stage for the band’s enduring legacy.

Setlist:
Set 1:

  1. Alumni Blues > Makisupa Policeman
  2. Skin It Back
  3. Cities
  4. I Am Hydrogen > McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters
  5. AC/DC Bag
  6. You Enjoy Myself
  7. Lushington

Set 2:
8. Peaches en Regalia

  1. Golgi Apparatus
  2. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
  3. Camel Walk
  4. Shaggy Dog
  5. Mustang Sally
  6. Fluffhead
  7. Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley
  8. Wilson > Slave to the Traffic Light
  9. Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) -> Mike’s Song
  10. Have Mercy > Harry Hood

Set 3 (Incomplete):
19. Roll Like a Cantaloupe

  1. Sanity
  2. Anarchy

Encore:
22. Clod (Impromptu kazoo solo from Mike)

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Author: schill