On the eve of Halloween, October 30, 1985, Hunt’s in Burlington, Vermont, became the enchanted stage for a Phish performance that would transcend the ordinary. This special night at Hunt’s, marked by a mystical setlist and groundbreaking debuts, showcased the band’s early experimentation and hinted at the musical alchemy that would define their legendary career.

The first set opened with the inaugural notes of “Harry Hood,” marking its first known version. The ethereal melodies and intricate instrumentals set the tone for a night of musical exploration. The audience was then treated to the debut of “Dog Log,” a quirky and playful composition that added a touch of whimsy to the set.

“Possum” and “Slave to the Traffic Light” followed, displaying Phish’s ability to seamlessly shift between genres and moods. The energetic “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley” had the crowd grooving to its infectious rhythm, setting the stage for an evening of surprises.

“I Wish” and “Revival” showcased the band’s versatility, with covers that added a soulful and celebratory vibe to the set. The debut of “Prep School Hippie” further demonstrated Phish’s willingness to present new material to their audience, a tradition that would continue throughout their career.

The setlist took a festive turn with “Alumni Blues,” featuring lyrics that playfully referenced pumpkin pie, setting a fittingly autumnal mood. The pumpkin theme continued with the familiar chords of “Letter to Jimmy Page” before returning to the upbeat conclusion of “Alumni Blues.”

Closing the set with “Skippy the Wondermouse,” Phish left the audience in awe of their ability to seamlessly blend intricate compositions, improvisation, and a touch of whimsy into a cohesive musical narrative.

As fans look back on the October 30, 1985, show at Hunt’s, it’s evident that this performance was a harbinger of the band’s future brilliance. The setlist, punctuated by debuts and unexpected turns, showcased Phish’s commitment to pushing musical boundaries and embracing the unpredictable. The intimate setting of Hunt’s provided the perfect backdrop for the alchemical fusion of creativity that unfolded that night, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to be in attendance.

SET 1: Harry Hood[1], Dog Log[2] > Possum, Slave to the Traffic Light, Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley, I Wish, Revival, Alumni Blues[3] > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues, Prep School Hippie, Skippy the Wondermouse

[1] First known version.
[2] First known public version.
[3] Lyric referenced pumpkin pie.

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 In the intimate confines of Finbar’s in Burlington, Vermont, on October 17, 1985, Phish embarked on a musical journey that left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to be in attendance. This early gem in Phish’s extensive catalog offered a glimpse into the band’s burgeoning creativity and their ability to weave diverse musical elements into an unforgettable tapestry.

The show commenced with a cosmic overture, colloquially known among fans as the “Star Trek Jam,” setting an otherworldly tone for the evening. This improvisational prelude served as a testament to Phish’s willingness to venture into uncharted musical territories right from the start.

The band seamlessly transitioned into the dynamic duo of “Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues,” showcasing their early penchant for intricate segues and setting the stage for an evening of musical exploration. The familiar chords of “Mike’s Song” then took hold, ushering in a cascade of intricate instrumentals and improvisational wizardry.

As the set unfolded, Phish demonstrated their command of diverse genres. “Revolution” and “Anarchy” introduced a socio-political edge, while the infectious groove of “Camel Walk” had the audience moving to the rhythm. The set reached its zenith with the classic “Run Like an Antelope,” featuring energetic interplay and a glimpse of the improvisational prowess that would define Phish’s future performances.

“McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters” brought the first set to a close, leaving the crowd in awe of Phish’s musical dexterity and the seamless blend of complex compositions and improvisation.

Looking back at the Finbar’s show on October 17, 1985, it becomes evident that Phish was already carving out a unique space in the live music landscape. The “Star Trek Jam” and the eclectic setlist reflected the band’s willingness to push boundaries, creating an immersive experience that went beyond traditional concert norms.

This performance at Finbar’s stands as a time capsule—a testament to the early brilliance of Phish. The setlist, marked by inventive segues and a cosmic opening, foreshadowed the band’s future as trailblazers in the world of improvisational music. The intimate setting of Finbar’s provided the perfect canvas for Phish to paint a sonic masterpiece, leaving an enduring legacy that would continue to captivate audiences for decades to come.

SET 1: T.V. Theme, Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues > Mike’s Song, Dave’s Energy Guide, Revolution, Anarchy, Camel Walk, Run Like an Antelope, McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters

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 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

9. Golgi Apparatus
10. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
11. Camel Walk
12. Shaggy Dog
13. Mustang Sally
14. Fluffhead
15. Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley
16. Wilson > Slave to the Traffic Light
17. Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) -> Mike’s Song
18. Have Mercy > Harry Hood

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

20. Sanity
21. Anarchy

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

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