In the mystical ambiance of the Sculpture Room at Goddard College on Halloween night, October 31, 1986, Phish conjured a musical spell that left an indelible mark on the souls of all those fortunate enough to be present. This special co-bill performance with The Joneses showcased Phish’s penchant for innovative setlists and genre-defying jams, making it a night to remember.
The first set opened with the spirited grooves of “Mustang Sally” and “Camel Walk,” setting the stage for a night of musical exploration. The transition from “Golgi Apparatus” to “Slave to the Traffic Light” demonstrated Phish’s ability to seamlessly blend contrasting moods and genres.
The first set took a cosmic turn with “Melt the Guns -> Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley,” where Trey and Mike playfully quoted “Fuck Your Face” and “Minkin” during the intro. “Halley’s Comet” featured a surprise guest appearance by Richard Wright, who lent his vocals to this celestial journey. The set continued with a playful “Back Porch Boogie Blues” and the debut of “Shaggy Dog,” adding a touch of whimsy to the Halloween festivities. The set concluded with the intricate layers of “Fluffhead,” leaving the audience eagerly anticipating what the second set had in store.
The second set opened with an exploratory “Jam,” setting the tone for a sequence that transcended traditional song structures. “AC/DC Bag” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” showcased Phish’s ability to seamlessly transition between their own compositions and inspired covers. The first-known Phish version of “Peaches en Regalia” added a layer of Zappa-esque complexity to the set, leading into the groundbreaking debut of “David Bowie.”
The set continued with “Have Mercy,” featuring vocals from Jah Roy, and a sublime “Harry Hood.” The whimsical madness of “Sanity” paved the way for “Skin It Back” and a literary interlude with “Icculus.” The set concluded with the lively duo of “Alumni Blues,” encapsulating the Halloween spirit with a spellbinding performance.
This Halloween show at Goddard College on 10/31/1986 was a testament to Phish’s fearless experimentation and their ability to create a transformative musical experience. The setlist, featuring debuts and surprise guests, solidified this night as a pivotal moment in Phish’s evolution.
Setlist:
Set 1:
- Mustang Sally
- Camel Walk
- Golgi Apparatus > Slave to the Traffic Light
- Melt the Guns -> Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley
- Halley’s Comet (Richard Wright on vocals)
- Back Porch Boogie Blues
- Shaggy Dog
- Fluffhead
Set 2:
9. Jam
- AC/DC Bag
- Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
- Peaches en Regalia
- David Bowie (First known version)
- Have Mercy (Jah Roy on vocals)
- Harry Hood
- Sanity
- Skin It Back
- Icculus
- Alumni Blues
