On a chilly night at the University of Vermont’s Slade Hall on February 21, 1987, Phish defied musical conventions and treated the audience to a night of eclectic and experimental sounds. This performance showcased the band’s evolving style and their willingness to delve into uncharted territories.

The first set kicked off with the first-known Phish performance of “Why Don’t You Love Me?” Setting the stage for an evening of surprises, this debut hinted at the band’s inclination to explore diverse genres and push the boundaries of their repertoire.

The second set, unfortunately with an incomplete setlist, continued the musical odyssey with the complex and intricate “Fluffhead.” The energy heightened with the fiery intensity of “Fire” and the debut of “Suzy Greenberg,” which would become a fan-favorite in Phish’s extensive catalog.

The social and political commentary of “Dear Mrs. Reagan” added a touch of gravitas to the set, showcasing the band’s ability to infuse their music with deeper meaning. The infectious rhythm of “Camel Walk” and the playful “Back Porch Boogie Blues” further emphasized the band’s versatility.

The first-known Phish performance of “Blue Monk” added a jazzy dimension to the set, with Trey playfully introducing the band as “three quarters of the Bob Dylan Band.” The tune included an ‘A’ Train tease from Page, demonstrating the band’s seamless integration of diverse musical influences.

The set continued with the debut of “Clod,” “Lushington,” and the iconic “Peaches en Regalia,” showcasing Phish’s instrumental prowess and their ability to navigate complex compositions.

The introduction of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and the reggae-infused groove of “Boogie On Reggae Woman” marked further departures into unexplored musical realms. The debut of “Ya Mar” and “Corinna” further underscored the band’s willingness to embrace new sounds and styles.

The setlist might be incomplete, but what is evident is Phish’s commitment to delivering a diverse and unpredictable musical experience. The night concluded with a sequence of “Dog Log” and “Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues,” leaving the audience in awe of the band’s ability to seamlessly weave together an array of musical tapestries.

This night at Slade Hall on 02/21/1987 was a snapshot of Phish’s early experimentation and foreshadowed the musical diversity that would define their illustrious career.

Setlist:
Set 1:

1. Why Don’t You Love Me? (First known Phish performance)

Set 2 (Incomplete):
2. Fluffhead

3. Fire
4. Suzy Greenberg
5. Dear Mrs. Reagan
6. Camel Walk
7. Back Porch Boogie Blues
8. Blue Monk (First known Phish performance)
9. Clod
10. Lushington
11. Peaches en Regalia
12. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
13. Boogie On Reggae Woman (First known Phish performance)
14. Ya Mar (First known Phish performance)
15. Corinna (First known Phish performance)
16. Dog Log
17. Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues

 On a frosty winter night at Johnson State College in Vermont, Phish embarked on a musical escapade that would resonate through the ages. The echoes of February 13, 1987, became a testament to the band’s burgeoning creativity and their knack for crafting immersive, genre-defying performances.

The first set kicked off with the infectious rhythm of “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley,” setting the tone for an evening of dynamic exploration. “Possum” and “Golgi Apparatus > Slave to the Traffic Light -> Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)” showcased Phish’s ability to seamlessly blend classics with their own unique twist.

The absence of vocals in “Slave to the Traffic Light” and the return to “Alumni Blues” after “Letter to Jimmy Page” added an experimental touch to the set, emphasizing the band’s willingness to push the boundaries of live performance.

A highlight of the evening was the debut of “Suzy Greenberg,” featuring the first-known version with the Dude of Life on vocals. The infectious energy of “Sanity” and the debut of “Good Times Bad Times” further solidified the first set as a tapestry of musical diversity.

The second set opened with the iconic “Wilson,” unleashing a cascade of intricate instrumentals. The debut of “Melt the Guns -> Dave’s Energy Guide” showcased Phish’s improvisational prowess, leading into the multifaceted “Fluffhead” with vocals by the Dude of Life.

The transcendental journey continued with “Harry Hood,” where the Dude of Life’s vocals added an extra layer of enchantment to the intricate composition.

As the final notes reverberated through Johnson State College, it was evident that this night was more than a concert; it was a sonic odyssey, a testament to Phish’s ability to create an immersive musical experience that transcended the ordinary.

Setlist:
Set 1:

1. Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley
2. Possum
3. Golgi Apparatus > Slave to the Traffic Light -> Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)
4. Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues
5. Suzy Greenberg (First known version; Dude of Life on vocals)
6. Sanity (Dude of Life on vocals)
7. Good Times Bad Times

Set 2:
8. Wilson

9. Melt the Guns -> Dave’s Energy Guide
10. Fluffhead (Dude of Life on vocals)
11. Harry Hood (Dude of Life on vocals)