On a crisp Burlington night, the eclectic sounds of Phish reverberated through the intimate confines of Nectar’s, marking another chapter in the band’s musical journey. The date, March 23, 1987, etched itself into the annals of Phish lore as the quartet took the stage at one of their hometown venues, delivering a performance that seamlessly blended humor, experimentation, and musical virtuosity.
The first set kicked off with the familiar strains of “Funky Bitch,” setting the stage for an evening that would feature both beloved classics and the unveiling of new gems. “Mike’s Song > Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues” showcased the band’s improvisational prowess, seamlessly weaving together various musical elements.
The real magic unfolded with “You Enjoy Myself > Sparks,” marking the first-known Phish performance of the latter. The intricate layers of “You Enjoy Myself” enveloped the audience, leading into the debut of “Sparks,” a tune that would become synonymous with Phish’s ability to incorporate diverse genres into their repertoire.
The second set opened with the complex and multi-part epic, “Fluffhead,” captivating the audience with its intricate composition and the band’s tight musical interplay. The debut of “Peaches en Regalia” added a touch of Zappa-esque complexity to the set, showcasing Phish’s willingness to explore a wide sonic spectrum.
A surprise came in the form of the first-known Phish performance of “Ride Captain Ride,” a classic rock gem that the band tackled with their signature flair. “Dave’s Energy Guide” and “Corinna” added further depth to the set, highlighting Phish’s ability to seamlessly transition between genres.
The first set ended with the audience grooving to “Why Don’t You Love Me? > Camel Walk, Golgi Apparatus,” creating an infectious energy that lingered in the air. The set concluded with the spiritual vibes of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”
As comments from the band hinted at a potential third set, the mysteries of that segment remain locked in the vaults. Nonetheless, the known sets were a testament to Phish’s dynamic range and their uncanny ability to captivate audiences with a diverse and evolving musical landscape.
Setlist:
Set 1:
- Funky Bitch
- Mike’s Song > Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues
- You Enjoy Myself > Sparks (First known Phish performance)
Set 2:
4. Fluffhead
- Peaches en Regalia (First known Phish performance)
- Ride Captain Ride (First known Phish performance)
- Dave’s Energy Guide
- Corinna
- Why Don’t You Love Me? > Camel Walk
- Golgi Apparatus
- Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
