In the wintery embrace of Shelburne, Vermont, on December 6, 1986, The Ranch became the epicenter of a Phish performance that would be etched into the annals of their storied career. This three-set marathon was not only a showcase of the band’s evolving musical prowess but also marked the debut of several iconic songs, making it a night of firsts and unforgettable moments.

The first set opened with the energetic groove of “Funky Bitch,” signaling the beginning of a musical journey that would span genres and eras. “Possum” and “Peaches en Regalia” followed, each setting the stage for the exploratory spirit that would define the evening.

“Makisupa Policeman -> Fluffhead” continued the set with a seamless transition, showcasing the band’s ability to navigate intricate compositions and improvisational segues.

The second set kicked off with the debut of “I Know a Little,” setting the tone for a set that would feature a blend of Phish originals and inspired covers. “Golgi Apparatus” and “Slave to the Traffic Light” showcased the band’s tight musical interplay, while the debut of “Light Up Or Leave Me Alone -> Camel Walk” added a touch of rock and roll to the mix.

A standout moment in the set was the debut of “Icculus,” featuring Steve Drebber on vocals. The band’s willingness to experiment with new material and embrace diverse influences was further highlighted by the debut of “Good Times Bad Times -> Skin It Back -> Cities.”

The third set was a tour de force, opening with “Mike’s Song” and venturing into unexpected territories with “The Little Drummer Boy” and “Whipping Post.” The debut of “She Caught the Katy and Left Me a Mule to Ride” added a bluesy flavor to the night, while “David Bowie -> Clod -> David Bowie” showcased the band’s improvisational dexterity.

The evening continued with a spirited “You Enjoy Myself,” followed by the debut of “Dog Log,” “Tush,” and “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley.” The set concluded with the whimsical “Prep School Hippie,” leaving the audience in awe of Phish’s ability to seamlessly weave through an eclectic array of musical landscapes.

This show at The Ranch on 12/06/1986 was a masterclass in musical exploration, a testament to Phish’s commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing the unexpected.

Setlist:
Set 1:

1. Funky Bitch (First known Phish performance)
2. Possum
3. Peaches en Regalia
4. Makisupa Policeman -> Fluffhead

Set 2:
5. I Know a Little (First known Phish performance)

6. Golgi Apparatus > Slave to the Traffic Light
7. Shaggy Dog > Light Up Or Leave Me Alone -> Camel Walk
8. Jam > Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
9. Back Porch Boogie Blues
10. Icculus (Steve Drebber on vocals)
11. McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters
12. Good Times Bad Times -> Skin It Back -> Cities (First known Phish performances)

Set 3:
13. Mike’s Song -> The Little Drummer Boy

14. Whipping Post
15. She Caught the Katy and Left Me a Mule to Ride (First known Phish performance)
16. AC/DC Bag
17. David Bowie -> Clod > David Bowie
18. You Enjoy Myself
19. Dog Log (First known Phish performance)
20. Tush (First known Phish performance) > Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley
21. Prep School Hippie

 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:

1. Mustang Sally
2. Camel Walk
3. Golgi Apparatus > Slave to the Traffic Light
4. Melt the Guns -> Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley
5. Halley’s Comet (Richard Wright on vocals)
6. Back Porch Boogie Blues
7. Shaggy Dog
8. Fluffhead

Set 2:
9. Jam

10. AC/DC Bag
11. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
12. Peaches en Regalia
13. David Bowie (First known version)
14. Have Mercy (Jah Roy on vocals)
15. Harry Hood
16. Sanity
17. Skin It Back
18. Icculus
19. Alumni Blues

 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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