Happy 25th Anniversary, Phish!

The band’s first show is oft debated, and Phish themselves may not even be sure of the debate.  Many fans often thought the show in which Thriller was cranked up over the band (to their dismay) was indeed a 1983 Halloween performance.  However, there’s no evidence they actually played on that date.  Another myth is that 11.3.83 was the first show, but this was due to the 11.3.84 show being mislabeled in circulated recordings.

The first show that definitely has a record was 12.2.83.  As per The Mockingbird Foundation, the setlist was:

Set I: Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress, Proud Mary, In the Midnight Hour, Squeeze Box, Roadhouse Blues, Happy Birthday
Set II: Scarlet Begonias > Fire

Today kicks off The Butter Room’s Tuesday “Being There” theme, and nicely dovetails with the anniversary of Phish’s first known concert.  Over the years hundreds of thousands of people have seen Phish play across the U.S. and abroad.  The band has brought incredible joy to so many lives not just through their music, but through the generous community that surrounds Phish both in person and online.  Many friendships, online communities (such as our own), and even bands have come to exist because of the inspiration heard and felt through the music of Phish.

Three months from Friday Phish will return to the stage and begin a new chapter, giving young and old fans alike an opportunity to share in that special blend of magic only found at a Phish concert.

Enjoy this half hour retrospective that Phish compiled for their 20th anniversary show in Boston on 12.2.03.  Special thanks to Phish and to Andy Gadiel who posted this video on his site today.