Phish Unearth Early Gems

June 26, 2010

Phish fans were treated to a few rare treats in the first set of last night’s show in Camden, NJ. The quartet opened its second night at the venue with the auspicious, early song sandwich of “Alumni Blues”> “Letter to Jimmy Page”> “Alumni Blues.” Both songs appear on the band’s first, albeit unofficial, record, The White Album released in 1986. The band last played “Letter to Jimmy Page” on 7/15/94 at Jones Beach Amphitheater, a venue the band will visit in mid-August to close out their summer tour, while it took its last pass at “Alumni Blues” on 7/24/99 and, prior to that, 12/3/94.

For those unfamiliar with the early numbers, each of which debuted in 1985, we’ve found some vintage video footage here and here of the band performing “Alumni Blues” on Trey Anastasio’s graduation day from the University of Vermont.

Phish play tomorrow night at Maryland’s Merriweather Post Pavilion.