Astute listeners paying attention to what was played during the second setbreak at Phish’s New Year’s Eve concert at Madison Square Garden would have heard an audio hint at the space-themed countdown gag that ushered in the new year. Thanks in part to Phish Inc.’s Julia Mordaunt, this edition of Saturday Stream presents a Spotify Playlist of the futuristic sounding songs played at MSG on NYE.
Phish rang in 2019 by starting the third set with the planetary “Mercury,” incorporating acrobatic dancers that performed a routine with nets while hoisted above the stage to coincide with the song’s lyrics. After playing “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight, the band launched – literally – into the Kasvot Växt song “Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.” as guitarist Trey Anastasio and bassist Mike Gordon (wearing spacesuit costumes) floated above the stage during the “this is what space smells like (dangling in thin air)” lyrics.
Leading up to set three, the PA at The Garden played “Intergalactic” by Beastie Boys, “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa, “LFO” by LFO, “Earth People” by Dr. Octagon, “Rapture” by Blondie, “Kelly Watch the Stars – Moog Cookbook Remix” by Air and “Robot Rock” by Daft Punk. The walk out music played after the show referenced “S.A.N.T.O.S.” as “That Smell” by Lynyrd Skynyrd soundtracked the audience’s exit.
Revisit the lead up to set three and the post-show walk out via the space-themed Spotify Playlist below:
