“David Bowie,” one of Phish’s earliest and most consistently employed improvisational vehicles, sits near the top of the list of their most frequently played songs. The song makes its first known concert appearance at the band’s 1986 Halloween show at Goddard College.

Although the published lyrics indicate the band UB40, songwriter Trey Anastasio’s plausible intent was to punnily recognize David Bowie’s 40th birthday (“You be 40!”), which would happen shortly after the Goddard show, on January 8, 1987.

“David Bowie” has served as a signature section of numerous highly regarded Phish live performances. Perhaps the most famous of these took place in Providence, RI on December 29, 1994. Clocking in at nearly 35 minutes, the epic performance breaks down into whistling and even a “Lassie” chant.

“David Bowie” – Providence 12/29/94