Phish Performs XTC's 'Melt the Guns' Live for First Time Since 1987

Phish performed XTC's "Melt the Guns" live for the first time since 1987 during their concert at Fenway Park on August 10, 2024. This significant "bust out," as it is known among the band's dedicated fanbase, occurred during the second set of the show. The song was previously played live only once, on October 23, 1987, at the band's show in Burlington, Vermont. The inclusion of "Melt the Guns" was a notable event for Phish fans, who closely track the band's song repertoire and the frequency with which specific songs are played. Phish, known for its extensive catalog and improvisational live performances, often surprises audiences with "bust outs" – songs that have not been played live for extended periods or have been played very infrequently. The band's recent three-night run at Madison Square Garden in New York City, which concluded on August 7, 2024, also generated considerable fan discussion, though it did not feature this particular XTC cover. Fenway Park, a historic baseball stadium in Boston, Massachusetts, has become a recurring venue for Phish's summer tours, with the band having played multiple shows there annually since 2009. The performance of "Melt the Guns" at Fenway Park on August 10, 2024, was a highlight for many attendees, underscoring the band's commitment to offering unique and memorable concert experiences. XTC, the British rock band that originally recorded "Melt the Guns," released the song in 1982 on their album "English Settlement." The song's inclusion in Phish's setlist represents a deep cut from the band's own history, as well as an homage to a respected artist in the rock music landscape. Phish's ability to maintain a vast and varied live setlist, coupled with their tendency to revive older or rarely played material, is a key factor in their enduring popularity and the passionate engagement of their fanbase. The "bust out" of "Melt the Guns" at Fenway Park served as a testament to this aspect of Phish's live performance identity, providing a moment of significant fan appreciation and discussion within the Phish community. The band's musical journey, spanning decades, continues to be marked by such unexpected and cherished musical moments, reinforcing their status as a premier live act. The specific date of the original performance, October 23, 1987, and the location, Burlington, Vermont, add historical context to the significance of its reappearance after 37 years. The band's decision to bring back "Melt the Guns" at such a prominent venue as Fenway Park further amplified the impact of this rare musical event for their followers.