Phish Busts Out ‘Sneakin Sally’ At MSG In 1997

We’re still reeling over the loss of man for whom “legend” seems an understatement – Allen Toussaint. As we reported, Toussaint died while on tour in Spain and remembrances have poured in from across the globe. Phish is among the many jam acts who have covered Toussaint’s songs. The Vermont band started covering “Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley” within two years of their formation and played it frequently through 1989 at which point it seemingly was shelved for good … until a memorable night in New York City.

In December of 1997 Phish finished off perhaps the best year of their career with a four-night New Year’s Run that included three shows at Madison Square Garden in NYC. The second of those shows, December 30, is a night those in attendance won’t ever forget. Phish came out of the gates with what was at the time the second biggest bust out in the band’s history – Toussaint’s “Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley.” The song was last performed by Phish on May 28, 1989, a span of 920 shows.

Not only did Phish open with “Sneakin’ Sally” on December 30, 1997, they also reprised the cover as part of a legendary four-song encore later in the night. The foursome took the stellar opener for an improvisational journey as nearly ten minutes elapsed between the start of the song and a transition into “Taste.” Watch Phish bust out “Sneakin’ Sally” as well as the entire first set from December 30, 1997 at The Garden:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=109UoiQf5Jk

“Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley” has stayed a part of the Phish live repertoire ever since.