Watch Phish Make Late Night Television Debut In 1994

When it comes to important dates in Phish history it’s hard to top December 30, 1994. Not only did the band play their first of 79 and counting shows at the famed Madison Square Garden, but they also made their network television debut with an appearance on the Late Show With David Letterman. Official video featuring the band’s “Chalk Dust Torture” performance was recently shared on the Letterman YouTube channel and can be viewed below.

“Chalk Dust Torture” was purportedly host David Letterman’s selection. The song penned by guitarist Trey Anastasio and lyricist Tom Marshall is among the most played songs in Phish history. Debuted live on February 1, 1991, a studio version of “Chalk Dust” appears on the band’s major label debut, 1992’s A Picture Of Nectar. Phish devoted their soundcheck at MSG on December 30, 1994 to “arranging ‘Chalk Dust Torture’ to get the timing right for the Late Show with David Letterman,” as per notes on Phish.com.

Comedian/television star Jerry Seinfeld was the featured guest on the December 30, 1994 episode of Letterman. Phish took a memorable picture with the Seinfeld creator that was shared in an issue of their Doniac Schvice newsletter. “They taped Letterman between soundcheck and show time and watched it with family, crew and friends backstage immediately post-show,” according to Phish.com.

Phish was back on Letterman the following June for a version of “Julius” featuring old pal saxophonist Dave “The Truth” Grippo and members of the Late Show house band the CBS Orchestra. The quartet went it alone on future installments of the program in performing “Character Zero” in 1997, “Birds Of A Feather” in 1998, “Heavy Things” in 2000, “All Of These Dreams” in 2002 and “The Line” in 2014.

Letterman also hosted a pair of sets from Phish at its home of the Ed Sullivan Theater. The Vermont-based band played a surprise show atop the marquee on June 21, 2004 and took part in the Live On Letterman web series on June 24, 2014.

See Phish perform “Chalk Dust Torture” on Letterman below:

Phish returns to SPAC in Saratoga Springs, New York this Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26 for a pair of flood relief benefit concerts. Free livestreams are available.