Trey Anastasio Treats Orlando Fans To First-Ever Acoustic Performance Of Quarantine Creation

Trey Anastasio began the two-show Florida portion of his solo acoustic tour last night in Orlando. The guitarist began the concert at Walt Disney Theater with the acoustic debut of “If I Could See The World,” which was played by request.

“If I Could See The World” was among the songs the Phish co-founder wrote during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anastasio was particularly prolific while locked down in his Manhattan apartment. He recorded 15 songs from the time period, including “If I Could See World,” for Lonely Trip, an album released on July 31, 2020.

Anastasio initially rolled out “If I Could See The World” via an Instagram video posted on May 21, 2020. The clip co-stars Trey’s cat, Joey, who gives a tour of the guitarist’s apartment using what appeared to be a camera attached to his back.

Trey Anastasio premiered “If I Could See The World” live during his first The Beacon Jams livestream on October 9, 2020. Anastasio was backed by members of the Trey Anastasio Band for the live debut. The song was then shelved until the June 2023 Trey Anastasio Trio run and was played by the Classic TAB lineup on September 21, 2023 and May 19, 2024.

“That first song I sang, I’ve never played that song live but I like that song,” Anastasio told the crowd in Orlando of “If I Could See The World,” ignoring the TAB/TAT performances. “It was written during the pandemic and a couple of people asked me if I’d play it, so I appreciate the request.”

Watch Trey Anastasio open his Orlando show with the acoustic debut of “If I Could See The World” below:

Anastasio acknowledged the “If I Could See The World” requests early in the night after telling a hilarious story. He recalled that during a past solo acoustic tour he had eulogized one of his favorite teachers from the stage after learning the middle school music instructor had passed away. “I finished the tour and I got home, the phone rang and it was him!” Anastasio exclaimed.

“He said, ‘I’m not dead!’ I’m living in Finger Lakes in Upstate New York. I’ve got a house,'” Trey remembered of the embarassing phone call. “‘Sorry dude,'” Anastasio responded to the instructor. “Turns out they were talking about this other teacher that had died,” Trey continued. “He’s still alive and well today. He’s not dead!”

Check out fan-shot footage of Trey telling the story and performing “Roll Like A River”:

Trey Anastasio loaded last night’s setlist with Phish staples, including “Twist,” “Waste,” “AC/DC Bag,” “Possum” and “Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.” Keyboardist Jeff Tanski accompanied the guitarist on the tail end of the show for “Pebbles & Marbles,” “Petrichor,” “Sand,” “Drift While You’re Sleeping,” “You Enjoy Myself” and more.

Additional Videos

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