Melt the Guns
| Originally Performed By | XTC |
| Original Album | English Settlement (1982) |
| Music | Andy Partridge |
| Lyrics By | Andy Partridge |
| Vocals | Trey (lead) |
| Phish Debut | 1985-09-27 |
| Last Played | 1987-04-29 |
| Current Gap | 2051 |
| Recommended Versions | 1986-10-31, 1987-04-29 |
| Historian | Mark Toscano |
History
Many fans are surprised when they hear for the first time that Phish used to cover an XTC song. Although it may seem odd at first, a quick listen of the 6+ minute original on XTC’s brilliant English Settlement album will possibly clear up matters. The song is rather bizarre, featuring a complex, textured composition, witty and satirically pointed lyrics, and an open-ended invitation to jam. Phish certainly accepted that invitation on 4/29/87, which features the most notorious version of this song, which segues into a manic, extended “Dave’s Energy Guide.” Get this show – it’s some of the best early Phish around. Ironically, this would be the final known appearance of the song in the Phish setlist.
XTC "Melt the Guns"
Phish.net
The Mockingbird Foundation