You Sexy Thing

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History

“You Sexy Thing” is a song by Hot Chocolate, a British soul band lead by singer Errol Brown. Brown and bassist Tony Wilson co-wrote the song. Originally released as a B-side to the song “Blue Night,” in 1975 the song was re-released to massive success. In 1997, the song was featured in the hit British comedy film “The Full Monty.” This renewed interest in the song, and in the wake it became a common musical reference in film and television—a bedfellow to Yello’s song “Oh Yeah.” 

“You Sexy Thing” first became part of Phish’s story in 1993. On a cold March night, during a particularly out there vocal jam in “You Enjoy Myself,” Mike emerges with a statement and a question: “I believe in miracles. Where you from, you sexy thing?” It doesn’t last long, and the rest of the band continues the vocal jam as if nothing happened. 

Twenty-four years later, on a warm July evening, Phish were six nights into their Baker’s Dozen run: thirteen shows, no repeats, and setlists themed around different donut flavors. Many of the shows featured Phish debuting covers that matched the theme: Strawberry night featured “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Strawberry Letter 23.”

On 7/28/17, the theme was chocolate. The show opened with a cover of Tay Zonday’s “Chocolate Rain.” A person might suspect that would be enough: that person doesn’t know Phish. During the second set, following a beloved rendition of “Chalk Dust Torture,” the band launched into their first full performance of the Hot Chocolate song. Sung by Mike, this rendition was fun and funky- a strong jam with “Mercury” sandwiched in the middle. 

It didn’t take another twenty-four years for Phish to play “You Sexy Thing” again. A little over a year later, on 8/5/18, the band played another “You Sexy Thing” sandwich. Here, the song opened the first set and closed the second set, with teases sprinkled throughout, making the whole show one big sandwich. The song then sat out 2019, finally rearing its head on the third night of Phish’s 2020 Mexico run. 

The most recent performance of “You Sexy Thing” was once again a chocolatey occasion. On 8/11/21, Phish were playing their second night at Hershey Park. They opened the show with “You Sexy Thing,” followed by “Wombat.” The latter ended with Trey singing “You Sexy Wombat,” which has become the fan nickname for both the song combo and 8/11/21 as a whole, as the band once again sprinkled “You Sexy Thing” teases throughout the night. 

The song has since popped up in Mike Gordon’s setlists during 2023, but no one knows whether the song will make another appearance by Phish. But I believe in miracles…

Last significant update: 7/12/2025

 

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