On Saturday, July 31, Phish kicked off their Alpharetta, Ga. run, continuing their highly-anticipated summer tour, and satisfying setlist statisticians and hardcore fans alike with an exploratory “Chalk Dust Torture” that clocked in at 26 minutes, 4 seconds, the second longest version of the song ever.

The show began with the T.A.B.-turned-Phish staple “Sand” and fans at the Georgia venue sunk into the “Everything’s Right,” “Turtle in the Clouds,” “Maze,” the always-appreciated “Destiny Unbound,” “Foam,” “Stash” and a set-closing “Bathtub Gin.”

The aforementioned “Chalk Dust Torture” arrived at the top of the second frame, taking the audience on several twists and turns over its 26+ minutes – according to Phish.net, the “Chalk Dust” that keeps the crown for the longest-ever version was on 7/13/14 at New York’s Randall’s Island. Another stat worth noting: This Alpharetta “Chalk Dust” also featured a tease of “Fire” by Ohio Players. Phish last teased that funk classic 18 years earlier to the day, on 7/31/03 during “Harry Hood.”

Set two was also entirely jammed-through by the band. Other highlights included a three-part, set-ending “Mike’s Groove” segment, containing a refreshing layover in “Silent in the Morning.”

Phish return to the stage in Alpharetta tonight, Aug. 1.

Check out a clip of the “Chalk Dust Torture” and the band’s July 31 setlist via Phish.net below:

Phish
July 31, 2021
Ameris Band Amphitheatre

Set I: Sand, Everything’s Right, Turtle in the Clouds, Maze, Destiny Unbound, Foam, Stash, Bathtub Gin

Set II: Chalk Dust Torture[1] > Steam > Prince Caspian > Golgi Apparatus > AC/DC Bag > Shade > Mike’s Song > Silent in the Morning > Weekapaug Groove

Enc: A Life Beyond The Dream, Cavern

Notes:
[1] Unfinished.