Screenshot via YouTube

Space Armadillo, featuring The Dude of Life, has acknowledged the changing season and holiday ahead, adding spooky flair to their original version of “Sanity,” co-written by The Dude of Life and Phish’s Trey Anastasio. The song was first featured as a live cut arriving on Phish’s 1988 debut Junta. Despite its status as a concert rarity, having only been performed “at 2.21% of live Phish shows,” according to Phish.net,

Dude of Life initially proposed adding “Sanity” to Space Armadillo’s live repertoire, landing on the number in recognition of its improvisational legs and as a catalyst for instrumental augmentation. For the group’s renewed take, they left the 41-year-old lyrics, initially conceived in 1983, as is and, in turn, tapped guitarist Andy Greenberg to add a reflective layer, providing a new dark blend for the lines to marinate in. 

“This arrangement was an attempt to reimagine ‘Sanity’ in the style of late ‘80s industrial, fused with ’90s rhythm and modern and futuristic textures,” explains Greenberg, denoting the difference in Space Armadillo’s approach. The band’s take on “Sanity” was delivered live at the Charleston Pour House in Charleston, S.C., on July 19, 2024. The performance video has been shared on the band’s official YouTube page as an extended 20-plus-minute layered exploration. Watch below. 

The YouTube arrival comes after Dude of Life announced plans to perform with his solo band at Empire Underground in Albany, N.Y., billed as an After Phish Party, during the group’s three-night run to benefit The Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program. During the Saturday, Oct. 26 show, The Dude of Life Band will welcome special guest Cynthia Ruth, or Ella Fishman, daughter of Phish drummer Jon Fishman.

Tickets for The Dude of Life Phish After Party, Ft. Cynthia Ruth, are on sale now.