Helping Friendly Podcast – "Mt. Rushmore: Icculus" (October 8, 2025)

Podcast: Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod)
Episode Theme: The Mt. Rushmore of Phish’s “Icculus” — Deep-Diving the Band’s Most Mythic Song

Episode Overview

The HFPod crew gathers to celebrate and examine "Icculus," one of Phish’s rarest and most mythologically charged songs. "Mount Rushmore: Icculus" sees hosts Brian, RJ, and Megan explore the evolution, lore, and iconic versions of “Icculus,” ultimately crafting the definitive top four “Mt. Rushmore” renditions. Using their vault of fan knowledge, setlist stats, and personal stories, the episode focuses on what makes each version legendary in the fandom.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Connections and Phish as Family Ritual

• The conversation kicks off with playful banter about whether the hosts' children are old enough — or even interested — in reading “Icculus.”
  • Megan: “They're not reading fucking Ikyulys. No, absolutely not. They're looking at TikTok...” [01:40]
• The role of pop culture and technology in how the next generation experiences music and folklore, compared to the Phish phenomenon.
• “Ikyulys” as both a literal and metaphorical book: A symbol for seeking deeper meaning and connectivity—a direct tie to why fans feel so attached to the band’s lore.

2. "Icculus" in Phish’s Mythology

• Origins and Rarity:
  • “Ikyulys debuted with Fish in 1986, but it was written by Trey and Tom as early as 1984... It’s been played 30 times, never when I’ve been in the room.” (Megan, [07:28])
• Seen as an event whenever played, signaling a “special night,” a direct connection between band and audience.
• The song’s performance is marked by unpredictability and the sense that Phish is sharing secret knowledge with their fans.

3. Defining the “Mt. Rushmore” Criteria

• The hosts agree: The most iconic versions feature strong thematic framing and a “massive, explosive build.” The wilder and more committed Trey gets—often including screaming, engaging narration, and hilarious crowd interaction—the better.
  • Brian: “What really makes Ikyulys special is when it's dropped in a random spot and it kind of elevates the rest of the show around it.” [12:15]
• Phish’s mythology, fan service, and moments of deep self-referential humor are key to ranking the best.

4. The Four "Mt. Rushmore" Icculus Versions – Deep Dive

A. 4/16/92 – Anaconda Theatre, Isla Vista, CA

• Context: Performed inside a classic Forbin’s > Mockingbird; pivotal early 90s mythos.
• Importance: “Table setter” for Phish’s storytelling tradition. Features “the most complete” narration of all versions.
  • Megan: “This is the most kind of complete one. So I think it’s a nice table setter, especially as the first one on our list.” [24:19]
• Memorable Moment: Melding of Gamehenge lore, narration, Harpua teases.
• [22:33–25:33]

B. 6/22/94 – Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH

• Context: Infamous “Randall” show; inside a night of non-stop creative segues.
• Highlights: Trey riffs on a tall fan (Randall) in the crowd, band banter hits maximum, all band members (Fishman, Page) join the screaming.
  • Megan: “Everyone is so, so participatory. ... Fishman’s yelling, 'You think you’re too good for the book.' And Page is just like, 'Read the book.'” [28:13]
  • “By the time Trey said, 'You may think your life is okay, but you’re wrong. You’re all wrong,' Trey finally had Randall laughing.” [30:22]
• Memorable for: Crowd interplay, comedy, and “one of the best Ikyulys peaks.”
• [27:04–33:43]

C. 10/31/95 – Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, IL (Halloween)

• Context: Boldly opens the Halloween show that would feature the band’s Quadrophenia musical costume; placed before “Divided Sky.”
• Highlights: Massive theatricality, “book vs. spirits” theme, Trey claims “I don’t think it’s gonna work tonight” before a playful band-crowd showdown.
  • Megan: “This is the battle between the spirits and the book... This is my favorite Ikyulys, because it takes a turn. Trey says, 'I don’t think it’s gonna work tonight.' And I love that because you don’t expect it.” [37:49]
• Significance: The last “Ikyulys” played for 262 shows, closing an era before Phish’s style shift.
• [35:11–41:33]

D. 8/14/09 – Meadows, Hartford, CT

• Context: Phish’s “rebirth” period. First “Ikyulys” in 10 years, set inside a quarter with Catapult, Psycho Killer, You Enjoy Myself.
• Themes: Modern technology, generational disconnect, and “read the book” as a cry against digital distraction.
  • Brian: “This show, I think you are underselling slightly... This is one of the most important shows of the era and maybe of all time.” [50:26]
• Memorable Quote: “We’re going to have an illiterate generation soon. Put down your DVD things.” [55:34]
• Feels: Return to playful storytelling, a public embrace of the band’s own history, with “Trey as Ikyulys.”
• [48:24–55:34]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On “Icculus” Rarity:
  • Megan: "It's been played 30 times, never when I’ve been in the room." [07:28]
• Why it’s Special:
  • Brian: "It does something to that show, to that tour, to kind of elevate it above just a really fun night out... it’s like the ultimate Phish conspiracy theory song." [12:15]
• On Narrative Power:
  • Megan: “What defines the best versions of Ikyulys are strong thematic framing and a massive explosive build. So the harder Trey goes, the better the version. And the best versions are hilarious.” [07:28]
• On Halloween '95:
  • Megan: “This is what should have been done on Mondegreen Day 4. The theme is already made for you: we’re melting! ... Most boss move you could ever do is to come out and open a show with this.” [35:15]
• On Phish’s Legacy:
  • Brian: “This is a rare, rare song that taps into human emotion, that removes you from being at a rock concert into more theater. This is a very, very big nerd band.” [62:59]

Additional Insights, Commentary & Honorable Mentions

• Other Key Versions Briefly Discussed:
  • Madison, WI (11/20/94) — “Absolutely insane” crowd; ties to “O.J. was on the run.”
  • Portland, ME (4/24/92) — Inside Forbin’s Mockingbird with screaming buildup.
  • Beecher Hill ’88, Chicago ’92, Alpine Valley ’99, NYC New Year’s 2024 — Earlier takes, iconic crowd responses, and recent encore moments.
  • “Shows like 7/14/19… the band throws all of the weirdness and all of the bizarre, you know, backstories and inside jokes all out to you at once.” (Brian, [57:54])
• On Evolution: The song’s narrative content evolved, sometimes referencing current events, technology, or fan in-jokes, expanding from the Gamehenge core into poignant social commentary and hilarious satire.
• Icculus as a Liminal Portal: The hosts frequently referenced how “Icculus” transforms concerts into communal, participatory theater—a true hallmark of the Phish experience.

Structure: Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:14–04:49] – Banter: Kids, TikTok, the symbolism of “Icculus”
• [07:28–12:09] – Icculus lore, rarity, and big-picture mythology
• [12:10–17:53] – Defining “Mt. Rushmore” criteria and song evolution
• [18:11–25:34] – 4/16/92 Anaconda Theatre deep dive
• [27:04–33:43] – 6/22/94 Columbus deep dive (“Randall” show)
• [35:11–41:33] – 10/31/95 Halloween deep dive (Rosemont opening)
• [48:24–55:34] – 8/14/09 Hartford deep dive (Phish 3.0 rebirth)
• [57:54–64:33] – Honorable mentions, swapping stories on other wild versions

Tone & Style

• Language: Candid, irreverent, deep-in-the-weeds Phish fan talk
• Mood: Analytical but playful, filled with direct quotes and in-jokes (“read the fucking book!”)
• Audience: Engaged Phish fans, lovers of musical lore, and podcast listeners looking for in-depth context and anecdotes

Episode Takeaway

This episode showcases “Icculus” as more than a song—it's a cryptic ritual, a tongue-in-cheek thesis statement, and one of the greatest symbols of Phish’s unique band–fan symbiosis. Every rare performance marks a night to remember, as the band bows at the altar of its own myth. For anyone seeking the essential “Icculus” experience, the Mt. Rushmore list (4/16/92, 6/22/94, 10/31/95, 8/14/09) is your ideal entry point—and a lens onto the soul of Phish.

Memorable Moment:
Brian: “We’re going to have an illiterate generation soon. Put down your DVD things.” [55:34]

Next Episode Preview:
The crew will “dance” through the best versions of the beloved cover, “Cross Eyed and Painless.” Stay tuned for more deep-cut jamming and deadpan laughs.

For fans who haven't listened:
This episode is not just for setlist junkies. It explores the heart of what makes Phish shows magic, why fans chase certain songs, and how the most unexpected, ebullient moments deepen the community’s sense of myth, humor, and belonging.