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Known by myriad monikers across the globe for thousands of years, the Mars we see nowadays takes its name from ancient Rome’s god of war. Astronomy and astrology notwithstanding, our long-held fascination with the red planet and the little green men allegedly populating it can be traced back to the late nineteenth century.

Originally published in 1898 by Herbert George ‘H.G.’ Wells, War of the Worlds was the first popular fiction to explore the notion of hostile space invaders. But, the palpable terror of a real-life, real-time Martian invasion didn’t sink its teeth into the collective American psyche until Orson Welles’ radio broadcast of Wells’ War of the Worlds on October 30, 1938.

Watch Martian Monster on YouTube Phish ”Martian Monster” 10/31/14, Las Vegas, NV. Video by Mike Wagner

Seventy-six years and one day after Welles’ historic broadcast, on 10/31/14, Phish debuted “Martian Monster” as the tenth and final instrumental composition inspired by the narration from  the Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House sound effects album... But that wasn’t the first time they played that tell-tale riff. The “Martian Monster” riff initially reared its head during “2001” on 07/27/13 at Merriweather Post Pavilion, interwoven throughout the song (starting at 2:40).

Along with Laura Olsher’s timeless narration, this sample-laden funk jam takes you, the intrepid first astronaut, on a journey to the 4th planet from the Sun. Thanks to the “incredible speed of your rocket,” your trip is mercifully short-- But so is your time off-world, courtesy of a “hungry welcoming committee.”

While many songs from 10/31/14 went on to earn a spot in the 3.0 rotation, “Martian Monster” has found its way onto more setlists than any other tune from that Chilling, Thrilling night– and even has its own jam chart. 

It can be quick and to the point (06/24/16), exploratory (10/31/14), atmospheric (12/31/14), full-throttle (07/25/15), soaring (07/23/16), sample-heavy (08/11/18) -- as well as wedged into other tunes (08/11/15, in the “Skin it Back” mash-up, on 08/12/15 in “Free,” and 12/28/16 with a “Tweezer Reprise” jam). 

Watch Martian Monster on YouTube [creditPhish" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ3HPkiEYKw[/youtube][creditPhish “Martian Monster” – 7/31/15, Atlanta, GA. Video by Lazylightning55a.[/credit]

The song made four appearances in 2017 (like 07/15/17 in Huntington Beach, CA & 12/29/17 at MSG), six in 2018 (07/18/18 at Lake Tahoe, 08/31/18 at DSG, 11/02/18 in Vega$ and 12/28/18 at MSG are all solid) and five in 2019 (02/23/19 in Mexico is *fire*, and 12/31/19 closes out the year in style at MSG).  

Regardless of your planet of origin, “Martian Monster” is always a welcome addition to any setlist, like 10/22/21 in Arizona, 08/14/22 in Wisconsin, 04/14/23 in Seattle and 10/14/23 in Chicago-- All of which demand attention, no matter how short your trip.

Watch Martian Monster on YouTube Phish" style="text-decoration:none">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzqQWChEfDo[/youtube][credit]Phish ”Martian Monster”-- 08/14/22, East Troy, WI. Video by shinepigeon.

Last significant update: 12/19/2023

(Johnson)
© Disney Music Group

You have been selected as the first astronaut
To explore the planet Mars
The countdown is progressing
And your spaceship is about to blast off
On its voyage of discovery
Because of the incredible speed of your rocket
Your trip is short

When you ship lands on the surface of Mars
You are greeted by a hungry welcoming committee

Mmm mmmm mmmmm
That was delicious
I wonder what it was