Anastasio led a performance by a one-off band called
8 Foot Fluorescent Tubes on April 17, 1998, at the original Higher Ground in Winooski, just outside Burlington, Vermont. The show was the first time Anastasio performed in public with Lawton and Markellis, who were joined by guitarist/vocalist
Tom Lawson of The Pants, saxophonist
Dave Grippo, trombonist
Heloise Williams of Viperhouse.
“First Tube” was seemingly named for its placement as the first song played at the 8 Foot Fluorescent Tubes show, which also saw the premieres of future Phish/TAB songs “Sand,” “Mozambique” and “Last Tube.” Trey, Tony and Russ would go on to form the first incarnation of the Trey Anastasio Band which made its debut — back at the Higher Ground — in February 1999. That concert again featured “First Tube” as part of the setlist.