I was never one to take Widespread Panic seriously before I saw the band live in concert. Being a huge Grateful Dead fan, I thought that Panic was just a rendition of my favorite, though deceased, jam band. False.
Widespread Panic can definitely be compared to Grateful Dead, sure, but you have to get past that stereotype to see the core of what Panic is. Its concert at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Fla., was relaxed, stress-free and all around a good time. Sometimes the intensity and loudness of concerts gets a little dated. With Panic all you have to do is bring yourself, and obviously a ticket, and let them take care of the rest.
Widespread Panic was initially formed by John Bell and the late Mike Houser in 1982 while the guys were at college in Athens, Ga. Releasing their first LP, “Space Wrangler,” the guys, along with a few other talented musicians, went a few years of steady touring before being signed with Capricorn in 1991. The next decade could be classified as the band’s “hit years,” or songs known mostly to Panic newcomers. Albums such as “Bombs & Butterflies” and “‘Til the Medicine Takes” hold Panic favorites such as “Tallboy,” “Blue Indian,” “Climb to Safety” and “The Waker.”
When the unfortunate death of Mike Houser fell upon the band in August of 2002, temporary guitarist George McConnell stepped in to follow Houser’s orders of keeping the band going. And they did just that – and more.
The recent release of its newest album, “Free Somehow,” in February marked the achievement of Widespread Panic’s 10th studio album. The band is supporting “Somehow” with its current April-May spring tour.
With two- and three-night concerts in locations such as Washington D.C., Chicago and New York, it was interesting that Panic would stay all weekend in Orange Beach, Fla., but I don’t think anyone was complaining.
The band played shows through Sunday night, but the highlight of this event had to be the percussion encore at the end of the Saturday night performance. Usually bands come back on stage, do a fake-out ending and play the best-known songs.
Widespread Panic did the exact opposite. For close to 20 minutes the entire band “jammed out,” with drummer Todd Nance and bongo extraordinaire Domingo S. Ortiz taking the show entirely to another level, with the fans just holding onto their coattails.
Widespread Panic will be coming to our neck of the woods on May 3, performing at the Nokia Theatre. Whether you’re a Panic follower or not, the band is not exclusive and is always looking to show everyone a good time. S.
