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Widespread Panic is an acclaimed Southern jam band known for their creative musical improvisation. Formed in Athens, Georgia in the mid 1980s by vocalist John Bell, bassist Dave Schools and late lead guitarist Michael Houser; since then their lineup has expanded to include drummer Todd Nance, percussionist Domingo Ortiz and keyboardist John Hermann.
How We Got Started
Widespread Panic has developed an unintentional but grassroots marketing plan that has taken them from fraternity parties in Athens to packed arenas all over the globe, becoming a national name and earning induction into Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
John Bell, bassist Dave Schools and Michael Houser lived together in an Athens suburb near the University of Georgia; eventually their lineup expanded to include drummer Todd Nance, percussionist Domingo Ortiz and keyboard player John Hermann.
Ted Rockwell began updating Steve’s setlist file in 1995, eventually reaching out to Ben Tanen who ran an online Panic discussion group called Spreadnet for help creating a database and was introduced to Will Duckworth who had already begun entering show information into their Everyday Companion project – something which quickly became known throughout Panic fandom.
The Band’s Sound
Though they remained true to the earthy playing that defined their early years, they expanded their repertoire through new member additions and their openness to ideas from genres such as fusion, New Orleans R&B or hard rock has helped keep their sound fresh for their loyal following.
Widespread Panic hasn’t created albums as strong as those by Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead; their 2003 album Ball is no exception. Although the band sounds tight across all tracks, few feature solid songwriting; the only noteworthy jam occurs during an extended acoustic jam on “Longer Look.”
Widespread Panic has released numerous live albums over time, such as Night of Joy and Uber Cobra which were recorded during a three-night run in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Additionally, they released Jackassolantern – a CD compilation featuring Halloween performances recorded over time – which compiles these performances together into one collection of covers called Jackassolantern.
The Band’s Members
Widespread Panic was formed out of Athens music scene during its second wave in the mid-1980s. Fusing southern rock with jazz, this hardworking jam band rapidly built its fan base across America through live concerts; frequently appearing in pollstar’s Concert Pulse top 50 bands list. Following their initial release Space Wrangler in 1988, Widespread Panic went on to release Everyday (1992) and Ain’t Life Grand (1994).
Widespread Panic made their return to Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado for three sold-out shows from June 21-22 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre – making this year their 70th consecutive sold-out performance there! They’re the only act ever in music history who’ve done this multiple times with all shows selling out! Additionally, their latest album Snake Oil King was recently released on vinyl format via independent record stores and comes packaged in an artist Jeff Wood designed keepsake industrial tin can – make this year marks their 70th consecutive sell-out run!
The Band’s Legacy
Widespread Panic has earned themselves an immense following due to their captivating live performances, earning them inclusion on Pollstar’s Concert Pulse chart and ranking among America’s premier touring bands.
The group is well-known for their dynamic improvised jams that draw inspiration from the audience, creating unique performances for music enthusiasts. Each performance offers something special and must-see performances are a must!
As they embarked upon their tour, the band opened for other acts and gained experience performing at larger venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre – this helped broaden their audience while simultaneously cementing themselves as powerhouses in the music scene.
Since their founding, the band has released numerous albums such as Space Wrangler (in 1988), Everyday (1993), and Ain’t Life Grand (1994). Alongside their albums, their members have also participated in other projects; Dave Schools toured with Mickey Hart Band while Todd Nance has participated in other bands Barbara Cue and Stockholm Syndrome.
