Throwback: Widespread Panic Busts Out "Feelin' Alright" in Birmingham (04.15.11) April 21, 2016 13:31

Win Free Tickets To See The Werks & Gravy At Zydeco After Widespread Panic April 21, 2016 08:58

Live & Listen is excited to announce that we are teaming up with our friends at Zydeco in Birmingham, AL for an official Tedeschi Trucks Band / Widespread Panic Afterparty on Saturday night (4/23).  One of the hottest bands on the jam/festival scene, The Werks, will headline the show with support from Gravy.  We are offering you the chance to win a free pair of tickets + a $20 bar tab to be redeemed at Zydeco by following the instructions listed below.

All participants must be 21 years of age or older.  

About The Werks:
Fusing psychedelic shredding, wailing organ, and funk slap bass with synthesizers and modern dance beats, The Werks have quickly emerged as a national powerhouse, bringing a big dance party beloved by fans across the musical spectrum.

About Gravy:
Gravy has successfully “created their own very original sound with their latest album Get Busy Living – a bit of neo soul mixed with some indie rock smothered in a whole bunch of New Orleans funk” according to producer of Gravy’s latest album and founding member of Galactic, Robert Mercurio. Inspired by a cultural renaissance and newfound clarity of vision; Gravy preaches the gospel of New Orleans funk while maintaining a creative voice steeped in the time-­‐honored traditions of The Crescent City. 

We have one pair of tickets to giveaway, and we will announce a winner at 6:00 PM CST on Friday (4/22). The winner's name (+1 guest) will be placed on the list at Will Call at Zydeco on Saturday night.  The winner's name will automatically be listed with a $20 credit at the upstairs bar at Zydeco.

All participants must be 21 years of age or older.

How the contest works....

1: 'Like' this post directly on our Facebook page.

2: Share this post directly from our Facebook page.  Make sure your privacy settings are set to 'Public' so we can see that you shared the post.

3: Tag a friend who you would like to take to the show in the comments on our Facebook page.

4: The winner will be announced on our Facebook page on Friday (4/22) at 6:00 PM CST.

Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Watch Widespread Panic Bust Out Talking Heads' "Swamp" at Wanee April 19, 2016 07:50

Widespread Panic's Spring Tour continued in powerful fashion this past weekend, as the Georgia-bred rockers took to The Peach Stage at Wanee Music Festival in Live Oak, FL.   Panic came out swinging for the fences on Friday night, with a scorching set that featured a "Chilly Water" opener and a three song encore which included ZZ Top's "Waitin' on the Bus" > "Jesus Just Left Chicago" (featuring Warren Haynes on guitar and Danny Louis on keyboards) and an emphatic "Bowlegged Woman" to close out the night.

Saturday night's effort would be no different, as the band came out firing with a "Disco" opener.  Any set featuring the likes of "Old Neighborhood", "Bears Gone Fishin'", "Rebirtha", "Ride Me High", "Tie Your Shoes", and "Machine" > "Barstools and Dreamers" is one which has our attention.  As if Friday night's three song encore wasn't enough, Saturday night's encore would begin with a major bust out cover of Talking Heads' "Swamp", followed by "Honky Red" and Vic Chesnutt's "Protein Drink" > "Sewing Machine".  This would make for the first cover of "Swamp" since October 17th, 2014 in Grand Prairie, TX (105 shows).

Widespread Panic's Spring Tour continues tonight at the James Brown Arena in Augusta, GA.  The band will then makes stops in Chattanooga (Memorial Auditorium) and Charleston (N.Charleston Coliseum) before a double bill with Tedeschi Trucks Band in Birmingham (BJCC Legacy Arena) on Saturday night.

Watch Widespread Panic cover Talking Heads' "Swamp" at Wanee here:

Video by sanderjoems

04/16/2016 Wanee Music Festival, Live Oak, FL

0: Disco, Holden Oversoul > Solid Rock, Up All Night, One Arm Steve, Old Neighborhood > Bear's Gone Fishin' > Climb To Safety, Aunt Avis > Rebirtha > Tail Dragger > Ride Me High > Tie Your Shoes > Drums > Machine > Barstools And Dreamers

E:  Swamp, Honky Red, Protein Drink > Sewing Machine

[Last 'Swamp' - 10/17/2014. 105 shows]

04/15/2016 Wanee Music Festival, Live Oak, FL

Widespread Panic's JoJo Hermann Reveals Band's Plan to End Extensive Touring April 14, 2016 20:43

Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Rumors have been circulating for several months now in regards to the future of Widespread Panic.  After the decision to part ways with founding member and drummer Todd Nance, a break from the band's vigorous touring schedule seemed imminent.  An interesting article from The Clarion-Ledger titled "Widespread Panic intrinsically connected to Mississippi" surfaced on Thursday night, highlighting the band's long running history and deep roots in The Magnolia State.  

The two closing closing paragraphs of the article have quickly become the real story.  Widespread Panic keyboardist JoJo Hermann, a former resident of Oxford, revealed that he plans to spend more time in the city after this year, as the band plans to end extensive touring after this year's New Year's Eve Show.

“We’re really wearing it out this year because we’re basically going to call it touring-wise after this year; we’re not going to tour anymore,” Hermann said, emphasizing that the band is breaking up or retiring.  The band will continue to play shows at places like New Orleans Jazz Fest and at Red Rocks.  It is worth noting that we do believe that the author of this article failed to include the word "not" before "breaking up or retiring".

Hermann continued, “We’re still all brothers and still going to play together ... It is really not that big of a deal, I don’t think,” Hermann said. “It’s part of life… I’ll go home and figure out what I’m going to do for the rest of my life. I will probably go back to Proud Larry’s (in Oxford) and set up a piano.”

While this news does not come as a complete shock to the Widespread Panic faithful, the way in which this news was released to the public is certainly interesting.  It's been an amazing 30 year run, and we look forward to seeing what's in store for the remainder of 2016.

Widespread Panic Calls On John Keane For Round Two In Athens February 11, 2016 20:14

After a heavy-hitting Tuesday night at The Classic Center, Widespread Panic was back for round two of their 30th anniversary run in their stomping grounds of Athens, Georgia.  Known for hosting many of the band's most revered performances, there was little to no doubt that Wednesday night would be another classic from the hometown heroes.  "Sell Sell" kicked off the first set and the band never looked back from there.  Next up was "Chainsaw City," an old school Jerry Joseph tune which hadn't surfaced since last year's Lockn' Festival.  John "JoJo" Hermann got warmed up quickly with "Blackout Blues," before the band slowed things down with "Christmas Katie."  Duane Trucks (drums) and Sonny Ortiz (percussion) picked up the tempo and carried the jam into "Travelin' Light," one of the many J.J. Cale classics that this band has made famous over the years.  Hermann took over once again for "One Arm Steve," one that's nearly impossible not to sing along with.  The "Pigeons" that would follow lit a spark under the rowdy Athens crowd, before long time friend/producer John Keane joined the band on acoustic guitar for Vic Chesnutt's "Degenerate."  Keane then picked up an electric guitar and stuck around for a rousing take on Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" that sent the venue into an absolute frenzy, while bringing set one to a close.

Watch a segment from "Pigeons" here:

As the second set began, it became apparent that Athens had not seen the last of Keane.  While most expected set two to kick off in raging fashion, the band took a more mellow approach as they busted out "Fishing" for the first time since March of 2014 (with the exception of a private acoustic recording at TRI Studios in April of 2014).  Keane remained on stage as the band busted out "This Cruel Thing" for the first time since The Wood Tour (01.29.12).  He then sat down behind the pedal steel guitar for "City of Dreams."  The energy kicked up a notch as the band ripped into "Holden Oversoul," which featured a lengthy jam before perhaps the most flawless segue of the week into "All Time Low."  One of the bands newer tunes, "Steven's Cat," was up next, and "North" wasn't far behind.  Hermann took the lead on the jam out of "North" before "Greta" nearly blew the roof off of The Classic Center.  Trucks and Ortiz went to work yet again on a lengthy, emotion-filled "Drums," with Dave Schools (bass) laying down some heavy bombs early on.  The rest of the band then surfaced for a solid jam on "Saint Ex."  Keane reappeared behind the pedal steel for "Don't Be Denied," followed by a rocking "Mr. Soul" that wrapped up the second set.   The initial encore of "Ain't Life Grand" could have easily concluded the evening, but the decision to tack on "Fishwater" could not have provided a more perfect ending to the band's two-night stand in Athens.

Setlist:

Widespread Panic | Athens, Georgia

Set 1 : Sell Sell, Chainsaw City, Blackout Blues, Christmas Katie > Travelin' Light, One Arm Steve, Pigeons, Degenerate, For What It's Worth

Widespread Panic's Winter Tour has only just begun, so stay tuned to the band's official website and Facebook page for all details on future shows.

Widespread Panic Celebrates 30 Years In Athens February 10, 2016 11:57

Widespread Panic Confirms Duane Trucks Has Replaced Drummer Todd Nance February 9, 2016 16:20

News reported via JamBase.com

Just last week, Widespread Panic drummer and founding member Todd Nance rejoined the band for the band's annual destination event, Panic en la Playa.  Nance had taken a 16-month hiatus from touring with the band for personal reasons, while Hard Working Americans drummer Duane Trucks had been filling in during his absence.  It appears that Panic en la Playa may have been Nance's final run with the band, as Widespread Panic reps have confirmed this afternoon that “Duane will be the drummer for Widespread Panic moving forward. Todd will not be on stage this evening.”

Trucks is no stranger to the Widespread Panic scene, having filled in on drums since October of 2014 and also played drums on the band's most recent album, Street Dogs.  Trucks musical roots run deep as he is the nephew of The Allman Brothers Band drummer Butch Trucks, and the younger brother of acclaimed slide guitarist Derek Trucks.  Widespread Panic plays their first of two 30th anniversary shows at The Classic Center in Athens, GA on Tuesday night.

We wish Todd Nance nothing but the best moving forward and thank him for the countless memories he provided over the years.

Album Review: Widespread Panic's "Street Dogs" September 28, 2015 09:22

Written by Preston Barnes - Live & Listen

Photos by Live & Listen - Orange Beach, AL - 05.22.15

The boys are back with their long awaited 12^th studio album, Street Dogs. Recorded in an old church that is Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, NC, Street Dogs was produced by longtime collaborator and friend of the band, John Keane.  Different from most of their past albums, Street Dogs was largely recorded live and in one room. It sounds like Panic sought refuge from the many takes and lonely glass windowed rooms that generally take place in recording a full-length studio album. Playing in this format, however, probably better suits a band like Widespread Panic, which has always been referred to as a “have to see them live” type outfit, traveling from city to city as its many followers join them from show to show. You will feel a certain raw energy with each tune that is definitely maximized by the live recording format.

The band jumps into a heavy groove right from the get go in their version of the old Alan Price tune, “Sell, Sell.” This song has been a mainstay in Panic’s setlists over the past few years, and the lengthy album version they provide is much like any live version you will hear on tour.  From the quintessential Dave Schools’ bass heavy breakdowns, to Jimmy Herring’s roaring wah wah infused solos, and accentuated by John Bell’s undeniable workingman vocals, “Sell, Sell” is a great starter that really sets the tone for the rest of the album. Following the jam-heavy opening track is one of the more popular new songs from the past few tours, “Steven’s Cat”. Along with its clever title, this tune is a great example of Panic’s ability to write solid rock n’ roll compositions. Bell has said that this song pays respects to many of the band’s favorite artists, most notably, Cat Stevens, who is alluded to in Bell’s lyrics.  The next two songs blend together quite nicely, as the New Orleans inspired “Cease Fire” and its multitude of rhythms courtesy of Duane Trucks and Sunny Ortiz, peacefully flow into the relaxed vibes and textures of “Jamais Vu (The World Has Changed)”. Herring’s guitars beautifully whine throughout Jamais Vu, a song that Bell describes as a nod to the late Garrie Vereen, a long time Widespread Panic crewmember. The song is both lyrically and musically introspective, a signature technique and marking of how this great band creates and approaches music.

After the calm of “Jamais Vu”, Panic ventures into the blues with “Angels Don’t Sing the Blues.” From the basic blues signature of 4/4 and ending with a 3/4 waltz signature, this undulating blues number goes back and forth between various tempos, allowing each member to show of their blues chops. Halfway through the album comes the second cover in Murray McLauchlan's "Honky Red." This rocking number has been played many times over the years, so it was quite a treat for many fans to see it on the new album.  “Honky Red” much like the 8^th track of the album, “Welcome to My World,” provides that growling rock which is emphasized through Bell’s vocals and Herring’s masterful guitar work. “Welcome to My World” is a somewhat surprising song in that it differs musically from the rest of the album and sees Panic venturing off into a 70’s southern rock mold.

“The Positive House of Poor Thinking” is the first JoJo Herman song on the album, as his signature voice and piano playing shine throughout the song.  The album ends on a blues and boogie woogie note with the songs “Taildragger” and “Street Dogs for Breakfast.” The Willie Dixon tune, “Taildragger,” is the third and final cover on the album and man is it a heavy blues tune. If you love some intense yet tasteful guitar playing, then this is the song for you. Finally, the album ends with the title track, which is the second song spearheaded by keymaster, Jojo. “Street Dogs for Breakfast” is your classic JoJo written song, as it is full of the boogie and cheerful as hell. You will want to throw one back listening to this foot tapping number.

All in all, Street Dogs is another solid installment in the already illustrious career of one of America’s most beloved bands. As they near their 30^th anniversary, Widespread Panic continues to show why they are nowhere near stopping and are still at the top of their game. Furthermore, look out for the return of founding member and original drummer, Todd Nance, who is slated to reunite with the band in 2016. It should be another fun year for them, but until then, let’s all enjoy Fall tour and what look to be some legendary NYE shows in Atlanta.

Official Website: Widespread Panic

Facebook: Widespread Panic

Instagram: Widespread Panic

Twitter: Widespread Panic

Listen to Widespread Panic's New Album "Street Dogs" September 21, 2015 09:20

Press Release via WidespreadPanic.com

Seminal band Widespread Panic has announced the September 25th release of Street Dogs, their long-awaited twelfth studio album on Vanguard Records. Panic recorded Street Dogs as a band, live in the studio, for the first time. The result is the most fun the veteran sextet has had making an album, which is apparent upon first listen. Widespread Panic's large and loyal legions of fans have waited five years, since the release of 2010's critically acclaimed Dirty Side Down, for a new offering from the group, and the 10 tracks on Street Dogs are sure to reward their patience, and likely turn on a few more.

For almost 30 years, Widespread Panic has been known for their masterful improvisational style, but their core has always been built around songwriting. Incorporating a vast range of styles, Panic's songs run the gamut from compelling narratives to poignant ballads to southern blues to progressive jazz and rock. Street Dogs is a testament to how a veteran band can remain vibrant, relevant and continue to progress. The folk/jazz infused "Angels Don't Sing The Blues", the flowing "Poorhouse of Positive Thinking", the boogie blues of "Street Dogs for Breakfast" and the epic New Orleans inspired "Cease Fire", with it's Radiohead-like interlude, have a swing and a swagger the runs through much of the album. Panic's rock and blues roots shine brightly on renditions Alan Price's "Sell Sell", Murray McLauchlan's "Honky Red" and Willie Dixon's "Taildragger", made famous by Howlin' Wolf.

Street Dogs was recorded at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, NC with long time friend and producer John Keane at the helm. Drummer Duane Trucks (Hard Working Americans), who has been performing with the band on the road since late-2014, sat in for the Street Dogs recordings. 

Widespread Panic's music and live shows have become a rite of passage for multiple generations who continue to pack venues and follow the band throughout the U.S. Street Dogs is a clear indication that this group will continue to push the creative envelope and is nowhere near slowing down.

Click Here for the Exclusive Stream of Street Dogs

Photo by Live & Listen - Orange Beach, AL - 05.22.15

Widespread Panic Confirms Halloween in Asheville, Three Night New Years Run in Atlanta July 22, 2015 16:03

Photo by Josh Timmermans of Noble Visions

Widespread Panic has announced that they will return to The Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, WI for three nights, October 23, 24 & 25th before heading to Asheville, NC for their annual Halloween shows, October 30th & 31st at the U.S. Cellular Center.

And for New Years, the band will shift from their more recent home of Phillips Arena and return to The Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA, December 29, 30 & 31st!

Tickets for Milwaukee and Asheville go on sale July 31st. New Years details to come.  Stay tuned to Widespread Panic's official website and Facebook page for all future updates!

Widespread Panic Announces Details For Panic En La Playa Cinco June 25, 2015 08:38

Widespread Panic is returning to the beautiful Riviera Maya, where they will perform four complete shows as part of the fifth installment of their Panic en la Playa music vacation getaway. With the stage set afront the spacious Concert Courtyard and backed up right against the Caribbean Sea, Panic en la Playa offers a unique and one-of-a-kind setting to see one of our favorite bands in paradise! 

Panic en la Playa Cinco will also feature afternoon/sunset shows and late night music to keep the party going around the clock. Fans will be treated to special sunset shows from Patterson Hood Todd Snider, and Jerry Joseph, along with late night shows from The New Mastersounds and the Playa Allstars featuring George Porter, Jr., Ivan Neville, Eric Krasno, Col. Bruce Hampton, Randall Bramblett, Nikki Glaspie, and Jennifer Hartswick.

Pre-Sale for returning Panic en la Playa lead guests is July 7th & 8th.

General on-sale July 9th at 2pm ET.

• Widespread Panic: Performing four full shows
• The New Mastersounds: Performing two late night shows
• Playa All-Stars: Performing two late night shows
• Patterson Hood: Performing one solo sunset show
• Todd Snider: Performing one solo sunset show
• Jerry Joseph: Performing one solo sunset show

For further details and ticket information, head to the Panic en la Playa Official Website.

News announced via PanicEnLaPlaya.com - 6/24/15

Panic en la Playa Cuatro Official Aftermovie

VIDEO: Jimmy Herring Playing Jerry Garcia's Travis Bean TB 500 Guitar April 14, 2015 21:29

-Today, Widespread Panic shared a longer video of the musicians jamming on the Grateful Dead song, “He’s Gone” prior to their March 15th show in Spokane, WA. Jimmy Herring can be seen playing Jerry Garcia's Travis Bean TB500 guitar.  This six minute video showcases Herring's uncanny familiarity with Jerry's style, having toured with The Dead and Phil & Friends in years past.

-Many will recall that 1998 and 1999 found Herring, with bassist Alphonso Johnson, Dixie Dregs (and former Widespread Panic) keyboardist T Lavitz and jazz drummer Billy Cobham touring as Jazz Is Dead. Jazz Is Dead released three albums; the material was fusion jazz-rock, largely instrumental-only cover interpretations of classic Grateful Dead songs.