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The incarnation of Widespread Panic can be traced to one dorm room at the University of Georgie shared by John Bell and Michael Houser in 1988. As both musicians were guitarists, they decided to form a duo and began gigging and writing. After meeting with the rest of the musicians that formed the original line up the band, they played in fraternities and bars on a regular and Widespread Panic signed their first record label in 1987. They gained press attention whilst playing their local gig circuit they went on to sign with major label Capricorn Records in 1991 who released the band's self titled album in July of the same year.
This album was their first major release and was received well by critics which meant the band toured for almost all of 1992 to promote the material. The following album 'Everyday' broke the US Billboard 200 whilst 'Ain't Life Grand' broke top 100. The band achieved cult status for their live performance by the end of the 90's, a CD giveaway party in their hometown was attended by an estimated 100,000 people. They also headlined two nights of the first annual Bonnaroo Music Festival in 2002 as their status soared. In the same year founding member Michael Houser was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his final show with the band was on July 2 before dying on August 10.
Their next albums were released on their own label, Widespread Records and achieved higher chart positions. Their peak to date remains 'Earth To America' which reached #48 in 2006. They continued to tour heavily throughout the promotion of all their albums and the band also hold the record for the most sold out shows at the Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Widespread Panic is one of those bands that is ten times better when you see them perform live. They are arguably one of the most talented and tenacious modern jam bands around.
When they perform live they are sure to give their 100% into the performance. Their sets have often extended three hours long and are filled with tasty guitar riffs and long jam sessions. They have a unique sound that encompasses a wide variety of genres ranging from southern rock, progressive rock, and blues. Their sound is not too far off from some of their heroes such as Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers. The band has a huge following and their shows are always successful. They have already broken a record for selling out the Red Rock Amphitheatre in Colorado the most times out of any band that has performed there.
The band has great chemistry together during their performances. The bass player, Dave Schools, manages to hold the sound together with his precise rhythmic playing, and Jimmy Herring adds much flavor to the music with his heavy-hitting guitar solos. Widespread Panic also incorporates unique keyboard effects into their music such as the funky sound of the clavinet and the smooth sound of a Wurlitzer.
If you see a Widespread Panic show, you can know that you will never see the same show twice as they constantly switch up their setlist every night to create a sense of surprise and freshness to their performances. Widespread Panic also incorporates atmospheric light shows into their performance to create an epic tone to their show.
At a Widespread Panic show you can expect to rock out for hours hearing a diverse list of intricate songs that are played with great skill. Everything from the lights, the great music, and the relaxed vibe of the show makes a Widespread Panic show worth checking out.
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