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Birmingham Night 2 (4/18/26)

Listen to the entire show on Nugs or Relisten or Archive.org.


Data mined and explored via Everyday Companion.



It was 7 o’clock on a Saturday when Widespread Panic was booked to play the second of a two-night stand at the Aspartame Enriched Diet Pop Amphitheatre in Birmingham, Alabama. A lesser known nickname for this historic city is the “Pittsburgh of the South,” a moniker earned due to its historical reliance on iron and steel production. This title reflects Magic City’s industrial past and its once-dominant role in the Southern economy. Fans that were keen on experiencing an incredible and fun afternoon were coming from some time spent living the Moontime Market which had been happening from 12-5 at the Avondale Brewing Co, a delightful venue that also hosts acts such as JRAD and SCI. We could write an entire recap about the MTM, it was incredible. We at WATLO were fortunate enough to have our first booth at the event and met so many kind and interesting people, made so many friends, got so much support and encouragement, and also saw and hugged many folks that are near and dear to our hearts! The music was great, the folks were exceptional and the merchandise vending was top-notch. We were very impressed by the creativity, passion, and talent of all the artists and merchants at the Moontime Market. Hats off to all of you, especially Lorrie and Ashley! 

A historic moment in WATLO history!
A historic moment in WATLO history!

April 18, 1998 is a date in WSP history that no historian will ever take lightly. When a crowd of approximately 100,000 people spread wide for a free concert in the holy land of Athens, GA for a free concert by this band, it became a day no one could forget. “Panic in the Streets” was a record setting record release party and the setlist was of course chock full of classics and “new” songs that were destined to become classics. There is a concert film of the event online that is worth a watch or re-watch. Most fans were aware of this being the 28th birthday of this now infamous date in WSP history, and many wondered if the band would write a setlist that somehow correlated or referenced the setlist from 04/18/98. According to our calculations, out of the 44 total songs played at the 2026 Birmingham run, 11 of them were songs played at the biggest album release party in the history of the world (up until that point in time).


Our new friend David from Florida was having a polite discussion with us before the show while we were attempting to defend our position near the rail on Jojo side. We were being flanked and outnumbered by an overwhelming onslaught of SEC Co-Eds who would very soon soon overtake us and force a retreat to a more substantial dance space near the soundboard on Jojo side. They were stacked nine high a pallet and we were too old and still too dry from spilled beer to risk any sort of skirmish or turf war. Before we moved back to find the fellow freaky friends who dance enormous and weird, and before the music started, we asked David and Shorty if they had given thought to perhaps a PITS (Panic in the Streets) themed setlist for the evening ahead. A possible Disco opener was selfishly suggested, but David mentioned Tall Boy. We grew ever closer to kickoff as the conversation continued and the slender yet innumerable debutantes flocked to our embattled position near the rail. The band must have been watching the weather radar, because they came on at precisely 7:07 PM. This was perhaps the closest start to actual indicated ticketed show time (7:00 PM) in anyone’s memory. Did we mention the dicey weather forecast? Read on, dear friends.


Tall Boy was the opening number for night two in The Magic City. Great call David! You are brilliant, kind sir. A bit of tuning style mini noodling after the fellas grabbed their instruments and we were again being serenaded by the best band in the land. There was no shortage of beer where we were standing, perhaps not Tall Boys, but definitely tall enough to slosh out of the single use plastic cups from which the beer was being spilled. Venue staff carefully observed everyone entering the pit, forcing folks to dispose of water bottle caps and all cans, preferring concertgoers pour their beverage of choice into a giant cup. Apparently this is for insurance purposes, as full cans are potential weapons; however, this policy makes for a tremendous amount of spillage. 


TB was played second at PITS, and first in Bham, this song was the absolute definition of a crowd pleaser. From where we were, everyone we could see was shouting the lyrics at full volume and with great enthusiasm. There is something timeless about seeing throngs of college kids holding beers and just belting out a Panic tune about beer, living in the moment, walking in the footsteps of their parents and uncles and aunts and many of the “old people” in their lives. We fully embrace the young blood on tour, some of our favorite new friends were born after Mikey passed away yet they rock and roll as hard as anyone did in the late 90’s. These youngins know every word to every song. These fresh faces and energetic heads proudly wear the “man in the moon image” on hats and shirts and pins and koozies. Witnessing such reverence and love does nothing but inspire us and remind us that Widespread Panic is a band that transcends time itself. 

The next song was another number played at PITS (7th slot in an 11 song first set AKA S1, 07/11). Tonight, finally on a Saturday night, we got the HPD at precisely 7:12, just a 72 minute derivation from the “Six O’clock on a Saturday” when poor old Hank croaked (we enjoyed keeping track of this in 2025, check out the annual report, page 7). This was the first and only Bloodkin cover of the weekend. We at HQ believe that The Panics were giving plenty of space to their good friends, Bloodkin, by not playing any BK songs on N1 and only 1 BK song on N2 since the actual Bloodkin played after shows both nights and The Panics did not not want to step on their toes. Very considerate of the band! This version was very rocking and Nick took some forays into spraying rapid note clusters out into the audience for facial deconstruction. It was during this number that we did in fact decide to turn tail and make our way to the back of the pit to be around our kindred spirits, folks who did not need a fake ID to purchase a beer. 

A short pause and then the bouncy and well cadenced guitar anthem of Walkin’ (For Your Love) kept us bopping along with the beat. This song was played first set at PITS, in the 06/11 slot of set 1. Tonight we heard it as the third song of a six song first set. Did we mention that there was a bit of rain in the forecast for this evening? Read on, intrepid show-goer. The first lyrical verse of the song was a far cry from what was originally sung, recorded, and released on the self-titled 1991 Mom’s Kitchen album. Let's compare the original (first) with the one-of-a-kind spontaneous creativity witnessed by those listening carefully at the show or on the couch (second):


“I'm only going where my eyes are going

I'm only going where my toes are pointed

I just bought me this new pair of big shoes

I'm only going if I can walk there with you”


“I'm only going where my feet try to go 

Only going where my soul is pointed, child

Just got me a big old pair of boots

I think I’m gonna shine ‘em up so nice”


JB = best freestyler alive! The super bouncy and danceable beat kept moving right along and all was well in Panic Land. This song was another prime example of how well JB and Nick have learned to play together and spontaneously volley ideas, riffs and notes off of each other and trade riffs while also giving each other space to express themselves. It is obvious that they are very good communicators and have been working hard to join forces for the greater good. 


The 4th song of our 6-song first set was definitely not played at the PITS super rager in Athens. It had not been dreamed up yet, perhaps barely just a gleam in JB’s eyes at that point in history. Shut Up and Drive graced us next and brought the mood into a very sharp point. The mood was also about to change dramatically due to the incredibly dark and menacing clouds making their way overhead. The opening rolling drum beat from Duane would have made any D1 SEC marching band swoon, Sunny was so humble and supportive in the way he filled his bongos behind the strong and assertive drum roll of young Trucks. SUAD was released on Dirty Side Down (2010) and is most definitely a Jimmy Herring special, full of mysto guitar moans and bent strings that sear and crackle the air as the notes emanate from the stacks of speakers. FTP 5/08/10 Orange Beach, Alabama. Nick again showed his grace and ability by deftly adjusting his tone and style so it matched and mimicked the Great White Wizard. In the moment and in-person, it sounded so natural and customary that we all just soaked up every note as if we had magically been transported back to set one at Oak Mountain on 4/16/11, not fully realizing that very soon we would also be soaking up puddles with our Birkenstocks and socks. Listening back it sounds so very much like Jimmy. Bravo, Nick! Of all the songs played this evening, SUAD was the third longest gap since LTP, being that it was played 23 shows ago (10/03/25, Memphis TN). This number ties for the second longest gap ever between SUAD appearances (also 23 shows between 11/12/13 Baltimore, MD and 3/30/14 Reno, NV). The longest gap ever seen for SUAD was a 60 shows, between 3/22/19 Port Chester, NY and 10/21/21 Milwaukee, WI. 


It was early in this 5th song of set one when all heads in attendance began to notice that the ongoing and intensifying wet splashing sensation was not from a neighbor's mismanaged beer, but rather from the beginnings of what would develop into a full on nuclear microburst of driving rain and gusting winds, and a smattering of lightning. Not the “bowl full of lightning” variety, but more of the “some things get hit by lighting” persuasion. By 5 minutes into this iconic song, it was undeniable, we were in the midst of a super soaker. Those who did not bring any sort of rain jacket or slicker (kooks such as the WATLO President) just kept dancing and pretending that they would be fine and not get cold, those smart enough to bring some sort of technical outerwear or even just a stadium poncho put on their protection (sane folks such as the WATLO Secretary). We all knew things were only going to get more and more epic as the weather descended. The song ended without any significant jams or side quests, clocking in around 7 minutes. The rain only got harder and folks were beginning to employ a wide variety of rain mitigation strategies, ranging from total denial to total mastery to total kookery.


A mini carrot led by Dave's cascading ringtone-worthy bass riff ripped the lid off a highly spirited blast into Tie Your Shoes. At this point we were fully in the throes of a deluge, and it was fueling the crowd to go ever more bananas. The level of intensity in the TYS was about as high as it gets, and the fully irrigated crowd was only driven to new heights of rage dancing and wild gesticulating. The band seemed to be responding by pushing harder and harder into the TYS. On a personal note, your esteemed WATLO President was dressed in only a suit vest, board shorts, tall note-eater socks, and canvas sneakers; he was privy to the fact that his frenzied dancing was the only hope of keeping his soppy and narrow frame warm. This rain mitigation strategy (RMS) was soon to be shot full of holes. 


At 4:38 the band hit a stop after a complete yet abbreviated TYS. A look at the big screen for a close up of the boys revealed that they were also getting saturated by the wind driven downpour. Puddles were forming on the front of the stage, and the high voltage electric instruments in the three front mens’ hands were becoming more and more of a real electrocution hazard. The boys retreated as they handed their amped up axes to towel-wielding techs and roadies, and made their way to find some shelter. This was the king of all RMSs, to hang out back stage in a fully enclosed and spacious environ, only to be closely matched by the queen of all RMSs, to have backstage passes and join the band and crew in the high and dry accommodation of the artists areas behind and beside the stage. 


For the rest of us mere mortals, the first snap back to aqueous reality was when Dave said over his mic before he left the stage “We’re gonna let them mop it up and we’ll be right back when this stops”. This was at 7:40 PM, making the first set officially 32 minutes long. What a glorious 32 minutes it was. Once the ugly lights came on, the downfall of water from the sky did not look nearly as pretty as it did when illuminated by Hoffman’s lights during the sublime SUAD. We had a melancholy realization that the WATLO Presidents’ primary RMS of rage dancing for warmth had been rendered obsolete. There would have to be some serious adjustments to the strategy. The floor cleared out quickly as the rain came down upon us like a waterfall to whom we all owed money. The stark contrast between the pretty lights with Panic and the ugly lights with murmurs of whimpering defeat or hollow optimism was shocking. What follows is our observation of the boggy and bedraggled heads over the next 48 minutes or so and all the various RMSs that came with it:


  1. Hide in the bathroom, or under the concession stand awning.

    1. Desperate screams could be heard from outside the restrooms, “if you’re not in there to piss, get OUT!” One of our beloved unpaid interns hid in a stall the entire time, casually airing out her shirt, and was certainly not peeing for all 48 minutes. Beer sales were down, way down. 

  2. Women ransacked the supply closet in the restrooms for some rudimentary arts & crafts time, making jailhouse ponchos out of pilfered trash bags. 

  3. The most spun among us sheltered in place by standing in the pit and taking their shirts and shoes off, no worse for the wear. Feet: puddles. Eyes: puddles!

  4. A throng of those denied entry into the restroom or concession area pressed together beneath a 10x10 Live Nation pop-up tent, packed together like muggy sardines. Once adequately pressed body to damp body, they lowered the pop-up so only their butts and legs were visible. They were being heckled and receiving loving football team style ass slaps from strangers. Cowards they may have been, but they were dry cowards.

  5. Some wise and prepared heads were seen sporting technical outerwear and remained in their seats, sipping the free refills on their stadium beers and wondering if the lightening was coming closer.

  6. Those who were faint of heart or with whining children and girlfriends left the show. It’s common knowledge that makeup, especially mascara, melts in rain and tears.

  7. The most badass among us raw dogged the whole thing and didn’t seem slightly affected - examples include those in the concourse casually drinking out of cans, chit chatting with friends, seemingly unfazed by the torrential downpour. Respect.

Your WATLO HQ staffers employed a unique rain management strategy in the following manner. First, we attempted to tough it out in the ugly-lit pit, despite one of us not bringing in any rain gear and his pencil thin body violently shivering. The way we kept warm was by joy shouting our favorite things about the rain with a nearby group of SEC bros. We find that positivity keeps the vibes HIIIIIIIGH, high, high, regardless of the weather. Amongst the enthusiastic and curious youngins, in a circle we took turns and listed our top 10 favorite things about downpours:

10. CHILLY WATER!!!

9. You never get thirsty!

8. Your beer never gets empty!

7. No one can see you’ve pissed your pants! (take THAT long bathroom line!)

6. You don’t overheat!

5. Plenty of room to dance!

4. Washes spilled beer off your feet!

3. Gets rid of normies!

2. Gives the band a chance to rest while they tweak and enhance the setlist!

1. Can you say: “WET TEE-SHIRT CONTEST!!!!!”


Well done, Home Team! 


Despite our toxic positivity, we were losing steam and the core temperature was dropping like a 747 that lost both wings at 30,000 feet. Finally, when all hope was lost we convinced the head of security to let us leave and come back in so we could retreat to the truck and grab more appropriate gear. We were told it wouldn’t be a problem, we would just have to get searched again, which seemed completely worth it. We sprinted back to one of the lots, sloshing through puddles, peeing near cars, and finally got to the truck. Once there, we toweled off, found warmer and drier layers, high-fived, and sprinted gleefully back towards the entrance. 


As we were running up the hill, one of us started falling behind. Your WATLO President lovingly clamoured, “IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?” “PUSH YOURSELF!” The motivation worked, and the Secretary was able to push herself up the hill, despite leg and butt muscles cramping and pulsing. Just as we were nearing the entryway, we heard Tie Your Shoes! They were back on! Our timing was impeccable. They were unprepared for our enthusiasm, and didn’t search us or ask for our ticket. They assumed that by the foam forming around the corners of our mouth, we were rabid fans who definitely had tickets and were dying to get back in. The TYS reprise to begin the second set was a great way to set the tempo for the next song: it was much slower and swampier than the frenzied TYS first set closer. While filling our water bottle for the final time, we heard the distinct introduction to Sleepy Monkey and made it back to our spot near the sound board in the pit just in time for the second longest LTP gap of the evening. Sleepy lives!!!


The transition from TYS P2 into Sleepy Monkey was flawlessly done. Sunny and Duane leading the charge, Jojo played creepy-sounding keys, all of which coalesced perfectly for a reggae-infused Sleepy Monkey. JB’s vocals were polished ivory and he majestically told the tale of our favorite drowsy itinerant tree dweller. Another first time played for Nick, he was racking them up at this point! Sleepy Monkey was last played 3/23/24 in Saint Augustine, a solid 63 shows ago. It’s been played 245 times at this point, but is a rarity these days. Truly, one of their earliest played songs, we don’t even have an accurate FTP date, but we know it was some time in January of February of 1985, that’s over 41 years ago! Get this, it’s only been released on a 45 rpm in 1986 (kids, that means a “single” and you may need to use this wiki page to even know what that is!) as a b-side titled “Monkey Image.” SM saw its longest show gap once Todd left the band. After Duane joined in 2014, it wasn’t played for 213 shows until that fateful day on 9/21/16 in Pensacola, FL. Around 6:20 Nick went completely off and led the charge to the finish line. You would never guess this was the young stud’s first time ever playing this song in the big leagues. He sounded impeccable, like he’s been playing this song his whole career. 


Sleepy Monkey finally drifted to sleep thanks to Nick’s lullaby, and Duane kept the animal-themed party going with Big Wooly Mammoth. After JB exquisitely proclaimed, “ohh it’s so hot, hot, hot, hot, hot” (FIVE hots!!) in response to Jojo recalling the desert sand, Dave then came in with the incredibly baritone back-up vocals, “you gotta lay down low” - a vocal team effort for the ages! While this song gets a lot of play, we notice a theme that they particularly enjoy playing this one when fans are dawning jackets. Post rain storm there were many ponchos and jackets adorned. The eruption that took place during this song and the mayhem that ensued from every single man on stage indicated that they were going to rock our soggy socks off and gift us with a show for the ages. Between the monkey and the mammoth, we turned to each other and smiled big as we realized that those who withstood the storm were about to get a HUGE payout. One of the first of many treats was that Jojo sung, “somebody throw me a fire, so we can burn Alabama down!” In 2025, of the 8 BWM’s played he only listed the specific location ONCE, and that was in Chicago on 6/4/25 when Dave alluded to the famous Chicago fire that burned the city down in 1871. Only time will tell how many times Jojo will call out the location in 2026, but so far we’re at one out of two. 


Just as BWM concluded, Sunny played the iconic cowbells introducing Low Rider, by far the biggest bust-out of 2026. Despite this being the 156th Low Rider covered by Panic, it hadn’t been played since 11/4/09, 793 shows ago. As one fan put it, this one was reallllll dusty. Jimmy Herring has only played the song five times with the best band in the land, but this was the first Low Rider with the young studs on stage, both Duane and Nick. It was also the first time witnessed by many young fans including several WATLO interns and staffers, as well as all the SEC students scattered about the venue. Originally written by War and released in 1975, this song has also been officially released by Blues Traveler and Cheech & Chong - both beloved musical acts for the Panic fan base. The entire band was feeling it, a LOT. JB couldn’t contain himself and exclaimed (4:23): “laaaawd, see where we’ve been, naaaaaaw!” HOT DAMN. After that, they cruised easily into a nice jam to help release all that pent up energy they were cooking up. Nick went unhinged and completely released - he was raging and definitely channeling his mentor and hero. The Panics were playing with all their might, and we were amping! They wrapped it up with Nick and Schools reminding us of the gift that was just bequeathed as they strummed licks from Low Rider.


Then, the entire band together cohesively dropped into Pigeons. As you may recall from last night’s recap, this is one of six songs from the Panic catalog in the 4-digit club. A song we never tire from hearing, it’s perfect Panic in our very humble opinions. JB replaced “cloudy” with “working on a sunny day” which he’s been known to do when it’s particularly cloudy out. Such a jokester. He inserted plenty of “child”s and “laaaaawd”s - someone was feeling it! Dave was still teasing Low Rider, which came through around 3:43. This was a down and dirty Pigeons, Jojo coming in strong during the sultry breakdown. Suddenly around 8:08 every single cylinder was firing so fast, so strong, so furiously, peaking at 9:06. The kind of annihilation and mayhem we keep coming back for! JB gave us a nice rap after his hawkish cry (9:16):

“Just like a car parked out in the street. Cat in the yard. Gas in the car. Is there gas in the car? Someone gonna move you, one of these days, maybe soon. Awwwww, maybe, one at a time, laaaawd, get in line! Someone gonna come move you anyway. Ohhhh, someone gonna come move ya one ways forward. Maybe your mama, maybe a voice from the past, child, maybe a little doggy dog gettin’ you a way child, it’s feeding time. Awwwww remember! Remember how to flyyyyyyyyy-yyyyyyy-ayyyyyy-ayyyyy. Remember how to flyyyy-aaaayyyyyyyy. Remember!!!! Laaaaaaaaaaaaaawd.” 

LFG.


After four segues, they finally fully stopped giving us time to drink beverages and reconsider what the hell just happened. Wowza. John Farmer Bell introduced the next tune, Let’s Get The Show On The Road, written by a fellow Cleveland Native, Michael Stanley, released in 1973. Panic has been playing it since 1985, and it feels incredibly special every time they do. They only played it twice in 2025 (6/6 & 12/30). There was an audible cheer from the audience during the lyric “just remember what they told you, about how the show goes on” as we were all so very grateful the Panic show went on despite the relentless storm we had all just endured. Nick really shined, as he played with so much emotion and soul. The guys really gave him space to do his thing. It was so great seeing Nick and Duane interact with each other, nodding and smiling. JB’s voice was angelic and airy at the perfect moments and then of course growly and soulful, even in the same line. 


Just as the tears formed in our eyes, as we recalled all the good ones the Lord took from us too soon and all the bad ones who use the Lord, the band reminded us to not let it get too sad. Pleas was first played on 1/22/88, released on Everyday (1993), and we are so lucky that it’s in the constant rotation. 


The transition into Hatfield was seamless, thanks to the eldest man on stage, Sunny. We weren’t sure if they tweaked or rewrote the setlist due to the rainstorm, but if they did, we guess that Hatfield may have been added. It’s already been mastered by Nick twice, so this was his third time playing this beautiful story about Charles Hatfield making rain for LA. The proverbial downs definitely turned to mud that night in Birmingham. This song is an absolute gem, we’d hear it every run if given the opportunity. Schools really stood out in this one, it seemed like the rain amped up his energy in a big way. Around 7:50, JB’s reminded us that “Charles always had the touch, he always had the touch, since he was a little bitty baby, he always had a little sparkle, says his Mother.” The rest of the rap was shockingly similar to the themes from the Hatfield rap night one in Saint Augustine - check out the transcription HERE. Rain for B-HAM indeeeeeeeedy!


The rumbles from Hatfield continued as the band rolled into Impossible! Despite it being played since 1988, a studio version hadn’t been released until 2022 with Miss Kitty’s Lounge. It hadn’t been played since Halloween of last year, 18 shows ago, and Nick’s first time standing there in the kitchen. JB substituted the lyrics, rather than his stomach not remembering what food is for, he said, “oh hadn't eaten in a year or more, listen to my soul forever more.” Jinkies! What a stud! Around 5:20, they started an Impossible Jam that will be on repeat for years to come. JB was strongly in the mix, Jojo’s organ was front and center, and of course Nick, Schools, Sunny, and Duane were all crushing. They all started teasing The Other One, and we wondered if they would finally play it outright. Unfortunately, tonight wasn’t the night, although the tease was a real treat!


Duane and Sunny kept the beat rolling. Jojo played a spacey haunted sounding introduction to I Walk on Guilded Splinters. Get some. Written by the King of the Zooloo, Dr. John originally released this sexy New Orleans number in 1968, only six years after JB’s birth. The LTP was in Playa earlier this year and one WATLO intern described that version as “disgusting.” This version felt like a whole ‘nother level of disgustingness. Complete filth was emanating from the stage. JB’s vocals were untethered, at times sounding like a seventh instrument. This one clocked in as the longest song of the night, which was absolutely splendid! The longer they stretch this one out, the better. The entire back of the pit was rage dancing, getting low, and wearing the stankiest of faces. They brought it down a bit around the 11-minute mark, giving us a chance to swirl our hips and catch our breath. JB soothingly talk-sung us like a grandaddy lullabying his babies to sleep, some examples: “kitty cat, tom cat ain’t afraid of dat.”

Nick started playing Free Somehow, the slowest number of the enlarged post rain second set. Paul Hoffman put the album art  up again, which was a wonderful way to honor the title track from the 2008 album. This song has seen a major resurgence thanks to the Alice in Wonderland themed Halloween. Let’s review… It was first played on 4/1/08 (Washington DC; first show of 2008), and played 7 other times in 2008. Then, there was a 227-show gap before they played it again on 1/24/12 as part of their Wood Tour. The song was shelved again until this past Halloween in Savannah (10/31/25) with a 596 show gap! The boys must have remembered how much they love the song, because this was the second time it was played since then, last played only 14 shows ago in Port Chester. It was Nick’s first time finding himself in a place like this, and JB’s 12th time singing about knowing he’ll be free somehow. 

They ended this post-monsoon mega-set with the 36th version of Halloween Face. The first and only “metal” Panic song of the run. A great way to finish up this now historic show, a new song that got us all dancing as hard as we could. This was only the second time in Panic history HF was used as a second set closer, the only other time was on 6/21/24. They have closed the first set with it 14 times. 


The band left the stage without a word, and we were ready for more! Finally we were dry from the knees up and warmed up again after almost getting pneumonia during the merciless downpour. Our six heroes emerged back on stage as we prepared for the final encore of the run. Those two-night runs sure do go by quickly! We were still anticipating that Porch Song from the previous night’s opener, but otherwise we were wide open to what the Panics would bring us. 


Dave shushed us, “Shhhhhh, shhhhhh, shhh, this is a really quiet song.” And then RIPPPPPPED into Bowlegged Woman. Bobby Rush originally wrote and released this song, and it was quickly recorded by Hot Tuna. The first song of the encore made those sleepers cry! You know who was really crying though? All those whose RMS was to LEAVE THE SHOW. JB gifted us with a rap in the encore reinforcing his position as many fans’ favorite rapper (6:12):

“You know I saw you the other day. Oh here you are just walked right in the party. Ohh I know it’s a little town, but it felt like maybe something is supposed to be, meant to be. I lookin’ at you, lookin’ at me, lookin’ at you, lookin’ at me, lookin’ at you. Oooooooooohhhhh weeeeeee! Mama, mama, mama, come on to my room, gonna make those sleepers cry. I’ve a feeling deep inside, awww, deep inside. Just you and me in my room, circle come around. The records go arounnddddd. Awww, we’re spinnin’ ‘roundddddd. Where it starts, where it starts, I ain’t… Naaawwww I ain't never gonna stop, no!” 


Then, the immediate drop into Chilly MFing Water! The first song on their first album, first played on 6/22/85 and one of the other six songs in the 4-digit club. We were all finally dry and warm and then suddenly it was time to get SOAKED again. It takes a very special fan to throw their hands in the air, head back, and chest out ready to receive and soak up allllll the chilly cool water possible after just drying off and getting warm. Panic fans are the literal best rowdiest humans on the planet. This was a particularly wet Chilly, as there was ample free water despite there being no usable bathrooms for the dudes (AKA 90% of Panic fans). Quite a conundrum.  This song was also played during the PITS show, so we were back to honoring Panic history and their 4/18/98 album release party. Nick had clearly been studying and practicing hard. It’s obvious, and he’s shared in interviews, that he listens to Mikey shows. It is also abundantly clear who his mentor is, Mr Jimmy Herring.  He destroyed Chilly. 

They ended the song as if that was it… which would have been a stellar way to end the run! Bowlegged > Chilly are you kidding? But then Dave came to the mic and asked, “should we play more quiet songs?” Then we got the highly anticipated Disco drop kicked off by Duane, the first and only instrumental of the night and another nod to PITS. The previous night Mary Grace was handing out Disco attire to the rail folks on Schools side, and she finally got the song she was chasing. While Disco isn’t in the 4-digit club yet, it’s climbing its way there. This one clocked in at the 571st time ever played. They took a nice cool relaxing outro.


Until, Jojo started revving it back up when suddenly Dave’s bass bomb dropped into the final cover of the weekend, Red Hot Mama, originally released by Parliament-Funkadelic (check out this live version from the Cap Theater). Hoffman had some awesome graphics going, including some video footage of Whitney Houston dancing. Inspirational! They were all feeling this one as each member fully sent his way to the finish line. Jojo was particularly throwing it down. It was great to see him stepping up to the front and center time and time again all weekend. Complete carnage. 

Finally, in the 11th hour, the FIFTH song of the encore, Duane took us home with Porch Song. Another song played on 4/18/98 and finishing off The Take Out > Porch Song giant open-faced sandwich that lasted the entire run! This is another one of those classic Panic tunes in the 4-digit club, bringing the count to four played during the run. One can’t help but think of our dearest Mikey Houser, our man in the moon who’s a musician, still shining down on us. It’s truly never the wrong time when you’re at a Panic show, especially a Southern Panic show, especially at one of the most historic and memorable shows of a lifetime. 


After a quick 3.5-minute long Porch, the band was finally done playing music. JB said “thank you very much” and Schools added, “Thank you, Magic City.” We truly can’t remember the last time they played that many songs in the encore, clocking in at over 36 minutes! We’re simply happy with one, but FIVE? What a treat. 


Now that the final numbers are in… let’s recalculate Nick’s stats. Upon walking off the stage at 10:58 Pm on 04/18/2026, the young stud from Massachusetts was now at 125 unique songs played with Widespread Panic. Eleven new ones were added in The Pittsburgh of the South:

  • The Take Out

  • Radio Child

  • Machine

  • Contentment Blues

  • Visiting Day

  • Shut Up and Drive

  • Sleepy Monkey

  • Low Rider

  • Lets Get This Show On The Road

  • Impossible 

  • Free Somehow


Alright… that’s a wrap on Magic City Panic! We’ll see ya’ll at Jazz Fest! Laissez les bons temps rouler!!!


Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Higher Love:


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