PELP N3 (1/22/26)

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The night 3 pre-show energy in the courtyard was electric! The Playa Allstars crushed the lagoon set and kept the vibes high, despite it being the hottest and sunniest day yet. The theme this night was from the major motion picture, Talladega Nights, and people showed up. What’s a more fitting theme for a Panic crowd? Dress up like you’re going to a Nascar race - isn’t that every night for WSMFP fans?? Across the crowd you could hear shouts of, “if you’re not first, you’re last!” and “raise hell, praise Bell!” It was invigorating!

The band took the stage and without a word from our heroes the fifth set of PELP began with Pigeons. This was one of the most played songs in 2025, eleven times over fifteen runs. It kicked off the second set four times, but a show never opened with it last year. You know you’re in for a real treat when this classic rager is played set 1, song 1 - let’s effin’ go! They truly came out of the gate full throttle, everyone performing at a 11/10. JB reminded us that something is going to move us anyway (10:34)… “maybe your mama, lord, maybe you talkin to dad, ohhh maybe your love. Awww yeah. Maybe one more time, wake up. Awwww remember how to fly. Remember, ‘member.” 

Immediately after washing windows and staring at office ladies with their beady little eyes, the boys took off into Action Man. There are a shocking number of songs in the Panic arsenal that began as instrumentals and later gained words. This is one of the more well-known instrumental-first, lyrics-second songs. First played on 4/1/00, lyrics weren’t added until 6/22/01, 21 times later. This song fit the theme night perfectly, as it tells the story of the first horse to win the triple crown, Man O’ War. Fun fact - the last time it was in this slot in the show (first set, second song) was at Playa in 2024 (4/14/24 - JB's birthday show). It was played six times in 2025, and five of those times it closed the first or second set. 

After they wrapped up that one, we got a bit of a scripted dialogue between the two remaining founders of the band:

DAS: “Good evening!”

JB: “Hello!!!!”

JB: “What day is it, Dave?”

DAS: “Well, it’s uhhhh, it’s Jimmy Herring’s birthday today.”

[crowd erupts!!!!]

JB: “On the count of 3, will you all say ‘happy birthday Jimmy’?”

DAS: “One”

JB: “Two”

Together: “Three”

Full PELP Participation: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JIMMY!"

DAS: “Alright, he heard that all the way in Beaufort. Thank you, all!”

What an incredible way to honor our beloved wizard, Gandalf the Loud, Mr. Jimmy Herring! 

Nick led the next one, Good Morning Little School Girl. Was this one for Jimmy? Is it his favorite song? It seemed like it would be connected in some way. A blues classic that seems right up Nick’s alley. Sonny Boy Williams originally recorded it in 1937 in Chicago. Many artists have recorded it since, including Widespread Panic, who released it on their live album Wood (2012). Albeit the rarest song of the evening, performed only three times in the last 100 shows, it had a very low LTP count of only 7, last played with Warren Haynes in Port Chester on 11/22/25, exactly two months prior. They were feeling themselves, especially JB who channeled extra bluesy growly vocals, a master storyteller indeed. 

A beautiful segue, mostly led by Dave, brought in Pleas. Our CBA’s favorite song, a stunning opportunity to remind yourself just how lucky you are, to relish in gratitude, to never forget where you came from and the struggles you’ve had, but to bask in the glory of the light, the joys, and all the simple pleasures of life. Rather than putting on our work clothes, JB instructed us to “put your work face on” which is a new one for us! Have you heard him substitute those words before? This song doesn’t usually lend its way towards a jam, typically hovering around 5-6 minutes; however, this time we were blessed with a rockin’ improvisational section that stretched the song to nearly ten minutes! Jojo was laying down a funky line, Duane kept the tempo up high, Dave was nonstop, and Nick kept up juuuuuuuust fine. 

Dave and Jojo started playing the next tune, giving everyone ample time to exchange knowing glances and nods as we migrated into a slower original, Don’t Wanna Lose You. Despite this song being first played on 4/11/03, nearly 23 years ago, it was the most “recent” song played in the entire set, released on Ball (2003) during the George-era. After Todd left the band this song saw a huge hiatus. It was last played with Todd in the Dominican Republic on 3/17/14 at PELP Tres [3] and then wasn’t played again until 9/14/18 in St. Auggie, 265 shows later. It’s a heavy hitter, super emotional, and brings a tear to everyone’s eye. They played with equal emotion, and the crowd fully participated during the last chorus -  “I’m gonna tell you right now, like it’s the very last day. Cause I’m afraid for my life.” 

The band paused for a millisecond and then dropped into Chainsaw City. One Jerry Joseph song per show - let’s get it! We wouldn’t necessarily classify this song as “rare” but you’ll likely only see it 3-4 times per year. The reggae-tone is awesome and the lyrics are amazing, as expected by one of the greatest and most emotional song-writers showcased in the Panic catalog. Shoutout to young Wesley who knew every single word - impressive work, son! JB didn’t need his help this go-around though, he absolutely slayed it, forgetting nary a word. Jojo laid the funk down, JB got in the mix, yet again everyone was showing an A+++ effort. 

They concluded the song, took a moment to gather themselves, and then started Last Straw. What a crowd pleaser! Played 302 times, there are some significant hiatuses during band-member changes. The Richmond recap dove into the numbers (9/12/25), you can peep our reel about it… needless to say, it’s a complicated song with lots of tempo changes and tough counts. We were SHOCKED to see Nick attempt it during his first run, as that is very unusual given the historical context we keep tabs on. It seems like a mark was missed and they decided to pull the plug a little early, not quite finishing it. Instead Jojo’s organ took off and the set concluded with You Got Yours.

YGY also has an interesting LTP gap post Mikey’s last show. It was played on 6/29/02 during Mikey’s last Red Rocks run, and then wasn’t played again until 7/28/06 in Memphis with George on guitar, 271 shows later. That night they soundcheck YGY THREE times in preparation! John Keane was also on guitar and vocals to help them out. Since then, it’s been in the regular rotation, thank JBesus. Nick’s ways are certainly alright with us, he absolutely DESTROYED this one, what a rockin’ way to end the first set of the evening. 

They left without a word and we were free to frolic Playa style. The best set breaks possible! Stumble into a room, meet new friends, eat a quick taco, re-enact a scene from the Goonies,  enjoy a scoop of ice cream, re-up on your beverage, take a cold shower, literally limitless options to occupy your time as you patiently await the second set. Set breaks are weird, but the least weird place to have a setbreak is an all inclusive resort in Mexico with 2,500 of your closest friends. 

No words necessary to begin the 6th set of PELP 13 - just the familiar lick to Little Kin. This was OUR time. The last four times LK was played, it kicked off the second set (8/22/25, 10/25/25, 12/29/25, and 1/22/26). It seemed like the band had ample time to re-up too - they somehow managed to bring it up another notch this set! Now playing at a 12 out of 10. Dave was making little “ep” noises in the last thirty seconds of the song, adding some unexpected texture to his bassline, which segued perfectly into the next one.

Ahhhhh, Makes Sense to Me! JB got sooooo excited, he jumped straight into the second verse instead of the first… but you know what? It makes sense to me! Big Boss is allowed to do whatever he wants, and he always makes up for it! Schools gave a little smile and didn't seem bothered, he was having way too much fun. Bloodkin wrote the song but never released it. Panic released a studio version on Mom’s Kitchen (1991) and a live version on Live from the Georgia Theater (2003). The lyrical mishap didn’t seem to impact the rest of the band, as they each brought the heat. JB put a bit of a patch on the error at 2:56 by changing the mid-song lyric to “awww I’d rather have some memories than a crutch, child”  Ka-Zowww!!! Some of the very best memories from our entire lives are wrapped up in seeing these guys play. We are the lucky ones. Nick kept wailing on the guitar, Jojo added so much spice and energy, and of course our beloved rhythm section threw it down. Look: JB ended the tune with the first verse, just a little change-up to keep us all on our toes. The ol’ 2-3-1. Remember, it’s important to listen loud! Jojo took off with an organ solo and led the charge to the end of the song. JB inserted a “makes sense to me, child” likely attempting to make up for his little mix-up. 

The song ended quickly, they needed to get out of that one. Space Wrangler started. Have you ever counted how many times Sunny hits his vibraslap during this song? We engaged a Panic First-Timer (first Panic run at Playa? Baller!!!) to help us count and got to 11. Welcome to the intern army, Frank! JB inserted extra moans and sultry “ahhh”s that made us ALL weak in the knees. The ending exploded with every member going H.A.M. Everyone needed a sip of cold beverage after that one, gratefully they gave us a moment to catch our breath.

Duane kicked off the next one, and we knew we were in for a real treat. I Walk On Guilded Splinters, affectionately referred to as Guilded, was written by Dr. John, a New Orleans legend. He released it on his album Gris-Gris in 1968. Panic has been playing it since 1988, and they CRUSH it. Asses were low to the ground, stank faces were in full effect, and we all got down and dirty. Dave was feeling it, and the vocal exchanges between DAS and JB were absolute fire sauce. Predator Panic was fully engaged as each member tore it up. As a tight-knit unit, they each individually jammed and played so well, but then together as one band their sound and improvisation completely blew us away. Remarkable stuff. Nick’s first run will definitely go down in Panic history as one of their best, a very impressive experience to be a part of. They re-entered another jam space (11:30) that was spacier and a bit darker. Jojo and Duane were creating something special before Dave fully joined in. A lot of energy built up and by about minute-15 it was full throttle improvisational Panic at its finest. Guilded was sexy, sultry, special, and as one WATLO intern put it, “disgusting!”

What happened next was a little strange… Dave left the stage, perhaps a string broke or something? His tech came on with another bass… the rest of the gents stayed on the stage while Duane and Sunny took charge for a mini drums, with a lowercase “d” only lasting about two minutes. We think this mini drums was some showbusiness magic, allowing a moment for some instrument repair/adjustment. Based in the absolute ferocity of the Funky Bass tirade in the latter half of Guilded, it made sense to us that DAS may have inadvertently turned his Bass up to 13 and needed to go have the pit crew do a quick adjustment to get it back in form for the remainder of the show. Dave rejoined his bandmates with his equipment in tip top shape and Duane started Diner.

JB inserted “sparkle” instead of “shine” which felt extra special! The audience seemed extra sparkly from where we were. Diner clocked in as the longest song of the show, and so far the run. Wow - they were completely unleashed. It’s hard to come up with new words to describe how awesome this version of Diner was… but it’s going to be on replay for decades to come. JB’s Diner rap started at 10:47:

“Hanging in the diner, sitting in the light of Miss. Lee. Open up the back door early, let a poor boy out. Said, ‘c’mon, c’mon in from the snow… i’ll open up a little early get away from it allllllllllllllll.’ Oooooh just to see her smile. Awwwww, and to touch the soul. Back and forth with nowhere to go. We got donuts and coffee. We got donuts and coffee, tea, cookies, and sodas. Ooooh put a little money, child, here: a couple quarters, put them in the juke. Ohhhh, maybe some of that church music? Ohhhhh aaahhhhh ohhhhhhahhhhh. That’s a highway to heaven. Oh none gonna go up there, not pure of heart. It’s a hiiiiiigh hiiiiiiiiighway to heaven. Ooooohhh you can go up there with a pure heart. And an all pure heart, and an all pure heart. Hanging in the light, ohhhhh baskin’ in her light. Even strangers see it and feel it, the way she cooks dem eggs. Ohhh a little sunshine coming over the trees, sledding down the rooftop, slipping through the glass, resting up against my coffee cup to keep it warm a little longer. Ahhhhhh, baskin’ in her light. Ahhhhhh, baskin’ in her light. Ahhhh hanging in the diner, sitting in the light of miss lee. Just her smiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiile, hanging in the light.” 

When JB finished, the band ripped into an epic jam that was gutteral, fast, soulful. Folks put their stank faces right back on. 

The jam cooled off and Jojo took over, getting ready to introduce the next song. Dave started laying in, and Duane picked up the tempo, as Jojo’s keys got us all ready to ride hiiiiiigh, high high. The second J.J. Cale cover of the run, Ride Me High has been in Panic’s rotation since 1996.The culmination of the jam with the peak around 7:17 was outrageous. 

Our very astute WATLO co-founder and President of the nonprofit organization recognized that they never finished it, summoning a sandwich. RMH bread is incredibly rare… the last time EDC says that it was used as sandwich bread was on 6/30/16 in Boise, ID, but the meat of that sandwich was simply “jam” so we looked back farther! 2/14/16 also had a jam sandwich with RMH bread and 5/16/03 used Drums as the meat with RMH bread. Therefore, according to our research, this was the FIRST and so far ONLY time RMH was used as bread with an actual song as the meat (not “drums” or “jam” or “Zambi Jam” : if you want to, check out the outstanding 22+ minute RMH from N2 Napa ‘22. Z-Man has his track list counting the “Zambi Jam” as a meat of a jammy RMH sandwich, although EDC does not officially recognize this RMH as more than a single song, in fact EDC does not notate the legendary 2022 Napa “Zambi Jam” at all.) We were absolutely witnessing history there in Cali, and we were witnessing mega-history here; thus we were loving every note of it. 

Dave gave away Tie Your Shoes as the sandwich meat, for which we felt incredibly blessed. Not a lot of diverse words in the lyrics, a LOT of emotion and feeling as we are reminded to be present, be grateful, and never take a single moment for granted. JB dropped into a deep voice, reminiscent of Jim Morrison, during the “drive your car” section. Listen closely as JB and Nick exchange guitar licks - get some. JB came out SWINGING for the final verse, “love your girl. Child, love your girl!” Listen to Mr. Bell, boys, and wake up! Love those girls of yours! She’s yours to lose, and if you wait too long to appreciate her and love her, she’ll be gone before you know it. 

A completely flawless and seamless transition brought in the very end of Ride Me High, just about 90 seconds wrapped up the TYS sandwich. A FIRST in Widespread Panic history. Tickets paid for and then some. 

Another well-executed transition welcomed in Love Tractor as the final song of the set. JB sang “pappy said we’re alright, child” which was awesome! Everyone was rage dancing so hard, knowing this was our final chance to let it all fly. An old-school set to say the least. Ride Me High has the most recent FTP date, 11/4/96… 19.5 years ago. 

They exited the stage without a word, and only moments later reentered the stage. JB said, “Alright, we’re going to get through this together.” Then they kicked off I’m Not Alone, a beautiful reminder that we can all be together, sharing space, loving on each other, and still feel blue. Without reading too much between the lines, it was clear JB was missing his buddy, Jimmy, especially on his birthday. JB sang with so much raw emotion, which was felt in every goosebump along everyone’s skin. It truly felt so much easier looking out at the crowd at Playa - the most spreadicated fans out there! We are the lucky ones. 

They finished the first song of the encore and quickly kicked up I’m So Glad - double “I’m” songs! Shockingly, this song took the cake for the longest LTP gap of the show at 28, last played on 6/27/25 at Red Rocks. It was an interesting message, to go from feeling blue to glad in a single moment. Most people think of our hero, Colonel Bruce with this song. But, it actually goes much farther back, all the way to 1931 originally recorded by Skip James and is indeed a Delta blues song. This song also had the most recent FTP date of the entire show, 7/8/03. Making this an entire show without a song first performed in the Jimmy-era. Boy, were we all SOOOOOOOO glad! Old School Panic for the WIN! JB improvised during the last verse, as he told us “I’m tired of weeping, tired of moaning, crying in the night. Like a cat, howlin’ at the moon, I call for you.” JB was really feeling it and added some extra umph at the end! What a frontman! 

The King of soul said, “Goodnight, everybody!” as the boys left the stage and we left our jaws on the floor. After endless hugs, highfives, and cheers, we scattered into the night. Off to the late night stage for Circles Around the Sun, but not before a churro or five… they were well-earned!