Port Chester Night 2 (11/22/25)

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Spread heads made their way back to The Cap for night two, on a Saturday night! It was noticeably more busy, more crowded, and more energized than the previous evening. Folks noticed an extra amp and setup on stage between JB and Jimmy’s rigs: curiosity flooded the floor with murmurs about a guest, specifically Mr. Warren Haynes. No microphone was set up yet, though, so no one was speaking with absolute certainty. In other pre-show news, Joel came on stage and covered the “GR” of “GREASE” with black gaffer tape, converting the word to “EASE” to start off Saturday night. JB was looking badass as all hell, wearing all black. Jimmy had a tidy grey western snap up long sleeved collared shirt with some detailed embroidering of orange sunlike patterns above the two chest pockets. Sunny was wearing a gleaming whistle lashed to a lanyard around his neck! Before they started playing, Dave and JB had a quick huddle up to have a final little chat before taking position with their rigs atop their fine Persian rugs.

The crowd loudly welcomed our six heroes back on the stage and after a bit of tuning, Duane hit his cymbals (hi-hat), with Sunny to follow on the bongos (AND HIS WHISTLE!!), and finally Dave joined in on the fun, which all led us to wanting mo’ mo’ mo’ - aka Fishwater. This version had a lengthy intro (over two minutes) which sounded a bit like Fire on the Bayou by The Meters. JB’s voice was extra growly, combined with Dave’s thumping bass, and the panties were already soaked in the first five minutes of the show. Fish water indeed. Sometimes you just have this knowing feeling that there is going to be straight heat fire blasted all over the crowd for the entirety of the show, and this opener generated that feeling. They opened up with Fishwater night one of Richmond (read about it HERE) - this was the 44th time the band, the 10th time Jimmy Herring, and the 4th time Duane ever opened with this song, even though it was the 855th time ever played. 

With an incredibly smooth transition, they segued into Better Off. We love watching Sunny scratch the top of his talking drum to make that distinct sound cluing us all in that we will not be confusing association. It’s such a micromovement of his pointer finger that creates an incredibly unique and overpowering sound. First played on 2/7/92, it was released on Everyday in 1993. We LOVE JB-isms, and we emit fan-girlish squeals when he adds “giiirl” or “just” or “kissin’ ass” or “child” or “uhhhhh” - really any ad-libbing to any song, but this one had some real gems. Jimmy began an impressive solo around 4.5 minutes. JB’s triple “swear I quit talkin’” gave off an echo effect that deserved a double chef kiss and then some! Muahh. 

Right as the song ended, Sunny’s bongos brought us right back into Fishwater. One top flight WATLO reporter predicted this as he intelligently commented that they never finished FW before starting Better Off. We weren’t sure how big the sandwich would be, and were satisfied with a simple Better Off sandwich with Fishwater bread - heady grilled cheese sammies for all 1,800 fans! The song ended with just as much energy as it started with, giving us all a reason to catch our breath and take a sip of cold beverage upon the conclusion. 

Seconds later, Duane and Sunny, with Dave soon to follow, kicked off Pleas. Mike Clark, a taper, told us in an interview that day that we were surely going to get this song, lock it up, guaranteed! This is one of their oldest songs, first played on 1/22/88, but then wasn’t played from 1988 until 1992, only four years but the largest show gap (520). Since then, the biggest gap it’s seen is only 21, but typically it’s 1-10. Since they didn’t play it in Savannah, it was wise of Mike to call this one out as a guarantee. Our C.B.A. LOVES this song, and it was incredibly special being able to turn around and see him raging in the first row of the balcony, while wearing the custom hat he made with the lyrics on it. Go on now, put your work clothes on! During the meat of the jam, JB turned around to face Duane and Duane had his eyes closed in full concentration. Herring’s lullaby-style guitar playing wrapped it up beautifully as we all wiped a few tears from our eyes - such a beautiful reminder to be so grateful for all we have, knowing we have to go through the bad to experience the good. 

Without a second to catch our breath, Jojo started playing Bust It Big, a huge crowd pleaser, and incredibly appropriate based on the location of this show. The entire audience was frothing at the mouth preparing to shout “NEW YORK CITY KID!” but we had to patiently wait for the big participatory moment. This was the first song repeated from Savannah, they play this one often. Since Duane joined the band, the longest show gap BIB has seen is 11 and that’s only happened twice. It’s a great one for the Bingo card! Jojo replaced “shooting pool” with “duckpin bowling” (check out what Duckpin bowling is HERE, you learn something new everyday). At about 4:30 they dropped into a jam, Dave opened up space for each member and Jojo took the first turn on the organ. Jimmy followed as the rhythm section raged on behind him. Dave and Duane really push each other into spacey beautiful jammy areas, for which we are incredibly blessed. At about 8:43 Jojo reeled everyone in by playing BIB notes on the keys, which ended the jam and sounded more like the familiar notes of BIB. Jimmy had one last blast playing all the notes before it all culminated with some HIGH ENERGY noise as each band member was fully sending. Rather than immediately dropping into the line we were more than prepared to shout, Jojo actually dropped into a rowdier jam that truly was about to blow the roof off. He smiled BIG as he kept the jam going measure-after-measure, dragging out the anticipation, taking his time building up to the peak crowd hollering moment, quite the dramatic buildup.… and FINALLY with smiles plastered across all our faces we all got to scream “Rosemary’s baby was a NEW YORK CITY kid!” Hell yes. During the run, we received another email reminding us that rooms for Panic en la Playa are still for sale - ride your liquor down to Mexico, kids! Make your reservation today!

Thankfully we got a FULL minute to hoot, holler, smile at the neighbor, and grab a sip of quenching beverage. What a raging show so far! This little pause gave both JB and Jimmy time to re-tune their guitars. Next, JB started the familiar notes to We Walk Each Other Home, the first song of the evening off their newest album. With this being the 21st time played, this song is finally old enough to grab a whiskey from the bar. We enjoy the slower tunes that allow us to hold onto our loved ones, sway in unison, and fondly remember all the pets and humans we’ve loved and perhaps lost throughout the ages. However, based on the mass exodus, this also seems like an opportunity most fans use to refill their drinks, take a bathroom break, and regain their might before the next raging song. 

The boys took a little breather, Herring swapped from his grey PRS to his white bodied guitar, and JB grabbed some Chilly Water (did you see those sick labels on their water bottles??). Next up was The Last Straw - LFG!!!! This song was first played on NYE in 1987, released on Mom’s Kitchen’ in 1991. Check out the recap from the last time this song was played (9/12/25) to learn more about the significance of the show gaps as new band members joined.  What an amazing reminder that even with strong muscles at some point one straw (or one short man) will break the camel’s back. Chicken skin from beak to feet when they drop into the slow melody a third of the way through the song as we jumped up on the camel's back. Spectacular performance! JB’s voice oscillations were absolutely magical. They ripped into a jam around the 6-minute mark, solidifying the significance of this show. Sunny’s triangle playing was the bow on top of this sonic gift.

The band never stopped playing and Jojo began Nobody’s Loss. Those that know this song deeply understand that it’s a nod to Todd Nance, our Toddfather, whose birthday we celebrated all weekend (RIP: 11/20/62-8/19/20). There was a bit of vocal confusion (as there often is) during the first cardinal direction as Jojo said “east” but JB said “west” (JB was right!). It can be hard to remember which comes first, the sunrise or sunset. Regardless, it’s nobody’s loss as we don’t mind which direction they start with, we’re just happy to be bopping along to this remarkable song. This was the 150th time played, a noteworthy milestone for the tune. The Cap Theatre does feel like make believe with so many significant musicians having played there. Shout out to our new and dear friend Jason from Philly, who called this song in our conversation before the show began. He was beaming with joy when we glanced his way during NL.

The song ended, we wiped our tears, Herring swapped back to his Grey tiger striped PRS and the familiar haunting notes to Halloween Face began. In eleven months we’ll be celebrating Halloween again, so it’s never too early for costume inspiration. At about 5:40 JB started ad-libbing with an awesome 3-second cry at 5:55. JB was also making incredible use of his pedal during this number, putting his dark brown work boots to work for sure. Head banging is encouraged to end this one, just be careful you don’t bash your face against a neighbor and endure a Halloween Face casualty (speaking from experience here…eye was a bit black and bridge of nose was puffy, had to have an intern bring me a bag of ice as we were out of raw steaks at the Airbnb). The last minute was full of fury, energy, and pure rage. JB exclaimed, “be right back!” and a neighbor turned to us and said “that was the best Halloween Face I’ve ever seen!” Hooray! 

The first set consisted of 100% originals, always a good sign for a show. During setbreak, the crew brought out a microphone stand and did some audio testing, revealing that a guest performer was likely going to join them. They took the microphone away before the start of the second set, but we knew it was tested and ready to go! The setbreaks got progressively longer all weekend, this one clocking in at a solid 41 minutes. Plenty of time to run all the errands without any stress of missing a note. 

The boys got back on stage, JB with his natural wood grain colored Washburn and Jimmy with the trusty Grey PRS.  All business; without a word we were off to the screen door of the farmer’s porch. The imagery of this song is perfect for the season of Fall. Panic doesn’t play much in November these days, so we were paying attention to all the songs that have the word “November” in the lyrics. This is indeed one of them! The last time the best band in the land did a November run was in 2021 in Chicago for the makeup shows post-pandemic. Of the 817 times this song has been played, it’s only been played in the second set 191 times. This was the 52nd time in Panic history they opened the second set with it, and the 7th time Duane has kicked off the second set with this one.

After a raging jam, Jojo’s organ started playing Ride me High, the first cover of the evening. Originally released by JJ Cale in 1976 on Troubador, this is a very comfortable cover for our favorite band and it felt like again seeing a dear old friend. This was the 311th time the band played it. The guys like to jam this one out, sometimes to an unrecognizable place (like in Boston on 8/21/25). But this version had all the right kind of jamming that we encourage and cheer for: deep, guttural, impressive, loud, smile-inducing, and comprehensive. Mixing up the perfect recipe for full on rage dancing the entire time. The band slowed things down for the last minute of the song, as Dave gave away the next number…

Just in time for the holiday season, Papa is hitting the roof again! We believe the transition from RMH to Papa’s deserved a carrot, not a comma, and we’re tough critics! Another song that’s played often and was first played early, we welcome this one every single time. JB screamed around 5:30 “papaaaah, papaaaaah” “awwwwhhh” “ahhhh” - tingles down the spine. Jimmy went absolutely H.A.M., likely inspired by JB’s wails. The band can create some space for drums or just play Papa’s all the way through. This version saw what we call a mini drums, or a lowercase drums, because the players all stayed on stage (except Jimmy… who apparently was greeting someone). Jojo crawled to the bottom corner of his keyboard area. We aren’t quite sure what he was doing down there, getting an incredibly close view of Duane’s kick drum, taking a little siesta (like George Costanza under his desk), checking sportsballs scores, or refueling. Schools and JB stayed on stage and lovingly looked over at Duane and Sunny, but mostly Sunny. It was strange… as if they were looking at a long-time lover or partner or accomplice but truly seeing him and fully appreciating him for the first time in ages. We felt blessed to witness such adoring gazes between the band members. We witnessed something very special - immense recognition and gratitude for the eldest member of the band, and all the rhythm and texture he brings to the sound that is Widespread Panic. Duane and Sunny had some terrific trade-offs and Sunny banged on his bongos and wooden blocks. Sunny earned mega MVP in this one - GET IT SUNNY!!!!! JB even looked over the crowd with an expression like “are you seeing this guy?” We jumped up and smiled and nodded and could have sworn we got a sly smile out of Mr. Soul himself! After six minutes, Jimmy came barreling back in to finish Papa’s Home in a short two minutes. Jojo woke up and crawled back up to his keyboard in the nick of time and then Dave took us home with one of the best basslines in the Panic catalog. Afterwards, DAS pointed up to the muppet box nearest to him and smiled and nodded. We aren’t quite sure who was up there, but he must have requested the song. Rumor had it that one or a few of DAS’s good friends were up there in the A team seats.

The crowd went wild as a familiar face joined the stage. JB said, “Our good buddy, Mr. Warren Haynes, everybody!” Warren was looking trim and tidy in his all black ensemble, slacks and a collared shirt, plus a nifty looking black leather guitar strap that had some intricate embroidered red roses adorning it. Jerry would have been proud! This was Warren’s 44th sit-in with Widespread Panic (on 11/22!!! Lots of double digits!) but his first time in almost a decade. His last sit-in was at Wanee Music Festival on April 15, 2016. The first time he joined our beloved band was 7/21/91 in Telluride, CO when he joined in on Me and the Devil Blues, Just Kissed my Baby, and Bowlegged. The band tuned up with their friend on stage and the crowd got amped for what was sure to be a very special sit-in. Panic has welcomed many guests on stage throughout their 39 years of touring and quite a lot this year. The WATLO Podcast recently asked fans for their favorite sit-in moment. Tune in to parts one and two to hear about their experiences.

A familiar blues line hit the audience and fans were wondering, ‘Is this Spoonful or Good Morning Little Schoolgirl?’ Warren was ripping the slide guitar - truly a world-class slide guitar player. JB grumbled “Good morning little schoolgirl, can I come home with you? Tell your Mom and Dad that I’m a little schoolboy too.” We were treated with an old blues standard that was originally recorded by John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson in 1937. It was recorded about a half dozen times by blues artists up through the 60’s. Rock n’ roll adopted it in the 60’s, most famously by the Yardbirds which was released as a single in 1964. Most appropriately for the Capitol Theatre though, the Grateful Dead recorded it in 1967. We believe that Panic paid homage to this particular band, as The Grateful Dead performed at the Cap Theatre 18 times in 1970-71, and then Phil played there over 100 times since then. The Panics first covered this song on 10/5/87 and it’s seen some significant show gaps. The last time they played it was on 5/16/25 in Charleston, only 26 shows ago. 

JB added some incredible ad-libbed vocals, including “wake up wake up wake up” reminding us of the lyrics in Pigeons. They all sounded so great and energized playing together. Warren and Jimmy exchanged guitar licks back-and-forth while Dave and the rhythm section held it down in the background. Some swirling guitar twangs and quiet bass thumps ended the song. 

Duane picked up the next song with Sunny, and JB was soon to follow as we were all led into the land of sunny rocks and funny trees! This was the 9th show of 2025 that Surprise Valley was played, and only once was it stand alone - the other 8 times it was used as sandwich bread. Warren added so much texture with his incredible slide guitar, Duane kept up and JB’s guitar was really in the mix. TURN JB UP! Jimmy was motivated to absolutely go off into complete annihilation, he seemed incredibly happy and electrified to have Warren next to him. Warren’s tone is so unique and the way he can flip back and forth between his slide and fingers is astounding. 

The song evolved into a slower pace, and Dave’s bass gave away the next number. A Goin’ Out West sandwich with Surprise Valley bread! Everyone put on their stankiest faces and we all got ready to do what we want AND get paid. We finally got to hear Warren’s growling voice as he and JB traded off lyrics. His vocals are perfect for this one and watching them exchange looks with each other was incredibly memorable. The lights didn’t get quite as dark during the Panic lyric “she looks good without her shirt” but the ladies seemed to manage alright, lifting up their tops. The original lyrics by Tom Waits (released in 1992) are “I look good without a shirt” so this is really Panic’s way of seeing some boobies. IT WORKS! They missed the second “I know karate” as there seemed to be some confusion about who was taking that chorus, but Warren stepped in beautifully with a nice recovery AND said the original lyric “I look good without a shirt.” We bet you do, Warren! At about 5:45, Jojo tickled the scene with his keys and prompted a nice little jam between the two guitar heroes and himself. They’ve been covering this song since 1/20/96, almost 40 years! This was the 237th time played, the fifth time in 2025. 

The dueling guitars, epic drumming, and bass throw down brought the song right back into SURPRISE! 😮 Usually the last piece of the SV sandwich bread is only 2-3 minutes, but this one was over six. They really stretched each song out with Warren, giving him plenty of space to play. They quickly went into Porch Song, and you could hear JB loud and clear! 

This was the 1,175th Porch Song in Panic’s history, the only song played more than 1,000 times this evening (besides Drums). We certainly were all having a GOOD TIME, and each member seemed fired up. Dave added some excellent back-up vocals and JB added some “oooooh”s at just the right places. Typically, this song can be anywhere from 3-5 minutes as they have an opportunity to stretch it out a couple different times or end it. During this epic occasion, they took every single opportunity to make this song as long as possible, extending it to over SEVEN MINUTES! It’s like no one wanted to quit playing! Warren’s solos were so welcomed and big smiles were plastered on everyone’s faces, the audience, each band member, and even the crew! Wow! Despite this song being played so many times, this version is definitely worth revisiting. It was incredibly special. What a way to end the show! JB exclaimed, “Warren Haynes, everybody!” and they exited the stage. The crowd cheered wildly as we patiently awaited an encore.

Jojo was first to get back on stage. Warren joined our six heroes for the encore, which we were thrilled about! Dave menacingly played the Jaws song. Warren and Jimmy exchanged a few licks and then it FINALLY HAPPENED! The band played Cortez the Killer, a Neil Young original, first released in 1975 on Zuma. Officially warranted as a bust-out, this song hadn’t been played since 8/4/19, 192 shows ago - the only song of the run that has been played before, but not at all in the last 100 shows (a stat that’s easy to find in the “Song Stats” table on Everyday Companion). Panic has only played this song eight total times - three times with Mikey, once with George, four times with Jimmy, and three times with Duane. During a WATLO Podcast episode, we asked fans for their favorite memory catching a First Time Played (FTP), and Danny discussed this song when he attended his first Halloween show on 10/31/01. Find that episode HERE. 

Total nerd sidebar - this song has an EPIC Wikipedia page. While Rolling Stone called out a few lyrics for being factually wrong, the song was inspired by Hernán Cortés's conquest of the Aztec Empire under Moctezuma II in the 16th century. No one ever claimed it to be historically accurate - Neil even stated in his biography that he made a lot up about the Aztecs as it mostly just came to him through imagination. The song was even banned in Spain under Francisco Franco and when the album was finally released after his death, the song was titled “Cortez, Cortez” omitting “killer.” 

Anyways, back to The Cap - this song was played with depth and a lot of emotion. Fans were stunned as many of the 1,800 people caught their first live performance of this beloved cover. JB softened his vocals to almost a whisper, barely audible - you could hear a pin drop as people were laser-focused and completely quiet holding on to every millisecond of this historical performance. 

Just as the song ended, Jimmy started playing another cover, Running Down a Dream by Tom Petty, released in 1989. Panic first covered this one during their “Halloween” show on 10/29/22 in Savannah. They must have LOVED playing it because it ended up staying in rotation pretty regularly, unlike Cortez the Killer. Since then, it’s been played 11 more times. The largest show gap is 24, so fans catch this one quite often. Interestingly though, it’s only been played in the first set once! Here’s the show placement breakdown:

• First set: 1 (8.3%)

• Second set: 4 (33.3%)

• Encore: 7 (58.3%)

  • Last song of the encore: 6 (50%)

Warren said, “Thank you!” and JB said, “Alright, freaks! See ya tomorrow night! Warren Haynes, everybody.”  Dave touched his heart and waved his hand outward in a show of love, respect, and gratitude for the crowd and the venue. JB made a theatrical two handed sweeping semicircle with both hands as he looked towards the guest as if to shower him with the credit due for being such an awesome part of an unforgettable sit in.

Such a monumental show! Fans poured into the streets of Port Chester, fired up and thrilled that there was still one more show.