Red Rocks Night 2 (6/27/26)

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

Data mined and explored via Everyday Companion.

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The second installment of a three day Panic engagement took place on June 27th, 2026 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in the Centennial State. Fans were only slightly weary and mostly excited to take on the mountainous and scenic venue yet again. The WATLO Street Team arrived at the lower north stairs entrance around midday to investigate the scene and learn more about the culture and custom of this highly competitive and tightly knit entrance. The layout is a tall, steep and wide set of stairs leading to the lower corner of the venue on the Mikey/ Sam/ George/ Jimmy/ Nick side of the stage. The venue is a city park, open and free all morning until about 2:30 PM for normie activities such as walking and talking, yoga, sightseeing, photography, and fitness activities. Due to the need for pedestrian access, the fans lined up only on the right (uphill travel) side of the handrail that generally divides uphill and downhill traffic. Once the park closed, the left (downhill travel) side of the steps suddenly became vacant and presented a way for folks to “cut” the line and possibly walk right on up to near the front although ten hours had elapsed since the folks next to them had arrived ages ago to establish their rightful place in line on the right side.  A few conversations ensued to determine who belonged where and tensions did rise occasionally while folks tried to figure things out. The top several flights were in direct sunlight, and the unrelenting heat did not help to cool off the situation when there were disagreements about places in line. 

It was so hot hot hot on this Saturday, under a cloudless sky with temperatures soaring towards triple digits. It was much more difficult to erect a pop-up shade tent on the steps so folks used a variety of tarps, blankets, umbrellas, and solar resistant clothing to protect themselves from the high altitude solar radiation. Many fans were seen just taking one for the home team and baking in the sun with maybe just a threadbare lot t-shirt, ball cap, and pair of sunglasses. The hardiest of fans just raw dogged it and got already fried to a nice scarlet hue. We interviewed Randy from Philly and he said he got in line around 4:45 in the morning to get the very first spot in line. Core Score up one point!!! 

There were of course plenty of cold beverages being consumed from coolers filled with ice, and snacks being shared. Shout out to Jeremy for customarily bringing some heady pizza pies to share with the folks whose stomachs could remember what food was for. Upon interview, it seemed like the consensus was that although lacking a “chill” vibe and level place to enjoy a shakedown scene, this was the best place to enter in order to snag the best (aka lowest and closest) seats for you and your crew. Just before the crowd “tightened up” about an hour before the doors opened, folks packed up their shanty shade structures and coolers to have a helper bring them to the car while the runners held their coveted spots in line, blankets in hand. 

Once the fans were let in past the first gate about 10-15 minutes prior to the tarp run, we lined up again and were held at bay atop the final entrance steps until the rope dropped at 5pm sharp. The venue always picks a fun song to blast while the runners sprint for their seats and roll out sheets and blankets. This Saturday they had Jane’s Addiction’s “Running Down The Mountain”.  

A mere 137 minutes after we had been let into the venue, holding down our spot in row 22, dead center, the band took the stage and the crowd cheered gleefully. The 7:17:20 PM start time was upwards of 14 hours after the first fans had begun to arrive. A vast majority of the fans had likely already been at the venue for at least 6 hours when the band began, many for 8-10 hours. This level of Spreadication was quite amazing to witness and behold, showing just how far these heads are willing to go. 

The first song of the first set was an instrumental: The Take Out. The band only performed two instrumentals over the course of the entire three day run, and this was the first of the pair. The guitar JB has been using primarily in recent memory (a wooden grain colored hollow bodied Washburn) was again his choice of instrument to begin the set and according to our eyewitness account he played it for the entire show. This is a quintessential Panic composition, often played in the opening slot, and carries the rare honor of also having been released on their first studio album: Space Wrangler (1988). Interestingly, the very last time that Mikey played The Take Out was at Red Rocks, and that fateful version was also played in the opening slot of the first set. According to our calculations and the amazing statistics on Everyday Companion, we saw the 366th version TTO happen in Colorado in 2026: that's a year of daily Take Outs even on a leap year! Of the 366 versions, The Take Out has been used as an opener 21% of the time (77/366). This crisp and perfect sounding version clocked in at exactly, precisely 2:22, while the album version is 2:16. Incredible how they were able to play it in such an accurate time and tempo. Bravo! For those readers who have not seen the 1998 film Scrapple, it's worth a watch and this song actually appears on the very listenable soundtrack among other songs we enjoy on the playlist here at the WATLO HQ. Just like the album version, TTO ended abruptly and meticulously. 

Slot two of set one was another super-classic WSP original, Wondering. This was Nick’s 4th time playing this number as the lead guitar player with Panic and he followed his buddy Duane along nicely, uplifting the mood and setting us all soaring along, smiling and dancing in the early evening sunshine. The hottest part of the day had passed and facing east was kind on the eyes and many attendees had removed their sunglasses by this time. The large screens on either side of the stage gave ample opportunity to see the outfits worn by the band. Duane had his customary patterned bandana-headband and a pro-wrestling tee shirt with the stylized and colorful name Dusty Rhodes, The American Dream. The version of the song was tight and adhered to the standard structure and arrangement on the original studio version from the 1993 Everyday album. JB nailed the lyrics and according to our ears didn't change them up at all. 

A brief pause followed and then the sultry and greasy guitar lick led us into yet another original classic from the early 90’s: Little Kin. Similarly to the evening before, the sound was perfect and the band was in tune with the acoustically and geologically sublime natural sandstone amphitheater. This was a great song choice for the third slot of set one, at about 7:30 PM the shadows were indeed getting longer and the color of the sky was beginning to change with the onset of a Colorado summer sunset. “Sunset makes the shadows longer But the tavern in the valley glows” described perfectly the views from rows mid-20’s and above, with an incredible vista of the terrain downhill and to the southeast of the venue. Upon re-listening to this version, we pulled the track back many times and according to our intern’s ears, JB changed the lyric at 2:35 to “The tavern in the valley blows”. We are unsure if this was an intentional reference to the unusually breezy and windy conditions all weekend, or a foreshadowing to JB’s upcoming reference to the wind during his set break speech.  There were also four songs in the second set/encore with mention of wind and air that were going to be played this evening. Postcard: “The air we breathe” ; Surprise Valley “Winds whisper the trees” ; Pilgrims: “We can hear it in the wind outside” ; St Ex: “The wind, the sand, and the stars” Perhaps it was planned, weaving a cohesive theme together, or some form of Panic magic. Either way we are here for it and just glad our WSP visors did not fly away (LFG Visor FAM!). There was a deep dark bass journey at the end of this version, a short but sweet beating heart of DAS and Jojo trading off, with Nick conjuring Mikey vibes. JB gave away the next song to astute listeners with a little baby strum, and shortly after the rest of the band followed along.

Yet another old school classic original popped up next on the set list, C. Brown. JB had a standard outfit on: no Bojangles ballcap but sporting a grey long sleeve collared flannel shirt, top two buttons undone to both help stay cool and drive the ladies wild. His boots looked like they had been freshly shined and a leather belt held his trousers up. This version of CB was like a deep breath of fresh air after spending all day on a salty highway burning up a lucky streak. The voice of our adored and immortalized frontman was angelic in its tone and delivery. John Bell reminded us of some simple advice that made even more sense to us in relation to the frenzied Red Rocks entry and benchstool rodeo:

“We’re all searching for the golden rule: 

Draw onto others as they’ve come onto you…

…You don't have to worry”

It was such a soft and gentle version of C. Brown, no extended improvisation or playing needed to deliver this timeless classic and give the crowd reason to pause and reflect a bit and hug thy neighbor. 

After a soft landing of CB, the tempo stayed subdued and drawn out as Jojo began to a piano opening to one of his most raging and popular songs, a song that has been in the Panic catalog since the debut on 3/23/95. We at the HQ quite enjoy the nice and unhurried intro to the current arrangement that lit the fuse for a serious dance rager that was about to ensue. This song is credited to authors John Hermann and Bill McCrory, and was released on self-titled 1990 album Beanland. Although WSP has been playing it for over 30 years, this was only the 149th time played live and this song had the largest LTP show gap of the evening, clocking in at 29 shows (10/24/25 - Milwaukee). Simple math will show that this was Nick Johnson’s first time spinning off the highway into the grass with Jojo belting out the lyrics to One By One. Duane and Nick were up to the challenge of bringing the heat, applying youthful energy which inspired Jojo to truly swing as hard as he could at this pitch. From where we were dancing, it looked like the ball flew all the way out of the park. All the pent up energy from being mute at Red Rocks 2025 seemed to fuel Jojo and give him the strength of a super hero. Nick could barely contain himself and at exactly 3:00 on the Nugs recording he just uncorked and went full H.A.M. His tone was so crisp and sharp in this segment, and for lack of a better term, he was shredding. Sharing the Mikey/George/Sam/Jimmy/Nick side of the stage with his elder compatriot seemed to enhance the chemistry between those two and this was a great example of them pushing each other to greater and greater heights. GO JOJO!!

Before the 6th song of the set began, the band took a pause and some of the best crew in the land came on to fix something. DAS said “Technical Difficulties, Technical Difficulties, Technical Difficulties, give us just a second” and then just a few seconds later said “OK we’re back.” Trashy is a well known new song that has been heavy in the rotation and we always are more than happy to hear it. Our humble little non-profit organization is lovingly named after a lyric in this song. We Are The Lucky Ones! We are so grateful for Bloodkin and that Danny and Eric wrote this amazing song, and just so grateful to hear our favorite band cover it. Dreamy guitar moans and perfectly crooned lyrics filled the air as fans smiled and hugged, high fives and knowing glances rippled throughout the crowd. The WATLO agents had a good do-si-do and soaked up every minute. This song has evolved to occupy about 8-9-10 minutes or so, with a bit of jamming and this version followed that formula. It was delightful.

There was a dreamy and gentle exit from Trashy that set the stage for turning the dial back up for a tasty Goodpeople>Dark Bar>Goodpeople sandwich. JB led the charge in GP with Nick and Jojo firing shots from their side of the stage. The Dark Bar used to be a short little interlude but has in recent history grown to be a 7-minute plus Jojo masterpiece. Whether it’s the old Darker Bar lyrics or the current seemingly stable and repeatable Dark Bar Lite lyrics, they hit hard and they are awe inspiring. Again the 2026 Red Rocks return of letting Jojo sing was made more epic by Jojo heavy selections, and this one was flawless. The harmonizing between the Piano man and the Preacher man can make the hair on your arm stand up. The rally back through GP was a good way to get the crowd turnt back up before the set closer began.

The 10th and final song of set 3 for the weekend was an all-time classic, as feel good as Panic gets. If you don't like Porch Song and get joy from it, please report to the nearest coroner office, because you are dead. On a certain level, every single WSP show is a Mikey tribute, and within that tribute, this song is just such a celebration of the man in the moon who we all miss each and every day. Sunny found his might on this version and gave it a serious go, as the eldest member of the band reminded us all that he is a legend of a legend: an Icon. GET IT SUNNY! Typically, Porch Song and The Take Out are paired together in some fashion. We immensely enjoyed this “open-faced sandwich” (shout out to Monica for the term suggestion!) as they opened the set with The Take Out and closed it with Porch. LFG! 

They say quality over quantity, and at 56 minutes, this set was chock full of the former. We had a bit of a short first set to make space for a once in a lifetime award ceremony that would take place next. JB warmed up his talking voice before leaving by saying: “We’ll be right back”

Set break was cut short (just over 20 minutes long) when the Colorado Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony began. Scott Tobias kicked things off with the induction for Bill Bass and for Widespread Panic. He referenced the event Thursday night at the Governor’s Mansion, which was a much more intimate event. Only 250 attendees witnessed Governor Polis make a proclamation to create a Widespread Panic Day that is now celebrated state-wide on June 25. Widespread Panic is not a Colorado band, they are considered a Georgia band despite individuals being born in various other states (JB = Ohio, Schools = Virginia, Mikey = North Carolina, Sunny = Texas, Jojo = New York, Todd = Tennessee, Jimmy = North Carolina, Duane = Florida, Nick = Massachusetts). However, as a band, their origins began in Athens, GA at UGA. Bill Bass, the Colorado concert promoter, first brought Widespread Panic to Red Rocks in 1996, 30 years ago. 

JB came out with a piece of paper in hand to say some words for Bill:

“Well, hello, everybody! Me and the guys, we are extremely proud to be here to help honor our buddy, our good friend, Bill Bass. And, let me give you a little quick run down of Bill here and his place in Colorado, and in everybody’s hearts whether they are aware of it or not. So, Bill’s influence on the Colorado music scene began over 40 years ago. Starting in the early 80’s as the owner of Image Productions in Colorado Springs. In the mid-80’s Bill was promoter of the Blue Note in Boulder. Then he went on to join forces with Barry Fay at Fayline Productions before striking out on his own again with Small Acts Productions in ‘94. There he was booking concerts at the Fox Theater in Boulder along with venues outside Colorado, like the Joint in the Hard Rock in Vegas. Small Acts became Bill Bass Concerts in ‘98, and still lives on today under the guidance of Bill’s wife, Angie, and Peter Olivove. Mr. Bill also developed the internationally renowned Reggae on the Rocks in ‘88, yeah! I’ll give you some time to get it out [referencing the folks on stage getting the award out]. The longest running annual show in Red Rocks history. He promoted concerts for such notable acts as MegaDeath and Slayer, ‘cause Bill liked his metal! And along with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, 311, Bare Naked Ladies, Burning Sphere, Sublime, and many many more. So, William Glenn Bass’s influence on Widespread Panic began over 30 years ago and he’s arguably the best reason we get to visit you guys at Red Rocks Amphitheater every time this year. Red Rocks and Colorado, such an amazing space, it’s a place where there’s not a whole lot of room for fakery. Like you can’t fake climbing mountains with your fingertips, or navigating 13,000 foot tall mountains gleefully. And Bill, he couldn’t fake being Bill. ‘Cause he was all Bill. The first time I sat down with him backstage and we hung out, I was wondering to myself ‘okay, this cat’s different. He’s funny, he’s sincere, but I can't help but think that something crazy and kind of unexpected is about to happen.’ That’s the kind of gold that you hope to find in a bandmate, and Bill, ha! Thank you, wind! [the wind picked up and really blew his paper around] We should write about wind in a song. But, Bill brought that kind of stuff in as a promoter and he was a rockstar in the best sense of the phrase. Colorado’s music scene has grown into its vibrant self thanks to Bill Bass. From the Blue Note and the Fox Theater in Boulder to Red Rocks right here and the many many acts he lifted up. His contributions will continue to be felt for decades to come, and we are so happy to have known you, Sir. And also so happy that you are here. Welcome to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, Mr. Bill Bass! Angie Bass, ladies and gentlemen…”

Angie got on stage and was very choked up while accepting the award on behalf of her late husband:

“Thank you, JB. It is an honor to accept this induction into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame on behalf of my husband, Bill Bass. Bill believed live music could bring people together like nothing else. For more than four decades, he poured his heart into creating unforgettable nights, supporting artists, and helping shape Colorado’s music community. I remember him standing quietly side stage at Red Rocks [she began to cry, and apologized, while the crowd lovingly cheered for her, certainly empathizing with her emotions] arms folded watching the crowd making sure every detail was right. And many mornings after shows at sunrise he’d already be planning how to make the next night even better. But long before anyone even walked through the gates, Bill was here at load-in, making sure everything was in place so that the artists, the crews, the fans could have the best night possible. [audible cheers] Tonight is especially meaningful because we are surrounded by the incredible Widespread Panic Family. Congratulations to Widespread Panic on becoming honorary Coloradans and on your induction into the CO Music Hall of Fame. No band has written such a remarkable chapter on the story of Red Rocks. 78 sold out shows, with many more memories to come. What an extraordinary legacy. For Bill, there could be no greater honor than to be recognized alongside Widespread Panic. He didn’t just admire what they built, he truly loved this band. He respected their dedication, their connection to their fans, and the way they made every show feel like something special. He was proud of the history they created together at Red Rocks, and he cherished them not just as artists but as close friends who shared his passion of live music and became part of our extended family. Their journey has been part of Colorado music history for decades. Sharing this moment makes it even more special. Bill loved this community, the band, the agencies, management, crews, venues, and the fans. He would be deeply humbled by this recognition. On behalf of our family, thank you to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. To everyone who shared this journey with Bill, Bill would probably tell me to make this short and get back to the music, so thank you for this incredible night!"

Scott got back on the microphone, and introduced the new category “Honorary Coloradan” for musicians that are not from the state, but who have had a huge impact on the state and the music history. They literally created this category WITH Widespread Panic in mind. So, it seemed so appropriate that they were the first to receive the award and induction under this new category. He saluted the fans, calling us the backbone of the musical experience, so we all cheered for ourselves. He summoned the entire band to the front of the stage and welcomed Chuck Morris to officially hand off the award. 

Chuck explained that WSP is the first band or musician outside of Colorado to be inducted in the CO Music HoF. Their first show in CO was in March of 1990 at the Fly Me To the Moon Saloon in Telluride, CO. Their first time playing at Red Rocks was in 1991 opening for Blues Traveler. But, since 1996, they have had 78 sold out consecutive shows at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Chuck let us all know they are indeed the Undisputed Kings of Red Rocks, which summoned up a massive cheer. He gave a shoutout to the tapers section, noting how amazing it is that they’ve allowed fans to record their shows since the very beginning. From our seats, we saw the tapers pump their hands up in the air! He gave a shoutout to the band’s contributions to Tune for Tots, and the Denver city-wide proclamation of Widespread Panic Day, and now the state-wide Widespread Panic Day. He listed off each band member, and the crowd erupted enormously when he mentioned Jimmy Herring, as well as when he saluted Nick Johnson. 

Schools accepted the award plaque and walked to the mic and delivered this INCREDIBLE speech without a piece of paper:

“Wow! I can’t imagine a better place to call a second home, and to be adopted by Colorado for this honor. I’m going to keep it short. I just wanted to say a little something about family. And, when the band started we all lived in this little house in Athens, Georgia called King Avenue. And, we had a friend and his name was Tom Gunther, we commonly knew him as ‘Bear.’ And he left town, and left us all on our own in Athens and some months later we got a postcard that arrived at the band house and on the frontside of it was a skier catching air way up in the mountains. And on the backside was a postmark from Telluride, CO. And a very simple message on the postcard that said, ‘the air here is great. We’re having an ass kicking time. This town is nuts! My kind of place. I don’t ever wanna leave.’ So, from the very first time we came up the hill and saw Red Rocks, it was like the gates of Heaven, you know. And I don’t know how many times we’ve played here, but that never changes, it bowls me away every time we come up the hill. And it bowls me away every time I see friends all the way up to the top. And, uh, friends here behind us, I just want to thank the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. I want to thank Bill Bass. And, I want to thank YOU, for always making us feel right at home. So, less talk, more rock, let’s have some fun, thanks!”  

Everyone exited the stage and within 90 seconds, the six band members came back to officially launch into the second set of music for the evening, and the fourth set of the run. The boys tuned up, and a bit unsurprisingly, Nick ripped into Postcard, the song Schools quoted in his speech just minutes ago. Our band members often don’t give big speeches or explanations of song origins. It’s part of the folklore from fans that stories are passed down and shared anecdotally. So, having just heard the story of this postcard coming from Bear (Tom Gunther) from Telluride right out of Schools’s mouth that made this version so much more special. There was something magical in the air, we all knew that after the incredible induction and all the heartfelt words and celebratory emotions this was going to be a very special set. Of the 252 times this song has now been played, it’s kicked off the second set fifteen times (6%). The last time was on the exact same date (6/27) in 2021. 

Pretty much immediately afterwards, Sunny and Duane took us on a ride through Surprise Valley. Dave was feeling it, and his bassline was thumping throughout the natural amphitheater. Nick unleashed with the rhythm section pulverizing behind him. Each member was playing with all his might, predator Panic at its finest. Dave took a solo, it seemed like his halftime speech revved himself up, earning him MVP of this set. Spreadheads far and wide were grooving joyfully to the second song in a row that was written about Colorado. First played on this exact date (6/27) in 1999 at this exact venue, Red Rocks Amphitheater. We were celebrating the 27th anniversary of this song being in their catalog! Schools and Jojo had a groovy interchange, playing off each other’s improvisations. The jam cooled off and Jojo’s organ became the most prominent instrument, as he introduced the next song. 

Written by Jerry Joseph, Climb to Safety was first released in 1993 and first played by the best band in the land on January 20, 1996 at the Fox Theater in Boulder, CO. This venue was mentioned several times in JB’s speech, recounting Bill Bass’s career in the Colorado music industry. It’s actually fairly common to see signs along the road saying “CLIMB TO SAFETY” in the Centennial state due to flooding events. Schools was dropping some heavy bombs, really shining. 

They seamlessly navigated their way back to Surprise Valley to complete the only sandwich of the evening. The song came to a complete stop, giving them some time to tune.

Then, Nick started off Travelin’ Man first played on 5/2/03 and released on Ball that same year. Supposedly, Mikey had a lot to do with writing the song despite it not being played until after his death. There was a solid show gap once Todd left the band. They played it on 6/25/14 in KCMO and then went 222 shows until playing it again on 3/15/18 with Duane on the kit. Despite this song not having an obvious tie to Colorado, it kicked off this overall theme of traveling songs. We couldn’t help but relate what it must have been like in the 90’s to travel all the way from GA to CO as a young band, packing up each night for the next city. 

On 3/12/22 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in LV, NV (formerly called The Joint, which JB also mentioned in his speech about Bill Bass),  they paired Travelin’ Man with The Waker and haven’t looked back since. In total, they paired the two songs sixteen times, creating quite a combination, akin to China > Rider. Can you always expect it? We don’t like to speak in absolutes, but statistically speaking, yes - you can! 

They segued perfectly into Arleen, and Sunny got out his electric drum to play DJ-sounding effects, reminiscent of when DJ Logic was on stage with them for this song. Last played at Jazz Fest with members from Dirty Dozen Brass Band on stage, this was the 239th time we were all blessed with this General Echo cover. JB started rapping early on with “chicken on the bone, chicken on the bone” and threw in “Startrek” when recalling all the programs he can’t watch without electricity. Thankfully, JB made Arleen “barely 18” rather than 16, which is always nice. Keep it legal, friends! Then he added some “good morning little school girl”s in there. This song is basically one giant JB rap, as he substitutes words left and right, it’s hard to capture them all, but here's another good one: “Too many windows on that side, too many windows on that side, too many windows on that side.” “Daddy still got his demon eyes on me. Hope it’s not huntin’ day, hope it’s not your daddy’s shootin’ day.” Schools’s “NOOOO!”s were haunting. Schools got in on the rapping fun with, “Blood blood blood blood and fire. Blood blood blood blood and fire. Blood blood blood blood and fire. Blood blood blood blood and fire. Blood blood blood blood and fire. Nobody move, nobody get hurt. Nobody move, nobody get hurt. Nobody move nobody get hurt. Nobody move, nobody get hurt.” He was quoting a couple classic Reggae songs: Blood & Fire by Niney the Observer, released in 1992 and Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt by Yellowman, released in 1984. Towards the end JB was wailing behind him and then the music shot up to 11 as everyone felt completely overwhelmed and energized by the two original band members improvising vocally together. Ferocious Panic took hold all the way upwards towards a crescendo of massive proportions right around the 9:30 mark. Things slowed down and for the last minute we watched them navigate a transition.

Whispers amongst fans commenced as we all wondered what would be in store for us next. A favorite game to play amongst Spreadheads, “what song is this?” Sunny started playing the chimes, sometimes an indicator of Driving Song, which a young fan next to us guessed. Then, Nick started the 582nd version of Pilgrims. JB substituted “Think I see some criminals next to my window” rather than crows flying beside his windows and “them criminals are just shadows on my window” instead of the crows being drifters through the window. We’ll never know why criminals were on his mind, but it’s always important to listen loud for these slight variations that make each live performance so special and unique. This was a beautifully executed rendition of this song. Sunny gets to explore lots of gadgets during this tune, our favorite is when he busted out the goat toes! Jojo had a moment to shine at the end, Go, Jojo, Go!!! 

After a microscopic pause, Schools ripped into the Flat Foot Flewzy bassline! First played on June 26, 1991, this was the 223rd time ever played and took the award for second longest show gap of the night, at 28 songs. Meaning, this was Nick’s first time walking like a tweety birdie. FFF was written by NRBQ and released in 1970. The unhinged dance party revved up to a maximum. Schools added some extra “doo-doos” and various humming sounds, adding some texture to the already powerful song. Many people left saying this was a highlight of the show, as energetic as it gets! Schools said, “thank you!” and they exited the stage. 

A few minutes later, the men got back on stage, for their second encore of the run. This time they played a Warren Zevon cover, Keep Me in Your Heart, perhaps as a nod to Bill’s induction and JB sharing that he was in fact “here.” We all live on in our beloved friends who keep our memories close to their hearts despite being gone from this plane. First debuted at Red Rocks three years prior (6/25/23), this was the 11th time played, and the third time this year. Since we love counting, because we are nerds, we decided to count the “la’s” JB sung. There’s one “sha,” nine “la,” and one “lo.” There you have it. 

Nick began the recognizable intro to Saint Ex, the original song released on Dirty Side Down in 2010. Of the 159 times this song has been performed live, it’s only been in the encore position ten total times (6.3%), once with Todd behind the kit and the other nine with Duane. The combination of neck banging heavy metal licks, beautiful imagery and storytelling, and all that’s in between make this a beautiful showcase of Panic’s breadth of abilities. We recently polled fans whether or not they “pump” or “dump” this song, it seems to be a controversial song amongst the fan base. We pump it and pump it HARD. Yet another example of Predator Panic this evening, they were all playing so hard and with all their might! An incredible ending!

But, they weren’t finished yet! They still had one short 3-minutes of music to play. Another Warren Zevon cover, Lawyers, Guns, and Money, released in 1978. It seemed noteworthy to have a 3-song encore with Warren Zevon bread. Z>X>Z?? If anyone has a clue about the significance, please reach out! Shout out to the woman who wore her Lawyers, Guns, and Money dress on night one. We hope you listened to the suggestion to wear it again on night two, but you didn’t seem too keen on the idea. It’s always great to end a show with a sing-a-long and a crowd favorite. Nick added extra flare at the end, squeezing out every last ounce of rock. 

JB said, “thank you, everybody! Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.” They all really truly seemed verklempt by the whole induction. It was certainly a special night in the band’s history and for all of us there to witness it. We made our way down the giant staircase after taking a family photo, saying long goodbyes, keeping our eyes out for ground scores, and relishing in the magic of Red Rocks. 

We were off to our friend’s house to wind down with a friendly game of bananagrams and some much needed rest before the final day of the exhausting but rewarding Red Rocks Run!

Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Higher Love: