If it really was the last time I’d be able to see a Widespread Panic show, what a night it was. Last night the legendary rockers performed the final date on the Summer Tour at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas and had a capacity crowd going wild from start to finish. For me I’d have to say the highlights of the first set were easily “Climb to Safety,” and “All Along The Watchtower” followed by “All Time Low.” As for the second set, “Surprise Valley” into “Heaven” back to “Surprise Valley” into Drums and back into “Surprise Valley” was sick and a random occurrence, Carrot Top came out during “Coconut” and did a little percussion assistance. And the encore, wow, you couldn’t ask for more; “Ophelia” into “Shape I’m In” was a funky good time and if “Porch Song” is the final song I ever get to hear the boys perform live, no complaints.
I’ve been lucky enough to see Widespread Panic more than a handful of times and if after 25 years this is the final year, their live shows will surely be missed. I hope that when JB said at the end of the show “We’ll see you” and then paused before saying “sometime,” that there is a chance they won’t be saying goodnight forever.
Big thanks to EverydayCompanion.com for always being my source for Widespread Panic setlists. Below is last night’s.
1: Henry Parsons Died, Climb To Safety, Radio Child, Sharon, Visiting Day, Rebirtha, Driving Song > Disco > Breathing Slow > Driving Song, All Along The Watchtower, All Time Low
2: Pigeons > Junior, That Don’t Make It Junk, Coconut*, Jack, Surprise Valley > Heaven > Surprise Valley > Drums > Surprise Valley, Space Wrangler** > Tall Boy
E: When You Coming Home, Ophelia > The Shape I’m In, Porch Song
* with Carrot Top on percussion
** with various crew members on percussion
Do You Hear The Music? 