Hashtag PanicDontPanic.
That was my mantra as I ventured into downtown LA for the final night of a two night stop for Georgia’s own, Widespread Panic. The venue; the beautiful Orpheum Theater.
Why “PanicDontPanic”? Well, having gone through some recent personal health issues, this was my first foray back into the big show mix and I wasn’t really sure exactly how my body and mind would take the experience. I’m happy to say, it took it quite well as John Bell and company delivered to me, and a full house of WSP fans, a set packed with personal favorites, familiar staples and a few special guests. Not a bad Saturday night in LA, if you ask me.
I’ve been aware of and a fringe dwelling fan of Panic since the old days. The first time I ever saw them was a Blues Fest at a park in downtown Indianapolis, IN. I can’t recall the year but I remember they opened for George Thorogood and Mikey Hauser (RIP) was still playing guitar for them. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them a number of times and, I know this is cliche, but they keep getting better every time I see them. After 25 years, I should hope so. The addition of Jimmy Herring on guitar has certainly not hurt their swagger any.
John Bell’s voice is like an old blanket. Warm and comfortable, although a bit worn around the edges and rough in places, it’s just the way you like it. Lay that over Dave Schools thumping 6 string bass and Herring’s guitar licks and you’ve got a formula for comfort as well as a rockin’ good time.
The Orpheum Theater was their venue and they not only performed there but owned the place for about 4 hours on Saturday night. With 7th man, Paul Hoffman (Lighting Director) painting the place every shade of technicolor, WSP transformed the classic movie house theater into a rainbow full of sound and light that clearly permeated the mind, body and soul of every attendee.
You never know what to expect when you see the last night of a multi-show run. Especially if that last night is the tour end show. Are they exhausted and just wanting to get through the night so they can go home? Are they supercharged with “the end” energy and ready to leave a giant exclamation point at the end of the tour? Thankfully, Saturday night at the Orpheum was more of the latter than the former.
Kicking off just after 8:30 pm, they took the stage and dove right in with Tall Boy>Worry. Three songs later, personal favorite Hatfield reared it’s head followed by the first of two special guests, Nicky Sanders, violinist of the Steep Canyon Rangers. He sat in on Time Waits, Can’t Get High and Genesis, adding a little extra gravy on top of an already delicious melted face Panic sandwich. Cream Puff War and Action Man closed out the first set at 9:44pm
Curiously there was an extra amp on stage when all returned to their seats for set two. Who would the second set guest be?
Here’s something you don’t see every show. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it happen live. Just after second set began, somewhere in the middle of the Rock>Christmas Katie or Chilly Water jams, an enthusiastic fan decided that he’d rather be on stage giving Dave Schools some love instead of his proper place in the audience. With reckless abandon he hopped on stage and ran toward Schools, quickly being apprehended by security and escorted off stage left. His night was over and his last ditch effort to grab Schools’ microphone was halted as quick as his futile attempt at stardom began. Tragedy narrowly averted for Dave…not so much for the stage hopper.
So, excitement over…what was I talking about? Oh yeah, extra amp for special guest. Chilly Water concluded with no additional interruptions from overzealous fans and we were introduced to special guest number 2 for the evening, Neal Casal, guitarist for the Chris Robinson Brotherhood and band mate of Dave Schools in Hard Working Americans. Nice treat as Casal traded licks with Herring for Tail Dragger and Time Waits For No One. Neal exited stage right and WSP commenced with tearing up the rest of their time in LA with a non-stop Impossible>Travelin’ Light>Drums>Pilgrims. Paul Hoffman, WSP lighting director, showed some extra special effects off during Travelin’ Light (appropriate) and painted the entire ceiling in technicolors. A Protein Drink/Sewing Machine closed out the night and left all begging for more.
A few minute break and the three song encore began with Honky Red and concluded with a sentiment that everyone in the house could leave happy with….AIN’T LIFE GRAND!
More photos of the show on ShakedownNews Facebook Page.
April 5 | Orpheum Theatre | Los Angeles, CA
Set 1: Tall Boy > Worry, Tickle the Truth, Climb To Safety > Hatfield, Time Waits*, Can’t Get High*, Genesis*, Cream Puff War, Action Man (70 mins)
Set 2: Rock, Christmas Katie > Chilly Water, Tail Dragger**, Time Waits For No One**, Impossible > Travelin’ Light > Drums > Pilgrims, Protein Drink / Sewing Machine (90 mins)
Encore: Honkey Red^, May Your Glass Be Filled, Ain’t Life Grand
Notes:
* w/ Nicky Sanders on fiddle (Steep Canyon Rangers)
** Neal Casal (Hard Working Americans)
^ First Time Played (Murray McLaughlin – lyrics)
– Edie Jackson as sign language interperter
– Show #500 for Widespread Panic’s Lighting Dir., Paul Hoffman
