After a three year absence, Widespread Panic returned to the City of Angeles for a pair of sold-out shows at the historic Orpheum Theatre to close out its Spring Tour and West Coast swing.
As the six members took their spots to start the show, each did some last-minute tuning of their instruments before lead singer John Bell turned to the crowd with a smile and said: “Alright. Hello, Los Angeles!” and proceeded to bust into “Old Neighborhood.”
The band segued into “Imitation Leather Shoes” after “Old Neighborhood,” and not surprisingly, drew a huge roar from the crowd when the lyrics: “He took a trip to California. Strung out on Hollywood and Vine” were sung. The band kept the energy high by then bleeding into a rockin’ version of “Love Tractor” before funking things up a bit on “Visiting Day.”
About half-way through the first set, the band showed off its bluesier side on “Ribs and Whiskey” with lead guitarist Jimmy Herring working the slide while John “JoJo” Hermann tinkered away on keys. However, things did not slow down for the remainder of the set, highlighted with a “Party at Your Mama’s House” instrumental jam into the story of “C. Brown,” which drew a huge cheer from the crowd at its conclusion. By the crowd’s response, this would have been a perfect end to the set, but instead were given “Heroes” and “You Should Be Glad” to head into the break.
Night one of the run brought out a couple special guests to help during the second set. Sitting in for three songs was fiddler extraordinaire Nicky Sanders of Steep Canyon Rangers fame. Sanders made his presence felt on all three songs, but most notably on “Diner” where he helped give the song a heavy bluegrass flavor. And, of course, the song also featured Bell rapping about whatever was on his mind, like losing his bench, a cup of coffee and swimming with donuts, among other one-of-a-kind “JBisms.”
During “Drums,” which many fans used to take a bathroom break, percussionist Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz and drummer Todd Nance were joined by drummer Wally Ingram, who also happens to play with bassist Dave Schools’ side band Stockholm Syndrome. Late in the jam, Schools joined the trio to add a little bass, making it more than just drums.
But it wasn’t just the stage that saw special guests. Being LA, you never know what celebrities may attend, even those who aren’t even human. Sitting high above stage left in a side balcony box were two fans dressed as Muppets Statler and Waldorf, suits and all. The two hammed it up for the crowd and took the time to snap shots with fans before the show and during the break. By the number of cameras out to grab a photo, it wouldn’t be surprising if there are more photos of Statler and Waldorf floating around than there are from the show.
In addition to the special guests, the second set also featured songs that ranged from pop-driven numbers like “Sometimes” to open the set to the trippy, psychedelic “Goin’ Out West” as it led into “Drums.”
Curiously, many people made their way to the exit after the set closing “Mr. Soul,” thinking that there would be no encore due to the lengthy “Drums” jam. But for the majority that stuck around, they were treated to a double encore performance of “I’m Not Along” and “Use Me” to end the night.
For those that have attended a Widespread Panic show, they know it’s more than just the music that adds to the experience, but also the light show. While not as grand and extravagant as what might be displayed at an outdoor venue or large arena, lighting director Paul Hoffman delivered a spectacular, yet intricate, light show to complement the music without being a distraction from the performance on stage. With visuals ranging from a wall of colorful lights to a starry night, Hoffman again showed his range and that he is more than a lighting technician, but a true artist.
Set List:
Set 1
Old Neighborhood >
Imitation Leather Shoes >
Love Tractor >
Visiting Day
Better Off
Ribs and Whiskey
Party at Your Mama’s House >
C. Brown
Heroes >
You Should Be Glad
Set 2
Sometimes
One Arm Steve
Diner*
Chunk of Coal*
Quarter Tank of Gasoline*
Airplane
Aunt Avis >
Goin’ Out West >
Drums**
Bust It Big
Mr. Soul
Encore
I’m Not Alone
Use Me
* Nicky Sanders on fiddle
** Wally Ingram on percussion
Photos by Scott Sheff
