Widespread Panic
Athens, Georgia jam institution since the mid-80s, stretching Southern rock grooves into long improvised passages behind John Bell's gravelly voice.
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Is Widespread Panic playing any festivals?
No festival we track has Widespread Panic on the bill right now. We cover 223 festivals and add more as lineups drop, so this page updates itself the moment one of them books Widespread Panic.
About Widespread Panic
Widespread Panic formed in Athens, Georgia in 1985 around singer John Bell and guitarist Michael Houser, with Dave Schools on bass, Todd Nance on drums, Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz on percussion and, later, John "JoJo" Hermann on keyboards. Houser died in 2002, and Jimmy Herring took over lead guitar in 2006. Duane Trucks later replaced Nance on drums.
The band's records, from Space Wrangler (1988) to Ain't Life Grand and Bombs & Butterflies, are only part of the story. Widespread Panic writes a different setlist every night and mixes originals with covers. In 1998 it played a free show in downtown Athens to mark the live album Light Fuse, Get Away, drawing a crowd estimated near 100,000. Its fans call themselves Spreadheads.
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Questions about Widespread Panic
Is Widespread Panic playing any festivals?
No festival LineupScout tracks has Widespread Panic on the bill right now. This page updates when one of them books Widespread Panic.
Is Widespread Panic on tour?
Yes. Widespread Panic has 5 shows listed, from Charlotte, NC on Dec 30, 2026 to Nashville, TN on Feb 13, 2027.
What kind of music does Widespread Panic play?
Widespread Panic plays rock.
Who is in Widespread Panic?
Widespread Panic is John Bell, John Hermann, T Lavitz, Dave Schools and Duane Trucks. Former members include George McConnell, Michael Houser and Todd Nance.
When did Widespread Panic form?
Widespread Panic formed in Athens in 1985.
What was Widespread Panic's first album?
Widespread Panic's first album was Space Wrangler (1988). The latest is Hailbound Queen (2024).