Widespread Panic

Widespread Panic
Having spent 25 years in the music industry, Widespread Panic is still soaring high and from the looks of it, they aren't stopping anytime soon. Hailing from Athens, Georgia, this six-member band was initially formed by the duo John Bell and Michael Houser. While Houser succumbed to a fatal disease in 2002, Bell still continues to be a major part of the band.

The band's history dates back to 1981 when Houser and Bell were studying at the University of Georgia. The latter having experience as a solo performer started jamming with Houser and later were joined by the other members; Dave School as the bassist, Todd Nance on drums, Jimmy Herring as the guitarist, John Hermann on keyboards and Domingo Ortiz as the percussionist. Innovators in every aspect, the band came up with the name "Widespread Panic" because of the frequent panic-attacks that Houser used to get, a problem which he later controlled.

Immediately after formation, Widespread Panic started composing music and came up with tracks like "Driving School" and "Chilly Water". The talented members frequently performed at bars and fraternities, every performance adding to their experience as well as popularity. It was during one of these performances that the band was discovered by Landslide Records, with whom they later signed a deal.

In 1988 Widespread Panic released its debut album titled, "Space Wrangler". With the lyrics penned by the dynamic duo Bell and Houser, the album was an instant success and produced the sensational number, "Coconut". The bouncy rhythm and rocking beat laced with catchy lyrics is still hummed by people. The album boasts of another stellar track, "Chilly Water" that blends the expertise of Bell and Houser. The former's vocals and latter's guitar playing makes the song both interesting and mysterious; a combination rarely found.

After the release of the album, Widespread Panic was compared with the rock band "Grateful Dead", as they had their eclectic style which was a mix of various genres. However, the six-piece are as original as it can get. Despite developing a comfortable rapport with the rock n` roll genre, the band continued to experiment transcending the boundaries. They infused jazz, blues as well as reggae in their music which created sound that was pleasantly fresh. Often during their recording sessions, one member or the other would improvise which resulted in unique and ingenious music.

Widespread Panic continued to release one successful album after the other, all the while aiming for new creations. In 2001 the band released its first album under its own label Widespread Records. "Don't Tell the Band" reached the Billboard 200 list, taking the music lovers by storm. The veteran ensemble seemed to have further refined its artistry and the album certainly showed that. From the very first track each member settles into a groove, expertly producing an assortment of jazz fusion, soul, Latin rock, grunge as well as melodic folk. The multi-genre album boasts of tracks like, "Imitation Leather Shoes", irresistibly funky "Big Wooly Mammoth" and soulful "Little Lilly".

The jam-band has released its latest album in 2010 titled, "Dirty Side Down". Once again the dynamic six caught the fans by surprise as each track adorns its own style, varying in composition, acoustic as well as lyrics. Each member has contributed with songwriting resulting in a mix of themes. Widespread Panic has incorporated its unique blend of genres to create melodic compositions and rhythmic beats. "Dirty Side Down" boasts of breezy blues tracks like "Jaded Tourist", multilayered "Saint Ex" and southern rock, "When You Coming Home".

Widespread Panic is also commonly known as a touring band. They hit the road quite often, entertaining the fans with their live music. Their live performances include a mix of cover songs, their own hit tracks as well as new melodies that are either ready or still in process. At a Panic show be prepared for stunning improvisations and incessant jamming.

The legends have once again embarked on a tour and will soon be heading to your city. Get your Widespread Panic Tickets as soon as possible and be a part of an electrifying performance.

When we talk about rock music, Widespread Panic is the only band that comes with a lot of surprises. It gives you a feeling of the unknown that might happen either in the form of the upcoming music release or a live performance. Every time it unleashes a new album, it gives the same vibe to its fans worldwide. The audiences are kept guessing what is the group up to whenever the news of its release headlines the newspapers or television channels.

Widespread Panic is known in the industry for their energetic music and relentless touring. Since their inception in the mid eighties, the band today has successfully risen to the point of getting to the elite status among the current jam bands of America. Their music is compared to famous groups of the music industry including Phish and the Grateful Dead among a list of others.

Live performances contribute majorly to the success of Widespread Panic. It is known for never playing the same show again in its upcoming concerts. The band prepares a list of recently played songs and makes it a point that the playlist is not repeated. Apart from this, it also gives the liberty of taping and distributing their live shows to its fans to some extent.

Widespread Panic is all set for another live event with all new songs. So get your Widespread Panic tickets before it's too late!