Widespread Panic
Landmark Theater in Richmond, VA
April 3, 2007, 7:30 PM
Ticket Price: $45
Going to see Widespread Panic gives me a sort of giddy excitement that only a few other bands can top. Now that they have guitarist Jimmy Herring in the mix, the energy is insane. They nearly blew the roof off the Landmark Theater in the second set. I will say, though, that I prefer the Pan-Pan in outdoor venues. There are six guys on stage, and that's a lot of sound to be contained by four walls. Our seats were at the top of the theater, too, so the vocals were a little washed out. But no matter. The jams made up for it. And I'm used to dancing on the grass, so the plush carpet was a nice change of pace.
Part of the joy of Panic shows, for me, is the interaction between fans. There are really no strangers; we're all united in our love of the music. And I really look forward to seeing everyone in their hippie garb.
Set 1: From The Cradle > Fishwater, Better Off, Angels on High, You Should Be Glad, Flicker > Greta, You Got Yours, Give
Set 2: This Part Of Town > All Time Low > Diner > Party At Your Mama's House > Airplane > Drums > Impossible > One Arm Steve > Love Tractor
Encore: Pilgrims > Blackout Blues
On the way to shows, I always like to name my 3 wishlist songs for the night. This time I wanted Surprise Valley, Climb To Safety, and Fishwater. Well, I got Fishwater second song of the night. Can't ask for more than that. Flicker is a new song that they're working on, and we Virginians got blessed with it's first on-stage debut. Excellent.
Set 1 was definitely a warm-up for Set 2. I think they must've tweaked the sound a little bit, too, cause the vocals were slightly clearer. The boys didn't relent in bringing the hotness - This Part of Town into All Time Low into DINER! into PAYMH into AIRPLANE!!! Then the bongo and drum time ensued. You can always pick out the moderate fans - they sit down during the drum solos, hehe. Anyway, it seemed like a lot of people were complaining about the sound, but always in the context of, "If they sounded that good with crappy sound, imagine how awesome they'll be this summer." I can't wait!!!
My Trusted MOGs
OMG...the Landmark Theater...memories like you wouldn't believe...be sure to hit the 3rd Street Diner...great omlettes and the jukebox is rockin'...at least it was the last time I was in town...
My Trusted MOGs
3rd Street Diner...ahah! I knew there was a diner around there. I wanted pancakes after the show, but everyone else wanted pizza...next time.... :D
My Trusted MOGs
I've done some dancin at some Widespread shows before, oh yeah, good times...
My Trusted MOGs
Hippie dancing is my favorite...no rules hehe
My Trusted MOGs
and you don't have to worry about looking like a fool because everyone else does too! HA!
My Trusted MOGs
i love this band, though i gave up seeing them live during after seeing a handfull of post houser shows and being less then thrilled. i will give the jimmy thing a shot, he is great. my top three panic songs of all time: nobody's loss, c brown and vacation, by the way
My Trusted MOGs
Sheesh, the last time I saw them live was in like '93 or '94, at the Hammerjacks in Baltimore - which they tore down to build Raven's stadium. I also saw them at The Bayou in D.C. - which they tore down to make more condos. Even saw them at the old Tipitina's in New Orleans - which they haven't managed to tear down yet, but not for lack of trying. It's really cool that they're still out there plugging away and tearing it up.
My Trusted MOGs
God didn't bless many of us white folks with dancing skills, that's fo' sure
Steve Simon - You should definitely give them another try now that George is gone and they have Jimmy on lead. I never got to see Panic with Houser :( but Jimmy is leaps and bounds better in the band than George was. Nothing against George's playing, but I think Jimmy is a better fit. "Now I'm not really interested in telling you my mind Just let me drag another before for you go"
MeSteve - I have so much respect for bands like Panic who keep on keepin' on despite the hardships and setbacks. They love what they do, and it's obvious in their music. It's a shame that all the great venues keep getting torn down...the older places have so much more character.