John Bell quarterbacked his team through a deliberate no nonsense solid set list to kick off Widespread Panic’s spring tour at NYC’s Beacon Theatre. With a hearty list of dates at the hallowed Allman Brother’s homebase, fans will get a massive dose of Panic in NYC over the next two weeks. I ran into several music buddies at the show including Bucalo, Soi, Assalone and some dude that I forgot his name but he’s been to my parties before. 


Some specific song notes before getting back to broader thoughts on Widespread at The Beacon…


The full 19 song set list is here.

1) Bell was amazingly and memorably delicate with Curtis Mayfield’s “Pusherman”. The band masterfully uses the quiet moments between the chords give the song texture. Widespread creates as an authentic funk rock sound. Kudos to King Buddha… baseman Dave Schools. 


2) Intensity on the Neil Young cover of “Walk On” was noticeably dialed up and aimed to rattle the Widespread fans during the second set. This singalong “high-fiver” was a lure into Widespread’s deep scary swamp sound in Blight. Nobody gets swampy like Widespread.


3) “Porch Song” is always a welcome starter, soon followed by “Greta” and “Stop and Go”… even better.  As good as the song list was on Thursday, Friday night’s list is even better (click here).


4) A steady veteran of Widespread live shows since moving to Ventura County and meeting the craziest Widespread fan on the planet working the Amgen labs (Sherm), this was my first time hearing their Tom Petty cover of “You Wreck Me”. This was a nice surprise for me and my showman Mississippi Jay P.

Like the Allman’s and their offspring (Tedeschi Trucks Band and Government Mule), the Beacon is the perfect venue for Widespread to perform their songs. The venue is intimate, but not too small (like the Cap) or too big (like Radio City)… both recent venues for Widespread NYC shows.  When bands like Widespread sink their tentacles into the audience the Beacon building sways with the dancers. The Wilco shows at the  Beacon Theatre were special like this one (click here for this story). I would throw Black Crowes  and Drive-By Truckers (click here for the story) in this hallowed group that knows how to light up the Beacon.


One of the more amusing notes from my show notebook is that “Bell is aging like a revered New England boarding school professor staring yet another new semester.” Take it for what it’s worth.


I had a great crew (thanks John M for hosting!)


Until next time… cheers to your heal members of Widespread Panic.


Peace.