Dixie Jam: Widespread Panic starts a huge fall tour in the South this month.
In the early ‘80s, Widespread Panic was born at the University of Georgia out of the casual dorm room jams of lead singer John Bell and lead guitarist Michael Houser. After becoming a popular fixture in Athens’ reputed independent music scene, the band gradually spread its dynamic brand of psychedelic Southern groove rock to huge audiences across the country. Now it’s been 25 years since the band’s first official show in 1986, and along the way the group has endured its share of triumphant highs and devastating lows. The Dixie jamband’s road-warrior diligence built a loyal fan following that led to sellouts of monumental venues like Red Rocks Amphitheater and Madison Square Garden, as well as a free blowout concert in the streets of Athens that attracted 100,000 people back in 1998. There has also been evolution through adversity, specifically when the band lost Houser to cancer in 2002.
After two and a half decades, the band—which now includes Bell (lead vocals and guitar), John Herman (keyboards), Jimmy Herring (lead guitar), Todd Nance (drums), Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz (percussion), and Dave Schools (bass)—is planning an indefinite hiatus to start in the early part of next year. But before the extended break, Panic is celebrating its anniversary with a tenacious touring schedule that includes a huge run through the South this fall and a New Year’s Eve show in Charlotte. Bell chatted with BRO about the band’s biggest moments and his upcoming time off.
After 25 years, can you pinpoint a pinnacle moment for Widespread Panic?
The first time Mike and I were playing together, and we realized something special and different was going on. That has to be the pinnacle moment, because it led to everything that has come since. Playing venues like Red Rocks and the streets of Athens were really big things, but they happened because of bigger things like knowing we were a band that needed to stay together.
Through trials and triumph, what’s been the key to keeping the band vital for so long?
It sounds trite, but we always remember to have fun with it. We just keep writing new music and try not to be too serious—just serious enough to keep our jobs.
The band recently reconnected with Athens with two big shows to start the year, and the recording of your latest album, Dirty Side Down. Why was the town a great starting point for your band and many others?
It’s a great starting point for a lot of bands, because it’s a college town with a bunch of kids partying all the time and a lot of opportunities to play music. Meeting our main producer, John Keane, early on had a lot to do with it as well. He’s a great producer, who’s done great things for our band. When we’re in his studio, we are always comfortable and we always explore new stuff that we wouldn’t without his influence.
Consistently interesting covers have always been part of the Panic repertoire. Whose songs do you like singing best, besides your own?
I love doing the Talking Heads stuff. They’re catchy tunes, and there’s good meaning to find in them without getting really heavy. It’s kind of like reading Doonesbury.
A lot of hype has been made about the band’s upcoming hiatus. Does reaching 25 years make it seem like a good time to take a break?
I don’t think the two have anything to do with each other. We’ve taken breaks before, and we feel like it will be healthy to stop what we’ve been doing for so long and take a deep breath. I want to see something different and then come back refreshed. We’re having a great time playing right now, but there is something very beneficial to walking away for a second and feeding another side of yourself. It’s only going to help us feel more vital when we come back and start writing music again.
What are you going to miss most?
Growing up I played a lot of sports—soccer in the fall, hockey in the winter, golf in the spring. Getting on stage is one of those things we look forward to with every new season. I’ll miss the energy of hearing the whistle blow and trying to score a goal.
Do you have any idea what fans can expect the future of Widespread Panic to look like?
People try to make plans for you, but that’s not what time off is. My plan is to wake up one morning and know that no one is telling me what to do. We’ve been doing this for a while, and we’re ready for a little time with no responsibilities and nothing tugging at us. I’m ready for a chance to do a little daydreaming.
So what do you do when you’re not on the road?
My wife Laura and I live in the mountains of Georgia, near where the Appalachian Trail begins, and we own a wellness center [Cedar Heights Center in Clarkesville]. I’m there most of the time, when I’m not on the road, and I work around the grounds and maintain the gardens. Things keep growing, so I know I’ll stay busy.
Before Widespread Panic’s indefinite break, the band is playing a run of big shows in the Southeast.
September 19-21 The National • Richmond, Va.
September 23-24 Raleigh Amphitheater • Raleigh, N.C.
September 26-28 Tennessee Theater • Knoxville, Tenn.
September 30 Tuscaloosa Amphitheater • Tuscaloosa, Ala.
October 1 FedEx Forum • Memphis, Tenn.
October 2 Mississippi Coast Coliseum • Biloxi, Miss.
October 4-5 Johnny Mercer Theatre • Savannah, Ga.
October 7 The Woods Amphitheater • Nashville, Tenn.
October 8 Alpharetta Amphitheatre • Alpharetta, Ga.