widespread panic, the heir apparent

Non-Phish General
#1

so i caught a widespread show in san diego this weekend, my 3rd time seeing them. I’m please to announce they are the REAL DEAL, they are going down in history. Get on board. NO JOKE, they are not fucking around, especially with Herring on guitar. The jury’s out, THEY HAVE COMPLETED THE GRATEFUL DEAD SPIRIT TRIFECTA THAT I KNEW EXISTED, think of a triangle. The 3rd piece of that triangle is WIDESPREAD PANIC, or for the simpler of you, see below

  1. GRATEFUL DEAD
  2. PHISH
  3. (THANK GOD THERE IS A NUMBER 3, I HAD NO IDEA) WIDESPREAD PANIC (WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT) IT IS WHAT IT IS.
#2

saw panic once. they headlined “Memphis in May” a few years back. i enjoyed myself, but was not converted or anything. maybe i’ll make a more conserted effort to listen to them. last album i bought was Ain’t Life Grand, many moons back.

#3

I would love to see them live, that’s for sure. I managed to acquire some free studio albums a while back and have enjoyed what I’ve heard.

#4

seen them a few times

their shows are always a lot of fun and the jams are real good.

can rarely find myself getting into them on disc though, live or studio.

#5

maybe Umphrey’s is the heir (I’ve never heard more than a song or two, so I have no idea), but i know Panic isn’t.

I’ve seen them over 15 times now, with Jimmy and George, and although I have fun at their live shows, they have peaked. The way that they play and perform their shows hasn’t changed much AT ALL in their entire 20-year history. Their jams are not even close to the level of the dead (or even in the same realm as Phish), because no one in the band is nearly as good as Jerry, or Phil for that matter. The new Panic with Jimmy–the jams consist of him ripping it up–>maybe a fade into some spacey stuff–>maybe some drums–>more Jimmy shredding–>done. It never changes much.

The majority of their fans are in the southeast. They didn’t even sell enough tickets to fill the pavillion at Deer Creek a few years back. I went to a couple shows in Oregon last summer…half-full at best, and these weren’t massive sheds or anything.

Fact is, most fans of Phish and the Dead are turned off by Widespread, so I don’t see how they could be the heir. Its too “southern” for most people, and I definitely see the argument they are Allmans Brothers wannabees. Plus, their lead singer isn’t even really a singer. He’s more of a scatter. I enjoy JB, but I can see how he turns people away.

#6

and although Schools has some nasty chops, he doesn’t have the musicianship Mike and Phil do. They have the ability to fit into the band and make the other members of the band better.

thnkfst, i think you’re just riding high from seeing the best “jam” show you’ve seen in a while. thats all.

The only time at Panic shows I’ve ever felt “that” special feeling I felt at Phish shows was when Herbie Hancock was sitting in with them.

#7

^ i didn’t say they were better, or anything like that, i did say they were 3rd rung, being that the first 2 rungs are gone and done, at least for the time being. Widespread isn’t trying to compete or anything, they are clearly different than the other 2 bands and don’t pander to the audience. Try not to compare when listening and just listen. Widespread knows Jerry and Phil, Mike and Trey are better, they aren’t concerned with that. DEAD and Phish are gone FOR A WHILE soooooo, the best right now with those 2 gone are clearly widespread man. I am a veteran music listener, and let me tell you the way you described their jams is completely wrong from what I saw, there was no telltale “way” they were jamming, just what feels right. Phish is the 2nd best bro, def, but they are no longer with us. If you want to go see a band that will be remembered forever, and go down in history, then Widespread is the way to go. the “other” bands out there cannot hold a candle, not a freakin candle.

#8

I know you didn’t say they were better, I was just trying to point out, in my opinion, why Panic should not be placed just below Phish and GD. If they are, there has to be a large gap between the top 2 and Panic.

Of course Panic isn’t worried about being better than the Dead or Phish, but aren’t you comparing the three by starting this thread? at least to some degree?

I wouldn’t say Widespread is going to go down in history much at all, unless you’re in Athens, Ga.

But really, all of these arguments are pointless, since no one cares about jambands.

#9

O.A.R

maybe 311

;D

#10

Blues Traveler

#11

Spin Doctors.

#12

suit yourselves, but yur missin out. jambands do suck, thank god Widespread is just a classic timeless american rock n roll band that sound nothing like that jamband drivell you all listen to.

I was not comparing, i was just saying trifecta of genius, new, timeless music. that will stand the test of time. your all under 30 or married anyway, what do you know?

just kidding, see you at the show sometime

#13

phish will always be better, and dead will always be better than Phish…FOREVER

#14

I like Panic.

Where did this triangle idea come from?

I think it be in your head.

#15

Dude you’re speaking in absolutes entirely too much. Its not about Better. If any musician starts thinking in those terms, than they’re in it for the wrong reasons.

No band is worried about being better or worse than any other band. They’re just concerned about being the best band They can possibly be. I think Widespread Panic is a Phenomenal live act.

Thats enough for me.

#16

Blues Travler are taking part in the Florida Marlins post game summer concert series this season where a (short?) concert will be played in center field after the game ends.

other acts taking part in this are:

Cheap Trick
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Smash Mouth
Blues Travler
Vince Neil of Motley Crew & Quiet Riot
…and more!

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/fla/ticketing/super_saturdays.jsp?partnerId=2007hp_clubpromo_fla_saturday&affiliateID=2007hp_clubpromo_fla_saturday

#17

vince neil and quiet riot?

fuckin legendary legends they all be.

i wouldnt miss that one, jawbone.

#18

Hey now, you’re an all star, get your game on, go PLAY!

#19

thats why if you please, i am on my bended knees

#20

September 22 - Vince Neil of M