Asheville Recap Night 1 (7/24/25)
Listen to the entire show on Nugs or Relisten or Archive.org.
Data mined and explored via Everyday Companion.
Last year, the Asheville run was canceled at the last minute due to the unfortunate announcement of Jimmy Herring battling cancer. This year he was healthy and ready to shred! As the fun loving and palpably amped up Spread Heads ascended into the venue, it was obvious that the rowdy crowd was back again. Folks had on their finest lot shirts and were ready for some full send on a Thursday with good ol’ southern Panic! The security was so easy breezy, and the general atmosphere was happy, charged up, and flying high. It’s really nice not feeling like a criminal when entering a venue, and the staff was incredibly friendly and welcomed everyone with smiles! Harrah’s Cherokee Center ain’t fancy, but the water filling was easy (all empty containers were welcomed in), the bathrooms were plentiful, and the entire space being GA made it so easy to dance with the crew. The opening show was not sold out, so getting tickets was as easy as just buying one. What a miracle indeed!!
JB greeted the crowd with a simple, “good evening, Asheville!” and we were off to the races. He looked to be in good spirits and charged up from the majestic crystal garden array fronting the stage. Rock and Roll!
It all began with a few bass strums and Sunny’s stroking of the Güiro (wooden fish) as Little Lilly opened the run. An original song, released on “Don’t Tell The Band” in 2001. It was also called “Blue Girl” or “First Snow” and first played on 11/17/98. Despite it being the 241st time played, this was actually only the 14th time the band opened a show with the song. It’s one of those songs you can expect to hear approximately every other run, but we hadn’t heard one since Nashville (missing in three runs), so it was overdue!
For the second slot, Duane smoothly guided us into Little By Little. Two “little” songs in a row? Coincidence? Perhaps not… Wow - they were all feeling this one. The history of this band is so deep and wide and interesting, this song casts a bit of light on the long road these guys have traveled with some storybook time. JB’s “ooooohs” intermixed with the regular lyrics and his croons were superbly golden. Every single one of them was really getting it. Since its debut (7/29/23), LBL has been performed at every single run except Wilmington 2023, a total of 19 times. A pretty secure bingo square guess, if you ask us. Bet early and bet often yall!!
With the clear and mildly haunting strums of Little Kin, it became clear that the three “littles” played in a row was absolutely not a coincidence. Stay tuned to find out what exactly it meant. Arguably one of their sexier songs with the lyrics describing procreating in order for the kingdom to last, Kings and Queens making little princes, a tale as old as time. Throw that ass back! Meat and wine for all, as long as some one breaks the land!!
WATLO HQ loves when Sunny leads us into a song The trademark “wikkah wikkah” so clearly guided us into our fourth song of the set - Sunny used his talking drum and by rubbing the top of it the recognizable beginnings to Better Off began! Around 5:40, when the iconic Mr. Soul started repetitively murmuring “I swear I’ll quit talking about myself” it gave the truest fans chills. Please, let this be a PSA to trust JB and “stop squawking at all” about your ex. Listen to the band, YOU ARE BETTER OFF! Pay attention here: this song has a clear pig reference, “baby pigs” to be exact. This plays into the foreshadowing of things to come when combined with the three preceding songs. 🤓
Next up was a special treat for all the staffers at WATLO HQ. Our name, We Are The Lucky Ones (WATLO), is derived from Trashy, a song written by Daniel Hutchens and Eric Carter of Bloodkin, released on their album “Black Market Tango” in 2021. Widespread Panic debuted it during the Daniel Hutchens tribute set, Sunday’s first set at Red Rocks in 2021. The Asheville crowd was treated to the 30th performance of the song, with an absolutely beautiful intro into our beloved anthem. Despite a slight lyrical blunder by our preacherman when he went to show off his guitars and discuss his recipe for life so far, it was practically perfect! This song is becoming an instant classic and gets better with every showing. A beautiful transcendental jam took us out of the song and then…
GO, JOJO, GO!!!! We finally got a lyrical “Jojo” song, the first one since Chicago. One Arm Steve was the perfect number to get Jojo’s pipes fully firing again after superman healing his facial injury. Medical miracle! We’re so glad he’s ok!! The classic all original lyrics describe his first show performing with the band. The bouncer of the venue, One Armed Steve, wouldn’t let him backstage because he didn’t recognize him. So, our beloved Jojo was thrown out the door! Jojo was STOKED! The fiery piano man kept the jam going, extending his solo at around 2:50.
Next, JB said, “It’s our pleasure to have with us, Mr. John Keane on the acoustic guitar.”
Let’s take a side bar stroll with Mr. John Keane, shall we? One fan referred to him as “their fairy god Father” - pretty good summation of his role with the band. First of all, you can sort by guest on Everyday Companion. Try it HERE. He has sat in with our favorite band at 135 shows (including the three Asheville shows), joining them most extensively in 2002 and 2006, transitional years for guitarists in the band. While he was touring with them, he even had his road bike in one of the buses for him to tool around on once they reached their destination. His first show with them was 6/9/88, and his most recent sit-in was in Atlantic City during Panic’s triumphant return after having to cancel the last half of their 2024 shows. During the two shows he played with them in AC, he participated in the following:
2/14:
Fishing
Travelin’ Man
Waker
Keep me in your Heart
2/15
Trashy
Chainsaw City
Degenerate
Blue Indian
Heroes (David Bowie)
I’m So Glad
Panic’s first “official” show was 2/6/86 because it was Todd’s first show. It was a benefit for Africa and they opened for Strawberry Flats, which featured John Keane. He’s been along for the Widespread Panic ride since the absolute VERY beginning. So, who is this guy? Born on January 21, 1959 he’s based in Athens, GA and has been producing records under his own recording studio, John Keane Studios, which opened in 1981. He has worked the most with R.E.M. (another Athens band!), Indigo Girls (from Atlanta), and of course, Widespread Panic. He worked with the Boys on the following albums:
See the “selected” list of albums he was involved with HERE. He was even nominated for a Grammy for his production work on the Dirty Side Down album in 2011. Mr. Keane has played acoustic guitar, banjo, electric guitar, pedal steel guitar, and provided vocals over the years with the band. John just announced his retirement, so these Asheville shows were a bit of a “celebration” of his career, legacy, and impact on the band
John eloquently brought us into Fishing. WATLO staffers truly believe that this is one of their best songs, lyrically reminding us to be present, grateful, and keep our lines in the water. Yet another opportunity to remind ourselves that “We’re always LUCKY!” (at 1:42 JB clearly changed up from the original “We’re always looking”). We Are Always the Lucky Ones!!! WAATLO! Bet on it yall. In Panic history, Fishing was played live for the first time on 4/16/03 in Boston, MA during an acoustic set. This was the 62nd time the song was played. Appearing on the album, Ball, in 2003, it was pumped out 30 times that year, and another 13 times in 2005 & 2006 prior to Jimmy joining the band. Since Jimmy joined, it was played three times in 2006, once in 2008, three times in 2012 (during Wood Tour), three times in 2014 (all acoustic, twice for a recording), once in 2016 with John Keane on acoustic guitar, and then shelved until 2023. There is an unfounded fan rumor that Billy Strings playing it twice in 2022 is what possibly partly inspired our band to un-shelf it. The other plausible concept that led to the reemergence of Fishing was a tribute to longtime friend and Colorado based producer Bill Bass R.I.P. He got them into gigs at Red Rocks and procured many other bookings in Colorado; they had a close relationship for decades. The 2023 Red Rocks run was full of tribute to Bill. Roses by the dozen laid on the front of the stage and a slideshow were part of paying tribute to a man that dearly loved fishing. Bill died earlier that year on a fishing trip, in a peaceful manner. Panic played nearly every fishing song they have that weekend, including the amazing Fishing on Sunday, a bust-out after a 7-year absence (291 show gap!). That run included Fishwater, Bears Gone Fishing, and Tacklebox Hero. Since reappearing at that Red Rocks show in 2023, it’s been played 8 total times, gratefully three times in 2025!
Travelin’ Man was also released on Ball, and is such a beautiful story about being a road warrior, common in the lives of musicians and fans alike. Many tour fam deeply relate to the story of life on the road and living in hotel rooms. While most of our aging fan base may fly to shows and rent baller Airbnb’s, the core dream of life on tour and carrying our lives in a bag still stirs our soul. Keep your eyes on the road y’all!
Next up was an all time classic, The Waker. Released on ‘Til the Medicine Takes in 1999 and is affectionately about Michael Houser’s son, Waker. Not surprisingly, it was shelved after 6/28/02, Mikey’s last Red Rocks run (RIP to our original lingering lead, 1/6/62-8/10/02). Rest in peace, Rise in Power. We love you Mikey and miss you every day. The Panics brought this special gem back off the shelf NYE 2018 with a 1,084 show gap. If you were there you know: the place lost its collective mind. Many thought this song would stay forever shelved. The rumor has it that Waker was in attendance at that show and requested it. It’s been played 18 times since the un-shelving, 13 times following Travelin’ Man (that trend started 3/12/22). JB’s vocals were so tender and heavenly behind Jimmy’s guitar solo, truly channeling our musician in the moon. After the blissful original concluded, JB said, “John Keane, everybody! We’ll be right back!” Fans had their hands in the air soaking in all the energy that just poured from the stage as set break began. Their set breaks are always long enough that fans know they have plenty of time to do their mid-show errands.
The more observant and sleuthing heads knew it was 99% possibility that Slippin’ into Darkness or Chainsaw City was opening the second set due to Steve Lopez (the tour manager) being on stage. It was the former. Since Jimmy has joined the band, Steve has sat in with the Boys 56 shows. Pro tip: if you see him up there, in this modern era; it is a strong possibility we will be seeing Slippin’ or Chainsaw (spoiler for the next night…), true nerds pay attention! If he’s up there with Sunny then it’s likely we’re getting one of two songs, use your best judgement and impress all your friends. Slippin’ into Darkness was originally recorded by War in 1971. A perfect cover for Panic, it’s groovy, funky, and dark. Depending on how you define the evening’s “bust out” this song clocked in at a 33 show gap (LTP 1/19/24) making it night one’s longest gap since last performance. Baby bust out as we refer to it in the hallways and cubicles of WATLO HQ.
There was an easy and smooth transition that brought us straight into Travelin’ Light. The drums really kept rolling. Travelin’ Light is a J.J. Cale song originally released in 1976. Standard smoking version here and a good opportunity for the band to flex a bit and demonstrate how they have made this song sound like one of their own.
Next up JB’s filthy guitar intro brought us into the kitchen for some Thought Sausage. The crowd went wild and got prepared to do some serious dancing. JB’s growls commanding that we stirred it in the sauce were so memorable. Whenever they fire off this song it feels like a very special, down, and dirty show. Southern fried panic at its finest and we were all hungry for more.
After mom finally permitted us to go into the kitchen for some of her delectable silky gumbo, we heard the rumblings of a Bears and prepared ourselves to find Sunny by the edge of the sea. A nearby WATLO operative said to me, “they’re gonna sit on this one.” Glad they did… at over 11 minutes it was their second longest song of set 2, right after Slippin’ (12:16). JB’s grumbles, echoing vocals behind the music, and ad-libbing was phenomenal. The gargamel sweet talk “aahhhh’s” starting around 3:40 are top-notch, and we were blessed with “c’mon my kitchen, it’s good lookin’ child.” Don’t mind if we do, JB! Perhaps sentiments left over from Thought Sausage? Leftover Sausage?? Utah! Gimmie two!
An effortless drop into Jaimas Vu: we were just treated to this song in Chicago, and most fans were stoked to hear it again (shoutout to Emily and Cedar for putting a JV lyric on their sticker for the run)! The band conjures such a melodic and spell casting soundscape, allowing transport to higher and outer realms. (The small computer in our HQ has this definition for Jaimas Vu: French for "never seen," is a psychological phenomenon where a familiar situation or object is suddenly perceived as strange or unfamiliar. It's essentially the opposite of déjà vu, where something unfamiliar feels strangely familiar.). This song was released in 2015 on the Street Dogs album. The jam at the end is blissy and peaceful, Dave’s bass line reminiscent of Playin’ in the Band, the crowd was intently watching the band trying to predict what was coming next.
A creepy piano fill was next and then Dave’s bass triggered a Halloween Face. Honestly, this felt like a tribute to Ozzy for many fans. It’s definitely Panic’s most Sabbath-sounding original. JB referred to it as “the Halloweens” which melted everyone's hearts. It was a great version of the song, but didn’t quite rip the way it “normally” does. We love variety here at the HQ and it was an interesting take on this still newly evolving song.
After a full stop, we were treated to quite possibly one of the BEST versions of Fairies Wear Boots ever! Off the Paranoid album, Black Sabbath released it in 1970. The crowd was anticipating some nod for Ozzy’s recent death (12/3/48-7/22/25). JB’s vocals were so perfect - eerie, echoey, and soulful. The last two minutes absolutely ripped. It was the 27th time the band has ever covered the song, most recently in Nashville, the first time on 6/17/07 at Bannaroo.
The 55 year old Ozzy tribute fizzle faded out and the familiar guitar licks for Holden emerged. Time to FEEL! It was a bit surprising the Black Sabbath cover didn’t bring us home, or end the set, but the crowd was definitely ready for more! Clocking in at less than 5.5 minutes, this Holden is not to be missed. One of the highlights of the entire show! The jam kicks off around 3:10, and the trade-offs between Jojo and Jimmy with Schools just laying it on thick in the background was absolutely top tier. One last time, baby to feed! Our luck is holding strong and getting mightier.
Towards the end, Dave’s familiar bass line brings us into All Time Low to end the second set! There’s a great “ahhhh” at 3:25. Dave? Was that you? JB mumbles something around the 4 minute mark that is barely audible… anyone catch that? It’s great the boys can ad-lib and insert fun jests here and there, especially on a song they’ve played 363 times. The peak at the very end was such a brilliant way to end the show! A classic set closer!
With no words from the band, they exited the stage and we were left cheering for an encore.
A very short break and then the guys came back on. Did anyone else notice that Jojo was the first to sit down each night before the rest of the band joined him? John was sitting down at the steel guitar. A few guitar strums led and a faint WYWH tease led some heads in the crowd to guess “Wish you were here” but we got Old Joe instead. The WATLO HQ staff was STOKED to get this one! We at the HQ approve of this message; JB saying “naked nudey” and hoping that we all live long and lucky? Yes sir! Yet again, for the third song of the show, we were reminded that we are indeed the LUCKY ones! There’s truly nothing better than swaying arm in arm with your best friends singing “no matter where we are, it’s this life that we’re living.” JB changed the lyrics around in the last verse, “no matter who we are, it’s this life that we’re given.” The way he sang “someday, somewhere, sometimes, somethings just get hit by lightning” was so powerful, it induced chicken skin from beak to leg and elicited an audible squeal from an eye-witness reporter. Say what you will about this tune, but we believe it to be a top shelf original Panic ballad.
Duane brought us home with a driven, powerful Mr. Soul, and John K stands up to get on the electric guitar. Mr. Soul was recorded by Buffalo Springfield in 1967. According to Wikipedia, (our faithful source at the HQ), Neil Young wrote it after awakening from an epilepsy attack after feeling as though he was about to die. It’s also been described by fans as their most romantic song. What do you think? Regardless of the meaning, they destroyed it and ended the entire show with a magnificent version of a classic tune that’s almost 60 years old. The man they call JB also answers to the nickname “Mr. Soul”. He earned that and then some on night one in Asheville, on a Thursday.
JB: “Thank you everybody. Thank you, John Keane. Miss Edie Jackson on the good signs. Goodnight, everybody!”