Swampland:Six Degrees of Swampland: Widespread Panic

Six Degrees of Swampland: Widespread Panic

The mighty Widespread Panic epitomize road warriors…seasoned veterans in a schizophrenic music industry. The Athens, Georgia, band originated in the mid 80s when John Bell and Michael Houser began playing music together. Fellow-band mates--Todd Nance, Dave Schools, Sonny Ortiz and John Hermann remained together in easy and dark times. The tragic passing of Michael Houser in 2002 marked a turbulent period for the group. In 2006 guitarist Jimmy Herring joined the band, and Panic entered another bright era in their glorious saga.

Over the last 22 years Panic remained a force in the industry without radio, MTV or major media coverage, and still managed to sell over 3 million albums. For more than a decade Panic has remained in the top 50 touring bands, and they generate over 20 million dollars a year. Widespread Panic stands as a indelible grass-roots organization that defied all musical conventions to carve their own niche in the fickle business.

Panic emits a southern grace, hospitality and talent. They are confident in their abilities and they’ve never pretended to be anything they are not. Panic forever remains connected to great southern music reservoirs and artists such as Capricorn Records, The Allman Brothers Band, Colonel Bruce Hampton, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Vic Chesnutt and Billy Bob Thornton as well as a proclivity for storytelling in song. Last year Widespread Panic was inducted into The Georgia Music Hall of Fame, and to this day they continue to take their musical magic show out on the road…James Calemine

Six Degrees of Swampland: Widespread Panic Contents

Interviews with Band Members
Articles and Concert Reviews
Album Reviews
Side Projects
Panic-related Dispatches (news)
Related Musical Friends
Athens, GA links
Videos

(Click the image above to go Mystery and Manners' coverage of the Widespread Panic Archives Series including an interview series with archivist Horace Moore and reviews of each release.)

Interviews with Band Members

John Bell Interview from 2011 talking about the 25th anniversary

Dave Schools Interview (June 2009 Q & A on a wide-range of topics)

Todd Nance Interview (Rare insight from Panic's drummer on the band's early days, the passing of Mikey Houser and Panic's onward journey)

Jimmy Herring Interview (Panic's talented guitarist goes on the record regarding his indelible musical journey)

Articles & Concert Reviews

Widespread On The Beach (An overall perspective from 2008 Orange Beach shows)

2008 Georgia Music Hall of Fame Induction (Panic inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame)

Panic Rehearsals (A Prelude to 2008 Tour)

Chuck Leavell Praises Panic (Rolling Stones keyboardist goes on the record for Panic)

Widespread Panic's Official Induction Into The Georgia Music Hall of Fame (Preserved in 2008 GMHOF Almanac)

Album Reviews

Dirty Side Down (2010 Studio release)

Panic In The Streets (Live DVD Documenting Monumental CD Release)

Carbondale 2000 (Panic's First Archive Series Release)

Valdosta 1989 (Panic's Second Archive Release)

Huntsville 1996 (Panic's Third Archive Release)

Montreal 1997 (Panic's Fourth Archive Release)