From the ACL Taping Program on September 26, 2005:
For almost 20 years, Widespread Panic toured the country becoming one of the most popular “road warrior” bands. With more than 350 songs in their repertoire, WSP has a policy of never playing the same setlist. This commitment to variety has won them thousands of enthusiastic fans and made them “the quintessential Southern jamband” (Paste).
After the death of guitarist Michael Houser, who died of cancer in 2002, WSP added a new guitarist and continued their non-stop touring. But at the end of 2003, the band took a much deserved break from the road. During that time they released four live CDs including a collection of cover songs recorded at their annual and legendary Halloween shows. (Note: WSP first appeared on Austin City Limits during the show’s 27th season — the episode was taped on Oct. 31, 2000.) The latest of these live releases, Live at Myrtle Beach, earned three stars from Rolling Stone which wrote the CD “shows the Panic both deeply connects to the Sixties California-ballroom ideal and {is} eager to go up and out — where there are no roads.”
After a 15-month break, Widespread Panic returned to the road earlier this year taking the stage at many of the country’s summer festivals including the Austin City Limits Music Festival. The band is happy to be back in front of the fans. “We never sat down and said, ‘Hey, here’s where we want to be 20 years from now.’ It was more like, ‘Hey, we’re having a good time, let’s do this,’” bassist Dave Schools said. “I guess we’re right where we’re supposed to be. And if you ask me the same question a year from now, I’d say that we’re where we’re supposed to be then.”
