Widespread Panic:
Widespread Panic has been together 30 years. Formed by originalmembers vocalist/guitarist John "JB" Bell, bassist Dave Schools and lateguitarist Michael Houser, who lived together in a suburban house inAthens, GA, where they met as students notfar from the University ofGeorgia campus, later to be joined by drummer Todd Nance. The band'sline-up was solidified with the addition of percussionist Domingo "Sunny"Ortiz and keyboard player John "JoJo" Hermann and Duane Trucks ondrums.Over threedecades have past since forming their original line-up in1986, Widespread Panic is still hungry to be the best band they can be,every single night, for their loyal fan base. Their accomplishments overthat time are well-documented. During their impressive run, the band hasreleased 12 studio albums (including Street Dogs) and 43 live albums,selling more than 3 million copies as one of the most successful touringacts in the world. Widespread Panic has broken attendance records atmajor venues throughoutthe country, including a staggering 48 sold-outshows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. A banner hangsin the rafters at Philips Arena in Atlanta where the band has 18 sellouts,with records also set at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, Oak MountainAmphitheater near Birmingham, AL and the New Orleans Jazz andHeritage Festival where Panic has headlined eight times, breaking thesingle day attendance record with 63,000. The band has headlined most ofthe major U.S. festivals, including Bonnaroo(eight times), Lollapalooza,Austin City Limits, Lockn' Music Festival, Outside Lands Music Festival,Forecastle Festival, Phases of the Moon, Rothbury Festival, All Good MusicFestival, Gathering of the Vibes and many more. To commemorateWidespread Panic's 25th anniversary in 2011, the State of Georgia's Senateand House of Representatives passed resolutions honoring the group fortheir music, service, charity and longevity, while they were also inductedinto the Georgia Music Hall of Fame."We acknowledge this is a milestone few groups get to achieve,”admits JB about their remarkable longevity. "It's like Hemingway's OldMan and the Sea. Every time we go out there, we learn more tricks, bringthat knowledge with us, and then apply it. We're way more experienced,focused and to the point, but still willing to stretch out without wanderingtoo much.