For the fifth year in a row, Widespread Panic is making big waves at Panic En La Playa, down in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The four day event kicked off last night with a solid show to feed a hungry crowd. Highlights included “You Should Be Glad,” “Solid Rock,” and “From The Cradle,” which hasn’t been played since 2014. Furthermore the band ripped into a 73 minute “Fishwater” to end the first set. The stage is set with a beautiful sea view at the Hard Rock Hotel, equipped with a cool sea breeze, laser lights, proliferating palm trees, and balconies to take it all.
Late night sets for the week include the Playa All-Starts, Featuring George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Eric Krasno, Col. Bruce Hampton, Randall Bramblett, Nikki Glaspie and Jennifer Hartswick. Also among the late nighters are The New Mastersounds. Solo sunset shows are performed by Patterson Hood, Todd Snider and Jerry Joseph.
Widespread Panic shows no signs of slowing down as they are set to keep the vibe rolling back in the states with February shows in Athens, Ga., Richmond, Va., Columbia, SC. and more. If you like what you’ve just heard, keep in mind that things are just getting heated up to prep for an extensive Spring Tour. With over 20 shows on the books, Widespread Panic is set to rock across the country in 2016. Get onboard and check out this video from last night’s set.
Set 1-
Climb to Safety > Ride Me High > Shut Up and Drive, Sleeping Man, Rebirtha > You Should Be Glad^, Happy, Up All Night > Solid Rock^^ > Up All Night (75 mins)
Set 2-
From the Cradle^^^, Cotton Was King, Papa Johnny Road^^^^, Driving Song > Papa’s Home > Surprise Valley > Drums > Surprise Valley > Driving Song, Tail Dragger, Street Dogs For Breakfast, Fishwater (73 mins)
Encore-
All Time Low, Flicker (12 mins)
Notes ^ LTP 9/14/2014 Phases Festival (92 shows)
^^ LTP 7/06/2014 High Sierra (97 shows)
^^^ LTP 7/02/2014 Las Vegas (101 shows)
^^^^ LTP 6/27/2014 Red Rocks (104 shows)
[Todd Nance’s first show back since 9/14/2014]
Photo via Panic En La Playa Facebook
Setlist via Panicstream.com