News Summary
Widespread Panic captivated fans during a two-night performance at Credit One Stadium, showcasing rare songs, extensive jams, and creative covers. Highlights included the return of ‘Sparks Fly’ and an impromptu freestyle rap by John Bell. The band’s unique setlists and musical exploration left a lasting impression on the audience as they prepare for upcoming shows.
Charleston, SC – Widespread Panic put on a memorable two-night performance at Credit One Stadium on May 16 and 17, 2025, showcasing rare songs and extensive jams that thrilled fans. The band delivered numerous highlights, including a groundbreaking performance of “Sparks Fly,” which was only played for the sixth time in its history and the first since 2003, after a gap of 1,148 shows.
On the first night, the concert commenced with the song “Wondering,” during which frontman John Bell creatively altered the lyrics to include “Make a Buddha out of my T.V.” The evening also featured a cover of Willie Dixon’s “Weak Brain, Narrow Mind,” followed by “Little By Little.” In a noteworthy moment, bassist Dave Schools took the lead vocals for Vic Chesnutt’s “Sleeping Man,” creating a unique addition to the set.
The first set saw another significant return with a rendition of Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl,” which had not been performed for 32 shows. The set concluded with “Love Tractor,” integrating callback lyrics from the earlier song. The excitement continued into the second set with the long-awaited performance of “Sparks Fly,” making a triumphant return after two decades.
The set also included the tracks “Henry Parsons Died,” performed in collaboration with Bloodkin, and “Tackle Box Hero,” featuring JoJo Hermann on vocals. One of the evening’s highlights was an expansive 17-minute version of “Second Skin,” which included deep jams and intricate transitions. The musical journey continued with a medley that featured “Driving Song” and “Bowlegged Woman.” The encore for the first night rounded out with “Cosmic Confidante,” which made its first appearance since its debut last Memorial Day weekend, culminating in the closing song “Tall Boy.”
The second night kicked off with “Walkin’ (For Your Love),” setting a lively tone for the evening. As the show progressed, the second set launched with “Blackout Blues” and transitioned into an extended jam filled with both covers and original songs. Notably, “And It Stoned Me,” originally by Van Morrison, made its return to the setlist after last being performed in 2019.
Another highlight included the expressive “Diner,” which showcased an impromptu freestyle rap by John Bell, leading to a playful nod to “Kung Fu Fighting.” The set ended with “I’m So Glad,” a poignant tribute to the late Col. Bruce Hampton, a longtime spiritual advisor for the band. The encore for the second night featured “Honky Red,” followed by “Postcard,” and concluded with an impressive rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s classic “Little Wing,” marking its first closing performance since December 1, 1986.
Moving forward, Widespread Panic is scheduled to perform three nights in Chicago starting June 4, furthering their summer tour and continuing the momentum generated from these two iconic nights in Charleston.
This two-night stand not only highlighted the band’s vast catalog but also showcased their ability to connect deeply with audiences through spontaneous performances and carefully curated setlists. Collectively, the concerts in Charleston will be remembered for their musical exploration and engagement with long-time fans as they look ahead to the next chapter of their touring journey.
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Additional Resources
- Live for Live Music: Widespread Panic Charleston Performance
- JamBase: Widespread Panic Tour Dates
- Jambands: Widespread Panic’s Return to Charleston
- Wikipedia: Widespread Panic
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Widespread Panic
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
