Widespread Panic Frequently Asked Questions File Draft Date: Thu, 13 Jun 1996 14:09:27 -0400 (EDT) From: Merc Pittinos Subject: Re: WSP FAQ \ /\ /idespread /-/ \/ \/ /-/ / anic Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Version 0.90) July 4th, 1996 Written by Dave Forbis (dforbis@io.com) and Merc Pittinos (mercp@acpub.duke.edu) ------------------------------------------------- Contents: 1. On-line resources- What's On the Net? 2. Official information - From the Band and the Home Office 3. Widespread Panic History 4. Widespread Panic Discography 5. Common miscellaneous questions 6. Credits, disclaimers, and other nonsense ------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** 1. On-Line resources- What's on the Net A. Mailing list- "Spreadnet" Spreadnet is a mailing list dedicated to the discussion of Widespread Panic and related topics. The mailing list was started in the spring of 1994 by Ben Tanen. - To subscribe to Spreadnet send the following message (in the body, not in the subject line) to listserv@netspace.org subscribe spreadnet "your name" This should be your real name, not your email address, not in quotes. - To send mail to the whole list to address: spreadnet@netspace.org - To unsubscribe from Spreadnet send the following to listserv@netspace.org unsubscribe spreadnet "your name" B. Tour Dates Look here for the latest additions to tour dates, and remember to "call before you haul." C. Setlist File This file is maintained by Steve Dearwent (cryptcl@wwisp.com) and has setlists since 1986. It includes Panic setlists and those of the various names underwhich the band or its members have headlined;Bartabs, brute, Pintos, and JB and Friends. It can be reached at http://www.wwisp.com/~cryptcl/wsphome.htm D. Current Tour Setlists Jerry Crane (gso1jwc@panther.gsu.edu) maintanis this file which includes the most recent tour's lists. E. Spreadweb Graphics Gallery The Gallery includes live photos, album cover art, and in the near future will include original fan art. F. Mailing List Archives The Archives were made possible by David Baker (dwb@netspace.org). G. List of Widespread Covers This list was constructed by Bryan Irby and gives a background into the influences and roots of the band. H. Lyrics File This file is maintained by Brian Whitman. It contains all of Panic's originals and many of their covers. I. Tablature File The Tablature has been constructed through the efforts of many dedicated Spreadnetters and continues to be updated as with the ever changing array of songs the band plays. J. Alyrical Miracles This file contains soundbites of Panic insturmentals such A of D, B of D, and Disco. This was created so that much of the confusion surrounding these tunes could be cleared up. K. Widespread Panic at Virtual Atlanta This is the band's official home page, it can be reached at http://iweb.www.com/wsp/index.html. It contains live photos, quick time videos from Chastain Park (5.6.95) Athens GA (10.31.95) and Macon GA (12.21.95). In additoin, it includes tour information, band information and merchandise for sale. L. Sound Room The Sound Room is soon to be completed and will contain various intros, segues, and JB and Schools talk. M. Press Clippings Brian Rupert (bjr@mci.net) maintains and has compiled this file which gives access to an array of information on the band. These files can be accessed by FTP at address: ftp.netspace.org *********************************************************************** *********************************************************************** 2. Official Band Info A. Telephone Hotline This hotline provides up to the minute information on dates, however the dates are usually posted on the Spreadnet list before they find their way to the hotline. Remember to "call before you haul!" The Widespread Panic hotline is: (706) 354-2586 B. Home Address The home address for band management is; Brown Cat, Inc. 2351 College Station Road Suite 504 Athens GA 30605 C. The Panicle: The Widespread Panic Newsletter The Panicle is a monthly journal dedicated to the band. It contains setlists, lyrics, fan mail and artwork, a yearly PanicBase, and trading post ads. To subscribe to the Panicle: Send $10.50 (16.00 foreign) to: The Panicle PO Box 82038 Athens, GA 30608-2038 The Panicle is a not for profit newsletter; the small cost covers printing and mailing At one point, the Panicle was distributed for free, however, Panic's fan base has made this cost prohibitive and the band's close friend Fred took it upon himself to continue this service. Now the Panicle is no longer directly connected to the band, but a service provided a fan for fans. D. Moon Times As Dave wrote himself on the most recent issue "The official propaganda tool of Widespread Panic. It contains reviews of the last tours, photos, upcoming tour dates and band rambiligs. *********************************************************************** *********************************************************************** 3. Widespread Panic History A. Origins of the name Widespread Panic Due to anxiety problems, Mike Houser used to have the nickname "Panic". One day he came home and announced that he didn't want to be just "Panic", he wanted to be "Widespread Panic". B. Current Member Info John Bell (vocals, acoustic and electric guitars) John "JoJo" Herman (keyboards, vocals) Michael Houser (lead electric guitar, vocals) Todd Nance (drums) Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz (percissionist) David Schools (bass, vocals) C. Other Band Members T. Lavitz (of the Dixie Dregs- what is he doing now) D. How the Band Formed Widespread Panics original foundations were laid in 1982 when Mike Houser and John Bell met at the University of Georgia and began playing together. Dave Schools matriculated there in 1983 and was introduced to JB by a mutual friend. He left school to concentrate on music and Widespread was born. Dave had been trained in piano as a child but is a completely self-taught bassisst. His biggest musical influences are Charles Mingus, Funkadelic, Blue Oyster Cult, and Firehose. In the Spring of 1995 (actual date) they played their first gig at the A-frame house on Weymanda Ct. in Athens (a little history here) In the Fall, the three recorded their first record a 45 with Coconut Image and Sleepy Image (later to become Sleepy Monkey). Joel Morris played drums and Kelly Jo-Davis who often joined them in these early years backed on vocals. On February 9, 1996 Todd Nance played his first gig as drummer with Widespread. That spring Widespread Records released Coconut Image. Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz who later became the bands's fifth full time member first sat in with them in Athens at the Uptown Lounge in October 1986. The next fall and winter the band spent recording their first album "Space Wrangler." The album was originally released by Landslide Records in September 1988. It was re-released with several additions by Capricorn Records in February 1992, with whom they signed in January 1991. That spring, T Lavitz who had played with the Dixie Dregs, joined the band temporarally until John "JoJo" Herman completed the sextet in the Winter of 1992. Their second album, Widespread Panic or "Mom's Kitchen" was released by Capricorn in May 1991. Originally formed as a trio consisting of singer/guitarist John Bell, guitarist Michael Houser, and bassist David Schools, Widespread Panic became a "band" in February, 1986, after drummer Todd Nance joined the group. Percussionist Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz, who performed in the band's live shows in the early years, also guested on Space Wrangler and later became a full-time member. The final piece of the puzzle took shape when keyboardist T Lavitz joined Panic in 1991 after playing on their debut self-titled release for Capricorn Records in July of that year. John "JoJo" Herman began sitting in with the band on keyboards in early 1992, and eventually became a permanent member. E. Equipment used (speculation, and open for correction/addition) John Bell: Modulus, Gibson- ?effects? JoJo Herman: Hammond B3, Leslie Michael Houser: Telecaster, Soldano Amp- volume pedal?? Todd Nance- ??? Sunny Ortiz- Latin Percussion ??? David Schools: Modulus Graphite 6-string bass- Blackmon remastered amp- both 6-string and 6-string fretless- need info on acoustic and new "space" effects ********************************************************************* ********************************************************************* 4. Wideapread Panic Discography - All Songs written by Widespread Panic except as noted - A. Coconut Image/Monkey Image single 1986 release, Space Baby(?) WP 2116 This 45 was produced in 1986 and was the first released recording by Widespread Panic. Coconut Image was later released on Space Wrangler as Coconut. Monkey Image was later named Sleepy Monkey (different than Sleeping Monkey for all you Phish fans) yet has not been released on an album. B. Space Wrangler (first release) 1988 release, Landslide Records (catalog #?) Chilly Water Travelin'Light (by J.J. Cale) Space Wrangler Coconut Take Out Porch Song Stop-Go Driving Song Gomero Blanco C. Space Wrangler (second release) 1992 release, Capricorn 42001-2 Chilly Water Travelin'Light (by J.J. Cale) Space Wrangler Coconut Take Out Porch Song Stop-Go Driving Song Holden Oversoul Contentment Blues Gomero Blanco Me and the Devil / Heaven ("Me & the Devil" by Robert Johnson) ("Heaven" by David Byrne/Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads) D. Widespread Panic- "Mom's Kitchen" 1991 release, Capricorn 10001-2 Send Your Mind (by Van Morrison) Walkin'(for your love) Pigeons Mercy Rock Makes Sense to Me (by Danny Hutchens) C. Brown (written with Jeff Riley) Love Tractor Weight of the World I'm not Alone Barstools and Dreamers Proving Ground Last Straw E. Everyday 1993 release, Capricorn 42013-2 Pleas Hatfield Wonderin' Papa's Home Diner Better Off (written with T Lavitz) Pickin' up the Pieces Henry Parsons Died (by Danny Hutchens) Pilgrims Postcard Dream Song F. Ain't Life Grand 1994 release, Capricorn 42027-2 Little Kin Ain't Life Grand Airplane Can't Get High (by Danny Hutchens and Eric Carter) Heroes Raise the Roof Junior (from "Stay All Night" by Junior Kimbrough) L.A. Blackout Blues Jack Fishwater G. Video: Live at the Georgia Theatre 1992 release, Warner Reprise 38320 Send Your Mind Pigeons Walkin' Makes Sense to Me Rock Isn't there a cool Mercy with Sam Woods too? Yes- I dont have my video anymore and cant check this out- any help More discography: Flagpole Christmas album 1992 (I'll get you more on that) Mountain Stage volume ? (not sure about which number) the upcoming Hempilation (which will be out on Capricorn apparently) other stuff: Dave has produced some other Athens bands (Hayride, to name one) Dave has also recorded with Savic Erin formerly of the Lee Harvey Oswald Band, with whom he recorded "Savic Fenderblast and the Martian Army" with Kevin Sweeny of Hayride and Five-Eight's drummer Patrick "Tigger" Ferguson. Dave and Sunny were on Nanci Griffith's latest album The whole band plays on Vic Chesnutt's latest album Brute. think of too! ********************************************************************* ********************************************************************* 6. Common miscellaneous questions Guest Performers on studio releases ----------------------------------- Space Wrangler David Blackmon: Fiddle Bill Jordan: Laughter John Keane: Vocals T Lavitz: Organ on "Me & the Devil Blues/Heaven" Paige McConnell: Organ on "Holden Oversoul" page. It's spelled wrong in the liner notes. Alberto Salazarte: Rap Tim White: Keyboards Widespread Panic Wayne Jackson: Trumpet, Trombone Andrew Love: Saxophone together known as the Memphis Horns. note that if you can. Samantha Woods: Vocals on "Mercy" Everyday Hampton Dempster: Vocals on "Pleas" Danny Hutchens: Vocals on "Henry Parsons Died" Matt Mundy: Mandolin on "Pickin' Up the Pieces" Aint Life Grand David Blackmon: Fiddle Eric Carter: Vocals Adrienne Fishe: Vocals Ronnie Gizmo: Vocals John Keane: Vocals, Guitar, Pedal Steel Dwight Manning: Oboe Concert Guests -------------- Trey Anastasio:11/11/93 Apt Q258:3/17/93 David Blackmon:12/31/91 12/31/92 11/25/93 2/12/94 Eric Carter: 1/27/94 Eddie Gilken: 1/27/94 Colonel Bruce Hampton:12/30/90 Warren Haynes:7/21/91 10/3/93 JoJo Herman: 3/4/92 Jimmy Herring:3/17/93 Danny Hutchens:12/31/91 11/25/93 1/27/94 Jerry Joseph:10/3/91 10/4/91 4/11/92 4/12/92 9/21/92 John Keane:10/31/92 1/27/94 Chan Kinchla:10/26/92 11/14/92 Little Women:7/21/91 T Lavitz:11/11/93 Paige McConnell:11/11/93 Matt Mundy:3/17/93 Peanut:9/17/92 11/5/93 11/6/93 John Popper:7/12/92 8/7/92 8/15/93 Boyd Tinsley: 2/23/94 Samantha Woods:3/13/92 5/27/92 10/30/92 Kelly J0-Davis- how about dates Tinsley Ellis Is live taping permitted? ------------------------- Soundboards recording Soundboard patches have been given out in the past, but taping policy has changed, and they are no longer a possibility. Audience recoding Audience recording is encouraged! Plan this out ahead of time (read: don't show up at the show with your home cassette deck with no idea of what's involved). You will need your own power supply, cables, and possibly microphones, although you may be able to patch into a friendly taper's outputs and get by without mics. also bring extra tapes, batteries, a flashlight, pen and paper, masking tape, and probably some more stuff I can't think of right now. Is photography allowed? ----------------------- It is allowed with permission from the band. Try to get in contact with the band or someone who works for the band. If you can get a press pass, or the like, you will have a much easier time dealing with venue security. Who is Charles Hatfield? ------------------------ Charles Hatfield was a controversial rainmaker of the early 1900's. He made a strong reputation by taking on jobs to bring rain to cities and towns suffering from drought. In December of 1915, Dr. Hatfield spoke before the city council of San Diego with a proposal to fill the city reservoir at Moreno Dam. San Diego was currently in the midst of a severe drought, and the reservoir was only one-third full. Hatfield proposed, "I will fill the Morena [sic] Reservoir to overflowing between now and next December 20, 1916 for the sum of ten thousand dollars." Hatfield's proposal accepted, he and his younger brother Joel began work on January 1st, 1916 at Moreno, 60 miles east of San Diego. On January 5th the Hatfields had the first rain. The month of January saw record rainfall. Too much, in fact. On January 27th, Lower Otay Dam broke, causing heavy property damage and the loss of 50 lives. There were rumors (false, however) that the Hatfield brothers were chased away by angry armed vigilates. In truth, Charles Hatfield attempted to claim his ten thousand dollars on February 4th, but was not paid by the city council due to the lack of a written contract. Editor's note: For more information on Charles Hatfield, I strongly recommend Clark Spense's book "The Rainmakers", which has an entire chapter devoted to Dr. Hatfield and his rainmaking triumphs and disasters. What's all the complaining about "Bartab"? ------------------------------------------ The Bartab concert occurred in 1994 (anyone have the exact date handy?). It was well known that at least several members of Widespread Panic were going to be playing under the name Bartab. When the concert took place, many in attendence were very disappointed and angry that, despite the personnel in the band, no Widespread Panic numbers were played. The moral of this story is, if it isn't Widespread Panic, don't go expecting Widespread Panic. Check the MOon times for more on this. There were several bartabs show-- the one that caused all the commotion was in early 95. Did John Bell buy beer for everyone at a baseball game? ------------------------------------------------------- On May 26th, JB bought a beer for fans in attendance at a Macon Braves (or was it the Augusta Pirates? The Panicle lists both!) baseball game. The announcer told "everyone to go to the concession stand to pick up their free beer, courtesy of Widespread Panic." The story that the free beer was in celebration of a new recording contract was an embellishment provided by media reporting the event. Has "Coconuts" ever been played live? ------------------------------------- Yes! It makes rare appearances, usually at Halloween shows. Has Widespread Panic ever played on television? ----------------------------------------------- Yes! On November 22, 1994 they played on Good Morning America (what did they play?). Also, they made an April 6th, 1995 appearance on the Conan O'Brian show, playing "Can't Get High." What songs have been sandwiched inside of "Driving Song"? -------------------------------------------------------- Not a complete list, but some of the more common ones: Storm Watch Disco A of D Heaven Hatfield B of D Some especially interesting cases: 12/31/91 Driving -> C Brown -> B of D -> Driving 6/26/92 Driving -> Send Your Mind -> Heaven -> Driving 8/27/92 Driving -> Take Out -> Diner -> Driving 9/22/92 Driving -> Barstools -> Driving 11/6/93 Driving -> Wonderin'- >Space Wrangler -> Walkin' -> Driving What are some really hot concert tapes I should be looking for? --------------------------------------------------------------- Some of the more descriptive responses taken from an informal Spreadnet poll, with authors' names withheld for grovel-protection. 10/31/93 Missoula, MT Just look at the setlist 10/29/93 Jackson Hole, WY Smoking Last Straw>Walk On>Wondering 11/11/93 Los Angeles Encore jam w/Trey and Page of Phish 5/24/92 Winston-Salem, NC Another great set list 12 April 1992 Eugene, OR Set II HOT quality with a smoking Driving>ME &the Devil>Driving> Disco>Mercy as well as Hatfield>Low Spark! 7 August 1992 Atlanta I know it's just a HORDE set, but the tape is a great quality board that starts with ARU finishing up Space is the Place, then going into Fixin' To Die. Halfway through WSP comes in and finishes it up, then they go straight into Chilly Water with Popper. Also pretty decent versions of often played songs. Nothing too special, just a solid tape to work with. I think it's worth it just for the transition and Chilly Water. Van Ripers show 10-3-93 It opens Disco>Wondering and at the end of the set there is a 25 minute Low Spark w/Warren Haynes which is the most incredible jam I've heard on any tape and the best jam I have seen them do. 4/20/90 Murfreesboro, TN Drum/Bass Jam-->Snorkle Search-->Morning Groung-->Proving Ground start off the second set. An incredible jam with David Schools playing great a bass solo. The rest of the show is strong as well with Drivin' Song> Eliza>Driving Song 5/30/92 Athens, GA (Super Jam II) This would have to be classified as T Lavitz's show. His playing during Stormwatch (Drivin>Stormwatch>Drivin) is incredible. The whole set is very high energy, and includes a great Fishwater. 4/17/93 Greensboro, NC A strong show on its own merits, but the main reason I included it is because of the jam with the ARU (Matt Mundy's playing really shines on Ain't no Use as well as Pickin' up the Pieces). Anyway, I think that some tape with WSP and the ARU should be included on the must have list (They jam so well together...) and this happens to be my personal favorite. 9/18/94 Monroe,GA. It was billed as JB & friends, so not that many people had the guts to show. I was a single set; Ain't Life Grand*>Smokestack*,Impossible,Werewolves, Fishwater, Stoned Me, Low Rider, Bow Legged, Who Do You Belong To?**, Makes Sense**, End of The Show** E: Coconuts *w/Samantha Wood of White Buffalo, **w/Danny Hutchins and Eric Carter of Bloodkin 11/3,4,5,6/94 as the other best shows from 94. These Colorado shows whipped ass!!! Highlights include a Drivin'>Jr.>Drivin,Tie Your Shoes and Knockin' 'Round the Zoo on the 3rd, Just Kissed, Conrad>Me&The Devi, and Astronomy Domine>Chilly on the 4th,Impossible, a Low Rider, and LGTSOTR, Bow Legged encores on the 5th, and a Papa Legba, Last Straw, Arlene, etc. on the 6th. ********************************************************************* ********************************************************************* 6. Credits, disclaimers, excuses, and other foolishness This document was put together by Merc Pittinos (mercp@acpub.duke.edu) and Dave Forbis (forbis@io.com). All corrections, additions, complaints, and suggestions are welcome, and should be submitted to Dave Forbis (forbis@io.com) Much of the information included in this document came from The Panicle, liner notes from Widespread Panic CDs, talk on the Spreadnet, and various books and magazines. If there is something here for which you have not been credited, and you want that fixed, please email Dave Forbis (forbis@io.com) And of course, no money should be made from the use of this document. *********************************************************************