The second night of Widespread Panic’s sold out, three night run at the Chicago Theatre continued exactly where they left off from Thursday night. Last night was an absolute party, with the band getting extra funky for all those that made it on the beautiful Chicago evening.
What the first set didn’t have in segues it made up for in maximum rock and roll. The show opened with an energetic “Wondering.” Keyboardist JoJo Hermann took the vocals on the next song, “Blackout Blues,” that saw the set’s only segue into “Pigeons.” The next song, “One Arm Steve” is always a welcome addition to any set.
The band then slowed things down with “Expiration Day,” which provided a slowed down moment to give everyone a breather before raging the rest of the set. “Holden Oversoul” was blazing, with a piercing organ solo from Hermann. The chemistry between members was palpable. As Hermann was letting it rip, guitarist Jimmy Herring subtly added to guitar licks without taking the spotlight away from the keys. And next to him, guitarist John Bell was nimbly plucking away at his own guitar. “Love Tractor” got everyone stomping along with the beat before the set ended.
The second set continued the party. They opened with “Tail Dragger,” and a vampire vixen was on the screen to give things a darker tone. Later on in the set “Barstools and Dreamers” was a lot of fun, especially with a “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Self)” jam/rap that was very cool. One of the best segments of the night followed, with a “Goin’ Out West” segueing into “Shut Up and Drive” with a whole lot of drums and bass in between. The two separate jams featuring Dave Schools and percussionists Sunny Ortiz and Duane Trucks were amazing.
After an fantastic second set, they encored with “Nobody’s Loss” and then “Mr. Soul.” With night two in the books, there remains one last show for Spreadheads. The show tonight will be the tour closer. Bring it on Panic.
Check out the setlist from the show below, courtesy of PanicStream:
Setlist: Widespread Panic at Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL – 5/6/16
Set 1: Wondering, Blackout Blues > Pigeons, Her Dance Needs No Body, One Arm Steve, Use Me, Steven’s Cat, Expiration Day, Holden Oversoul > Love Tractor
Set 2: Tail Dragger, Don’t Be Denied, Tickle The Truth, Bowlegged Woman > You Got Yours, Barstools and Dreamers, Goin’ Out West > Drums & Bass > Drums > Drums & Bass > Shut Up and Drive, Bear’s Gone Fishin’ > Bust It Big, Sell Sell
Encore: Nobody’s Loss, Mr Soul
Check out a full gallery of images below, courtesy of Ojeda Photography:
