Halloween 2019 saw a three-night run from swamp rockers Widespread Panic, who treated fans to a variety of gags, sit-ins, debuts, and more at UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA. The Andy Kaufman-themed event started off with a bang on October 31st, with Widespread Panic wasting no time introducing the weekend’s first guest, George Porter Jr.
Right before starting into the first song of the run, guitarist John Bell immediately welcomed the longtime friend and funk music hero to the stage. Donning his bass and standing in front of a microphone of his own, GPJ and the Kaufman-themed Panic started into the first-of-many weekend debuts, a cover of The Meters‘ “Chicken Strut”.
On Tuesday, Widespread Panic shared a pro-shot video of the next song Porter would sit in for, another Meters cover, “Hey Pocky Way”. Clocking in at just over six minutes, Panic and Porter didn’t stray too far from the song’s original structure, however, the quickly-developing chemistry was palpable. Handling the bass and lead vocal responsibilities, George Porter Jr. had a bounce in his step, locking in with bassist Dave Schools from the very beginning. John “JoJo” Hermann held his own on the keys, seemingly moving in lockstep with drums and percussion, while Jimmy Herring and Bell kept the funky riffs flowing. After several repetitions of the song’s refrain, “Hey, hey, hey, hey pocky way”, the two-song sit-in ended with roaring applause. Schools sent off the legendary bassist with a comforting, “George Porter matters. Always.”
Below, check out the new pro-shot video of Widespread Panic and George Porter Jr. performing The Meters’ “Hey Pocky Way”, as well as the first song of the evening, “Chicken Strut”. Additionally, scroll down for a full setlist of the show.
Widespread Panic ft. George Porter Jr. – “Hey Pocky Way” (The Meters) – 10/31/19
Widespread Panic ft. George Porter Jr. – “Chicken Strut” (The Meters) – 10/31/19
Widespread Panic just finished up a wild four-night run at Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, WI on Sunday night and is currently gearing up for another New Orleans Halloween run at UNO Lakefront Arena starting on Friday, October 29th. Head here for tickets and additional tour information and check out five of Live For Live Music‘s favorite themed Halloween sets from the last five years, here.