Downtown Chicago was ready for the influx of Panic fans as the band came for the first of the three night run. It had been three years since Widespread Panic played a two-set show (April 2013 – UIC Pavilion) in Chicago, and almost five years since they have graced the halls of the very beautiful and ornate Chicago Theatre. Last night’s show proved they have no love lost for the Windy City and one of its most remarkable venues.

It’s probable that many assumed that Panic would open with something more traditional, but Panic wanted to make a statement, and so they opened up with” Sharon.” Usually a song that is reserved for the second set, this is the first time that they opened a show with the tune since 1986, and even then, that show is technically noted as opening with a Jam that goes into Sharon. So even after 30+ years of doing their thing, Widespread Panic brings something new to the live show. It was a great version of “Sharon” accompanied by a beautiful lady on the LED screens. 

A great first set “Chilly Water” followed that contained a “Henry Parson’s Died” sandwiched inside. Newer tune “Cease Fire” was played well before slowing the tempo down quite a bit with “Jamais Vu.” That song segued into “Rock,” and it was vastly different from the former tune. “Rock” has such a hard edge and dark side to it, but singer and guitarist John Bell made sure to add a “Sweet Home Chicago” into the lyrics which incited the crowd. The juxtaposition of Rock with the song that preceded it and followed it was striking.  “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” came next; a great rendition of the Dylan staple. It was so upbeat and fun, and not as folky, that it was almost hard to recognize at first. Once the lyrics were sung, everyone in the building knew the song though. The first set closed with a “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature” that rocked a standard but awesome first set.

The second set opened with “Driving Song” that was accompanied by the widely recognized visuals of an autumn day on the screens. Newer song “Angels Don’t Sing the Blues” followed. Then they turned the energy up for “Ain’t Life Grand.” Besides it being one of my personal favorite tunes from the band, this seemed like the version that got the place absolutely rocking. It seems as if this tune is always played well in the Chicago Theatre; one would be hard pressed to find a version from the venue that isn’t absolutely rocking. The crowd also thoroughly enjoyed it because it was the loudest that they got up to that point. 

 

Another treat in the second set was the cover of Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy” that again sent everyone into elation, as it was played for the first time this year. Many sang along, and this was a tune that made us all happy.

The energy continued through a great “Surprise Valley” segment of the show that contained “Protein Drink/Sewing Machine” and a brief “Drums” that saw all the musicians remain on the stage instead of exiting. “Arleen” was a great version, and it was easy to zone into Dave Schools’ catchy bass lines and follow along with his playing. From there, the band seguedc into “Hatfield,” before finishing “Driving Song” to end the second set. They encored with a beautiful “Dream Song” before rocking the place out with “Tall Boy.”

The show was a great way to open Panic’s stop in Chicago. If you were lucky enough to get tickets to tonight and tomorrow’s shows, the Panic reign will continue. There is one thing all Panic fans can agree on: they will be bringing it for another two nights. On that same note, hopefully percussionist Sunny Ortiz can bring it to Wrigley Field and help those Cubbies secure a win. As any Cubs fan could sing, go Cubs go! Go Cubs go! Hey Chicago, what do you say? Panic is going to bring it today.

Setlist: Widespread Panic at The Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL – 5/5/16

Set 1 Sharon, Chilly Water > Henry Parsons Died > Chilly Water, Cease Fire > Jamais Vu > Rock, A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall, No Sugar Tonight / New Mother Nature (71 mins)

Set 2 Driving Song > Angels Don’t Sing The Blues, Ain’t Life Grand, I’m Not Alone, Dear Mr. Fantasy, Surprise Valley > Protein Drink / Sewing Machine > Drums > Surprise Valley, Arleen > Hatfield > Driving Song (97 mins)

Encore Dream Song, Tall Boy (11 mins)

[Setlist via PanicStream.com]

A full gallery of photos by Ojeda Photography can be seen below: