Widespread Panic Members, Gear & Sound

Southern rock band from Athens, Georgia.

Genre

Rock Blues Blues rock Roots rock Southern rock Jam band athens indie newgrass

Members

Select a Widespread Panic band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Jimmy Herring

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

The Allman Brothers Band Phil Lesh and Friends Frogwings Jazz Is Dead The Dead Col. Bruce Hampton and The Aquarium Rescue Unit Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit

See Gear
John Bell

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

The Downtown 13

Needs more gear

See Gear
Dave Schools

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Gov't Mule Hard Working Americans Stockholm Syndrome

Needs more gear

See Gear
T Lavitz

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer

Groups:

Dixie Dregs Jazz Is Dead The Bluesbusters

Needs more gear

See Gear
Michael Houser

Roles:

Guitarist

No gear added

See Gear
George McConnell

Roles:

Guitarist

No gear added

See Gear
John Hermann

Roles:

Keyboardist

No gear added

See Gear
Todd Nance

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

The Downtown 13

No gear added

See Gear
Domingo S. Ortiz

Roles:

Drummer

No gear added

See Gear
Duane Trucks

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Hard Working Americans The Brothers 50 The Cleaners

No gear added

See Gear

About

Widespread Panic is an acclaimed American band rooted in the vibrant musical traditions of rock, blues, southern rock, and jam band culture. Originating in Athens, Georgia, the group was formed in 1986 by original members John "JB" Bell (vocals, guitar), Dave Schools (bass), and the late Michael Houser (guitar). They were soon joined by Todd Nance (drums), Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz (percussion), and John "JoJo" Hermann (keyboards). Over the years, the band has evolved, with Jimmy Herring (guitar) joining in 2006 and Duane Trucks (drums) in 2016. Known for their dynamic live performances and extensive touring schedule, Widespread Panic has built a dedicated following and has become one of the most successful touring acts in the world.

How to Sound Like Widespread Panic

Widespread Panic's sound is a rich tapestry of blues-infused rock characterized by soulful guitar solos and vibrant, rhythmic interplay. Their sonic character blends the raw energy of southern rock with the improvisational spirit of jam bands, creating a sound that's both expansive and grounded. Guitarist Jimmy Herring's use of the PRS DGT Dave Grissom Trem with Moon Inlays and Analog Man King of Tone Overdrive contributes to the band's expressive guitar tones, while the Fender Bassman AB165 Amp amplifies their rich, warm sound. The rhythm section, with its steady, groove-oriented bass lines and dynamic percussion, provides a solid yet flexible foundation that supports their extended musical explorations, making every performance a unique experience.

Discography

04/08/89 The Armory, Valdosta, GA

1989

Widespread Panic

1991

Everyday

1993

Ain't Life Grand

1994

07/11/95 Blue Note Theater, Columbia, MO

1995

09/28/95 Tennessee Amphitheaater, Knoxville, TN

1995

04/03/96 Von Braun Civic Center, Huntsville, AL

1996

Bombs and Butterflies

1997

09/08/97 Club Soda, Montreal, QB

1997

12/31/97 Fox Theater, Atlanta, GA

1997

Panic In The Streets

1998

Space Wrangler

1998

Light Fuse Get Away

1998

Til the Medicine Takes

1999

04/27/99 Moran Theater, Jacksonville, FL

1999

Another Joyous Occasion

2000

07/27/01 Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, Pelham, AL

2001

Don't Tell the Band

2001

07/28/01 Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, Pelham, AL

2001

07/29/01 Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, Pelham, AL

2001

11/20/01 Freedom Hall, Johnson City, TN

2001

Live in the Classic City

2002

Live from the Backyard in Austin, TX

2003

Ball

2003

Night of Joy (Live)

2004

Uber Cobra

2004

Jackassolantern

2004

Earth to America

2006

Free Somehow

2008

05/03/08 Nokia Theatre, Dallas, TX

2008

12/01/00 Southern Illinois University Arena, Carbondale, IL

2008

11/22/09 Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI

2009

12/31/09 Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA

2009

05/05/10 Bi-Lo Center, Greenville, SC

2010

Dirty Side Down

2010

Live In Classic City II

2010

10/20/10 Grand Sierra Theatre, Reno, NV

2010

10/20/98 City Auditorium, Colorado Springs, CO

2011

10/31/11 Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL

2011

01/31/12 Panic En La Playa, Puerto Morelos, MEX

2012

Live Wood

2012

Wood (Live)

2012

04/13/13 UIC Pavillion, Chicago, IL

2013

09/15/95 Keswick Theater, Glenside, PA

2013

12/31/13 Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA

2014

The Essential Widespread Panic

2014

Street Dogs

2015

05/05/16 Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL

2016

07/03/16 Les Schwab Amphitheater, Bend, OR

2016

10/28/17 Park Theater, Las Vegas, NV

2017

10/29/17 Park Theater, Las Vegas, NV

2017

10/20/17 Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI

2017

12/31/17 Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA

2018

11/17/98 Calvin Theatre, Northampton, MA

2018

October 31, 2019 Live in New Orleans

2019

Sunday Show (Live)

2020

Miss Kitty's Lounge

2022

Hampton 1999 (Live)

2023

Boone 1999 (Live)

2023

Snake Oil King

2024

Warfield 2000 #4 (Live)

2024

Hailbound Queen

2024

Athens 1998 (Live)

2025

Murfreesboro 2001 (Live)

2025

Baltimore 1997 (Live)

2025

Syracuse 2001 (Live)

2025

Get the Widespread Panic Sound

Want to sound like Widespread Panic? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.