Photo Credit: Erik Kabik

Widespread Panic continued its path of multi-night live appearances with two back-to-back concerts at the Credit One Stadium in Charleston, S.C., on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17. During the ensemble’s initial arrival, they ushered in bust-outs, including the rarity “Sparks Fly,” prior to following up the next evening with a slate of fan favorite originals and covers that kept spirits high in The Palmetto State.

Rather than start with a bust out, Widespread Panic worked up to the initial reentry of the Sonny Boy Williamson cover with original “Wondering,” a cover of Willie Dixon’s “Weak Break, Narrow Mind,” and the Snake Oil King cut, “Little By Little.” They paired “Up All Night” with “C. Brown” before a concrete example of Vic Chesnutt’s “Sleeping Man.” 

The Peach State band landed on the first bust out of their Charleston stand, which took the form of “Good Morning, School Girl.” Widespread Panic last covered the aforementioned number on Oct. 22, 2023, at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, Wis. The positioning of the cover concluded a 32-show performance gap. 

Instead of pausing after the cover, the band merged the latter into “Old Neighborhood,” which was also extended, becoming “Love Tractor,” which reflected on “GMLSG” with a reflux of lyrics before the unit’s break into the concert midsection.

Their return to the stage represented the weekend’s climax: the first “Spark Fly” since 2003. After originating on their 2003 LP, Ball, the track made five setlist appearances in the subsequent year of its release. Ultimately, it was shelved until last night’s return, prompting the sixth overall play, and ending a 1148-show gap. 

The band continued with a display of originals and covers from BloodKin, Tom Waits, and Bobby Rush, culminating in a “Cosmic Confidante” and “Tall Boy” finale. Night two flexed the best of what Widespread Panic has to offer, jammed out takes on seasoned pulls, from their self-penned repertoire and borrowed favorites, including the set one ender and first 2025 arrival of Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” Saturday’s second set pulled a similar pattern, which extended into the night’s encore, “Postcard” sandwiched between Murray McLauchlan’s “Honky Red” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.”

After this weekend’s activities, the band will take a break before their three-night arrival at the Chicago Theatre on June 4-6. Tickets are sold out.

Widespread Panic 

Credit One Stadium – Charleston, S.C.

May 16, 2025 

Set I: Wondering, Weak Brain, Narrow Mind, Little By Little, Up All Night > C Brown, Sleeping Man, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl > Old Neighborhood > Love Tractor

Set II: Sparks Fly > Henry Parsons Died, Tackle Box Hero > Second Skin > Goin’ Out West, Pilgrims, Driving Song > Bowlegged Woman > Driving Song > Saint Ex

Enc.:  Cosmic Confidante, Tall Boy

Notes via panicstream.com: 

– LTP ‘Good Morning Little Schoolgirl’ 10/22/23 Milwaukee (32 shows)

– Love Tractor w/ GMLSG lyrics & GMLSG w/ Love Tractor lyrics

– LTP ‘Sparks Fly’ 10/29/03 Pittsburgh (1148 shows – 6th time overall)

Widespread Panic 

Credit One Stadium – Charleston, S.C.

May 17, 2025 

Set I: Walkin’* > The Last Straw > Fishwater, And It Stoned Me > Diner > Papa Johnny Road, Junior, Small Town > Runnin’ Down A Dream

Set II: Blackout Blues > You Got Yours > Sharon, King Baby > Airplane > Take-Off Jam > Action Man, Gimme > Ride Me High#, Papa’s Home, Dear Mr. Fantasy > Papa’s Home, I’m So Glad

Enc.: Honky Red, Postcard, Little Wing

Notes via panicstream.com: 

* With Little Lilly Tease

# With Bust It Big Intro And Freddie’s Dead Jam