Widespread Panic: Ain’t Life Grand When You’re Burning Down the House!
Article and photographs courtesy of Jeff Fernandez
Widespread Panic closed out the year in Nashville with 20,000 fans and special guests who included the Love Sponge String Quartet, Randall Bramblett on saxophone, the Megablasters on horns, the McCrary Sisters on vocals throughout the night. John Bell sat in a chair the first set with Love Sponge String Quartet backing the entire set, and the boys busted out Paul Simon’s “Still Crazy After All These Years.”
A very strong second set featured the Megablasters accompanying throughout, and WSP closed it with a powerful “Ain’t Life Grand.” Dave Schools had his new custom Alembic Guitar both shows (December 30th as well), bouncing around happily throughout the night.
After the New Year’s countdown, tour manager Steve Lopez addressed the crowd, reaffirming that Widespread Panic will be playing shows this year, next year, and for years to come. Then the band, the Megablasters, and the McCrary sisters joined the stage for set three. Highlights included “A Little Help From My Friends,” “Moondance” and “Red Hot Mama.”
And the encore was as hot as the entire show: “For What its Worth > Burning Down The House.” About a minute into BDTH, all the house lights were raised for the remainder of the song.
12/31/16 Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
1: Blue Indian, Holden Oversoul, May Your Glass Be Filled*, Her Dance Needs No Body*, Crazy*, Still Crazy After All These Years**, Expiration Day*
2: Pigeons, Henry Parsons Died, Rebirtha, Sharon***, Tail Dragger***, Tall Boy***, Can’t Get High****, Ain’t Life Grand*****
3: Disco, A Little Help From My Friends******, Hope In A Hopeless World******, Up All Night****** > Moondance******, Bust It Big****** > Drums > Chilly Water, All Time Low****, Red Hot Mama******
E: For What It’s Worth****, Burning Down The House******
* with Love Sponge String Quartet on strings
** with Love Sponge String Quartet on strings, Randall Bramblett on saxophone
*** with The MegaBlasters on horns
**** with The McCrary Sisters on vocals
***** with David Davidson on fiddle, The McCrary Sisters on vocals
****** with Randall Bramblett on saxophone, The McCrary Sisters on vocals, The MegaBlasters on horns
[Only ‘Still Crazy After All These Years’; Set 1 seated; Last ‘Burning Down The House’ – 12/31/13, 219 shows; Last ‘Moondance’ – 12/31/09, 472 shows]
Thanks to Everyday Companion for the complete setlist.
