Widespread Panic was formed in 1982 when vocalist John Bell met guitarist Mike Houser when the two were attending the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. The duo began playing at college venues and jamming in their free time. Soon, bassist Dave Schools joined the group. In 1986, Widespread Panic recorded the single, “Coconut Image.” Soon after, the group added drummer Todd Nance, percussionist Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz, and keyboardist John “JoJo” Hermann. Widespread Panic then began touring in order to get a fan-base.
In 1998, the group released their debut LP entitled Space Wrangler. At that time, they were signed to the very small, Landslide Label. The group continued touring. Soon after, they were signed to major label, Capricorn. In 1991, Widespread Panic released their debut record entitled Space Wrangler. In 1992, the group went on the H.O.R.D.E. Tour. They soon began developing a large fan-base. Many people were impressed by the group’s live shows. The band’s hometown popularity was shown in Academy Award Winning director, Billy Bob Thorton’s piece, Live From the Georgia Theatre. In 1993, Widespread Panic once again toured on the H.O.R.D.E. Tour.
In 1993, the group released Everyday. The album had the single, “Airplane.” In 1994, Widespread panic released Ain’t Life Grand which had the single, “Can’t Get High.” In 1997, the group released, Bombs and Butterflies. In the spring of 1998, Widespread Panic released Light Fuse, Get Away. In 1999, they released Til the Medicine Takes. In 2000, the group released Another Joyous Occasion and the following year they released Don’t Tell the Band.
In June 2001, Widespread panic began their annual summer tour. Problems occurred however only one month into the tour when founder/lead guitarist Michael Houser had to leave. Houser had been suffering from pancreatic cancer, and decided to return home to Athens, Georgia to rest. Although Houser was gone, the group went on touring with replacement guitarist George McConnel. On August 10, 2002 Houser died at the age of forty. Prior to his death, he requested that the bad continue after he died and that they make McConnel his replacement. Widespread Panic did just that. In April 2003, Widespread panic released the album, Ball.
Bio written by: bandhunt |
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