April 18, 1998 – Panic in the Streets!

It is hard to believe that 10 years ago today, a world record was set for the most people to attend an outdoor music concert. I am not sure what they decided on for a total, but there are estimates that there were at least 120,000 people in downtown Athens, Ga for the official release party for Widespread Panic’s first live album, Light Fuse Get Away. It was an incredible event that almost didn’t happen. There were some major hurdles to overcome to make this free event a reality. The attached article talks about the event getting a lot of opposition from law enforcement and other officials, but the Athens Mayor at the time, Gwen O’Looney, basically came to the defense of the band and it’s fans and made it happen. It turns out, it was a very calm, laid back event that brought international attention to the band and the city of Athens.

I was there that day and I will never forget it. The sea of spreadheads was massive and the smell of patchouli was in the air! The stage was setup at the bottom of Washington St. next to the 40-Watt Club. There were numerous speakers set up on the stage and another set placed about 500 yards up the street. Even with the extra set of speakers, I am sure some of the people in the back had a hard time hearing the music, the crowd went that far back! Our hotel was behind the stage and we were able to maneuver our way to the front of the crowd close to the stage. Looking back at the sea of people, there were people on top of buildings, in trees, and on light posts, it was unreal. Even with all of those people, I never saw any fights or people misbehaving. Well, maybe some public urination, but nothing serious. The band sounded awesome as usual and a good time was had by all! It was an amazing event and something like that will probably never happen again. Everything came together; it was at the right place, with the right band, which has the right fans. That event is a testimate to all of the elements that were involved. I just can’t believe it has been 10 years! Man, I am feeling old?

Here is an aerial shot of downtown Athens that evening!

Here is the set list for the free show that night:
04/18/98 Washington Street, Athens, GA
1: Disco > Tall Boy > Love Tractor, Aunt Avis > Diner > Walkin' (For Your Love), Henry Parsons Died, All Time Low, The Take Out > Porch Song > Blackout Blues

2: One Arm Steve, Chilly Water, Greta > Christmas Katie > Radio Child, Arleen > Papa's Home > Drums > Papa's Home, Pilgrims, Fishwater
E: West Virginia > Space Wrangler, Ain't Life Grand

[First 'All Time Low', First 'Christmas Katie', First 'One Arm Steve'; Free show; 'Light Fuse, Get Away' album release party; Slow 'Porch Song']

Here is the flagpole article that recaps the event.
http://flagpole.com/Music/Features/PanicInTheStreets/2008-04-16

Well, to prove that we are not old, Meg and I are going to go see Widespread play this weekend in Orange Beach, Alabama. See, we can still hang with the kids!

Having a good time!