Widespread Panic

A Widespread Panic show is the epitome of spontaneity — fans know they'll never see the same show twice. Yet Spreadheads will rejoice in gaining private access to the late Michael Houser, the original guitarist and one of the founding fathers from back in '82. Filmed two years prior to Houser's untimely death from pancreatic cancer, this 11-song show (captured on Halloween night, 2000) features the mercurial-yet-always-seated Houser and his five band members as their audience goes through the roof. John Bell remains the key focal point, his vocals and "aw, shucks" demeanour going a long way to defining the band's appeal. A genre-jumping cross between Southern rock, blues rock and unfettered, Dead-like improvisation, fans will delight in this close-as-you'll-get-to-live energy that lifts off this inspired, 5.1 presentation. The added bonus is realized in gaining true visual access to the individual contributions of each player, given the dizzying camera work and complementary angles.