Shows
Bluest Tape138: Red Rocks Tears, Home Team Archives, and the Future of Jam BandsRecording on July 7th, 2025, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath cover Harvey's emotional Red Rocks experience, updates on the post-Panicstream landscape, and their continued exploration of the evolving jam band scene.Topics Discussed:Jeff's recent Wisconsin trip and encounter with friend of the pod Marq SpustaJeff's review of Eggy at Overton Park Shell in Memphis - comparing them to "5/8ths speed Phish" with surprisingly slow guitar workMajor update on Home Team FM taking over Panic show streaming, sourcing music directly from the Archive.org instead of compressed MP3sHarvey's third Sunday-only Red Rocks experience, getting...2025-07-151h 10Bluest Tape137: No Regrets, New Platforms, and the Dad Rock RevelationIn this early summer edition of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath discuss their recent Goose experiences, address significant news in the Widespread Panic community, and share insights about the evolving jam band scene.Topics Discussed:Summer camp activities for the kids and Harvey's upcoming Red Rocks trip (Sunday show - their 75th performance at the venue)Major news about PanicStream's founder being arrested in a multi-agency sting operation and the community's responseEmergence of new platforms like Home Team FM to fill the void left by Panic StreamJeff's experience at Goose's show...2025-06-221h 22Bluest Tape136: Charles Fox Interview, Chicago Recap, and George McConnell ReflectionsShow NotesIn episode 136 of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath discuss summer activities, recap Widespread Panic's recent Chicago shows, and share a detailed interview with legendary taper Charles Fox recorded several weeks prior.Topics Discussed:Summer plans including family camps and upcoming Goose shows in Indianapolis and St. LouisDetailed recap of Widespread Panic's three-night run in Chicago featuring guest appearances by Billy Strings and Jerry JosephJeff's deep dive into George McConnell-era shows, specifically a 2003 Tallahassee performance, and reflections on that transitional periodAnalysis of how the George era might have...2025-06-121h 36Bluest Tape135: Nashville Shows, Audience Tapes, and Guess the Year with Mike McClureIn episode 135 of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath catch up on recent Widespread Panic performances, share their revelation about audience tapes, and host a special segment with Mike McClure (IG @guesstheyearshow) from the "Guess the Year" podcast.Topics Discussed:Recent Widespread Panic shows at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, featuring guest appearances by Daniel Donato and Jarrod WalkerThe revelation that Charles Fox's audience recordings provide a superior listening experience compared to soundboard recordingsAnnouncement of Widespread Panic headlining Mempho Festival in Memphis this October with Father John Misty, Leftover Salmon, Galactic, and other...2025-04-302h 05Bluest Tape134: Matt Mundy on ARU, Widespread Panic, and His Bluegrass RootsIn episode 134 of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kolath welcome a special guest with deep connections to Widespread Panic history - mandolin player Matt Mundy, formerly of the Aquarium Rescue Unit and the musician who played on Panic's "Pickin' Up The Pieces."Topics Discussed:Matt's musical journey from his bluegrass upbringing to joining Colonel Bruce Hampton's Aquarium Rescue UnitThe story behind Matt's mandolin playing on Widespread Panic's "Picking Up The Pieces"Recollections of the early days with ARU and being part of the Capricorn Records roster in the 1990sMatt's experiences on the...2025-04-071h 27Bluest Tape133: Digital Streams, Preservation Work, and the Million Memory Project with Mitchell DavisOn episode 133 of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath catch up on recent Widespread Panic shows in St. Augustine before welcoming special guest Mitchell Davis, member of the Widespread Panic preservation band 54 Bicycles and founder of the Million Memory Project.Topics Discussed:Highlights from Widespread Panic's recent St. Augustine run, including standout openers and encore performancesDiscussion of My Morning Jacket's new album "is" and their longevity in the music sceneMitchell's introduction to Widespread Panic at Greenstreets in 1990 and how it changed his musical trajectoryThe founding and philosophy behind 54 Bicycles, which Mitchell describes...2025-03-271h 37Bluest Tape132: Wrestling Talk, Spring '95 & March Madness BracketsIn episode 132 of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch, Jeff Kolath, and guest Sam Holt catch up on recent adventures, share stories from the road, and dive into music memories, wrestling nostalgia, and March Madness predictions.Topics Discussed:Jeff recaps his experience at the "In Memory of Dickie Betts" show at Macon City AuditoriumSam Holt shares updates on upcoming shows in Asheville (March 28 at The Grey Eagle) and Charleston (March 29 at Pour House) for "Sam Holt Band Presents Remembering Mikey and Todd"Discussion of all-star tribute shows and their dynamics from a musician's perspectiveMemories of Widespread...2025-03-191h 27Bluest Tape131: Atlantic City Reflections & Farewell to Oak MountainIn this episode, recorded in late February 2024, Harvey and Jeff catch up after Widespread Panic's return to the stage in Atlantic City. Topics include:Brief highlights from the three-night Atlantic City run, including notable songs and special guests Jason Crosby on fiddle and John Keane on guitar/pedal steelDiscussion of the recently announced 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees, including Phish, The Black Crowes, Oasis, Mariah Carey, and othersBreaking news about the upcoming demolition of Oak Mountain Amphitheater in Alabama and reflections on memorable Widespread Panic shows at the venueThe summer festival lineup for Bourbon...2025-03-1350 minBluest TapeEpisode 130: Bob Beatty on Duane Allman and the Journey to Fillmore EastThis week, Jeff and Harvey welcome author and music historian Dr. Bob Beatty to discuss his book "Play All Night: Duane Allman and the Journey to Fillmore East" and explore the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band. Key discussion topics include:• The historical significance of At Fillmore East and the high stakes surrounding its recording• The concept of the Allman Brothers as "The People's Band" and how that identity evolved• Discussion of various lineups and eras, including the Jack Pearson years• Bruce Hampton's influence on the band and Southern music• Deep...2025-02-121h 37Bluest Tape129: Spring '95 Draft - Picking Our FavoritesJeff and Harvey return for their second episode of 2024 to conduct their long-awaited Spring 1995 Widespread Panic tour draft. Before the draft, they catch up on:Discussion of Harvey's recent duck and deer hunting adventuresPreview of next week's guest, Dr. Bob Beatty, author of "Play All Night: Duane Allman and the Journey to Fillmore East"Recent recommendations including Goose's new music video and HBO's "The Pit"A brief discussion of Bob Dylan and favorite albumsThe Draft: Harvey and Jeff each selected their top 5 shows from Widespread Panic's Spring 1995 tour. The picks...2025-02-051h 26Bluest Tape128: Spring '95 Deep Dive & The State of the SceneAfter a brief hiatus, Jeff and Harvey return to The Bluest Tape to catch up and look ahead to some exciting content. The duo discusses:Personal updates including Jeff's new role at the Sultana Disaster Museum and his new dog MaggieA comprehensive look at Widespread Panic's Spring 1995 tour, including:Notable openers like Jackopierce, From Good Homes, and Soul HatMajor song debuts including "Sleeping Man," "Great Old One By One," and "Radio Child"The return of classics like "Satisfied," "Pusherman," and "Dear Mr. Fantasy"Important media appearances on Conan O'Brien and RocklineThe significant Las Vegas shows during the Grateful...2025-01-2850 minBluest Tape126: Welcome BackIt's been awhile, but we're back with a welfare check. Harvey's seen a bunch of shows this summer (including Panic at Red Rocks) and he's on the verge of going on Goose tour. Jeff is lucky enough to have Panic play in his back yard every year in Memphis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-07-271h 19
Swan DiveJeff Kollath - The Soul of a Story - Exec Dir of the Stax Museum of American Soul MusicAs Executive Director of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, TN, Jeff Kollath oversees the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Stax Records and American soul music. Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, John Lee Hooke, Booker T & the MGs and the endless Stax roster of musical icons produced songs that stirred our souls and shared our collective story, a story born of pain and glory, rags and riches, love and lust. Stax liberated our hearts and freed our hips to move like nobody was watching. Kollath, brandishing a BA and Masters in...2024-04-1659 minBluest Tape120: Distractions, DistractionsWell, if you enjoy wandering conversations about nothing terribly impactful or relevant to your lives, then this is the episode for you! Jeff spends much of this short episode distracted by the brilliance of Ja Morant (47-8-8 in a playoff game!), and then asks Harvey the question of all questions about Goose and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead: “But, why do you like it?” Harvey provides a passionate enough answer to pique Jeff’s interest, but will it move beyond a quick Relisten listen? Come back for the next ep and find out! Beyond that, we talk about My Morni...2022-05-051h 10Bluest Tape119: Still Right Here, Still Just Here, Brave Little FriendsOur first show of 2022 (?!?) and we hit the ground running with a great interview with former Panic taper, guitar tech, and band member, Sam Holt, who shares with us some of his favorite moments from spring 1992, recalls some special moments from Mikey’s last full tour in spring 2002, what it was like to sit in with Jerry Joseph, and looks ahead with great excitement to three Sam Holt Band shows he has coming up in May that will pay tribute to Mikey and Todd Nance. After Sam exits, Jeff and Harvey get caught up with each other, look back at...2022-04-212h 23
Business Class: The Tourism Industry's PodcastTelling Amazing Stories with Jeff Kollath, Stax Museum of American Soul MusicJeff Kollath, Executive Director of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, shares how music forms a common thread through history, culture, art and humanity. Jeff shares with Business Class host, Stephen Ekstrom, how an incredible tale of the Stax story, came to life and grew into a powerful exhibit. Plus, Jeff talks about his own career growth and his hopes for the future of Stax. RELATED: Science Says We Love To TravelRELATED: 6 Reasons Why eLearning Costs Less Than Traditional TrainingBusiness Class is made possible by Group Travel O...2021-11-0431 min
Bluest Tape118: Milwookie, Nolaween, and Living in the PastMilwookie, Nolaween, and Living in the Past------------------------------This week, we recap four solid shows from the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, an annual stop for the band and fast becoming a must-see run for all the Panic fans out there.Looking ahead, we wishcast a few covers for the upcoming Nolaween run at UNO Lakefront Arena, and, as we always do around this of year, wax poetic about the 1997-2000 Halloween runs. No existential talk this episode, but we hint at a serious conversation in the weeks ahead - don’t...2021-10-291h 47
Bluest Tape117: Mempho in the Rear ViewDespite the best efforts of the rain to keep the party from happening, Mempho Festival 2021 was a grand time! Panic played two really great one set shows on Friday and Saturday, kicking off each show with a high energy opener, building even higher during the set, and sending us all home with big smiles. Billy Strings joined the boys for a killer four song sit in on Friday night, including a massive “Dirty Business,” while the Saturday highlight was probably the raucous “Arleen.” We go over both shows in detail and are joined by a special guest, Jeff’s better hal...2021-10-081h 20
Bluest Tape116: Wrangler>Walkin' in MemphisIt’s Mempho Time! ------------------------------The 2021 Mempho Festival is FINALLY here! What a couple of months since the last Panic shows - the Wilmington shows were epic, the Asheville shows serviceable, and then Napa and NYC got canceled, and JB got COVID. But, everyone is healthy and the fans are ready for the Memphis heat! Aside from the Panic, the festival lineup is pretty great, with the Avetts, Nathaniel Rateliff, Black Pumas, Liz Brasher, City Champs, and more gracing the stages at the Memphis Botanic Gardens. We are so excited to have you com...2021-09-301h 27
Bluest Tape115: Wilmington Runs This NowHarvey and Jeff recap the scorching hot Wilmington run and discuss the state of the US Olympic Team. Harvey is joined by The Penguin's Beau Gunn to recap how things went in Wilmington and discuss what the future might hold at Live Oak Bank Pavilion in downtown Wilmington. We also preview how the rest of 2021 looks for Panic, previews Jeff's attendance at a PHISH concert and Harvey's trip to Connecticut to ostensibly visit his in-laws (while also visiting Treehouse Brewery and seeing JRAD at Westville Bowl in New Haven). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-08-051h 44
Bluest Tape114: Find Out Just How Tall We AreHarvey and Jeff are joined by Ted Rockwell to recap the (((wet))) Red Rocks Run. Then, we talk to Geoff Hanson from The Earth Will Swallow You and Beau Gunn from the Penguin in Wilmington, NC as we preview the upcoming three night run in Wilmington as Widespread Panic perform the first shows at the Live Oak Bank Pavillion at Riverfront Park in Wilmington, NC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2021-07-162h 01
Bluest Tape113: Gotta Get Back to the RocksHarvey and Jeff get the band back together for a in-depth Red Rocks + Tunes for Tots preview and lay down some not-so-hot takes and predictions for the shows ahead. Special guests Jay Strasberg and Ted Rockwell bring their love of Panic and their excitement for the weekend ahead to the pod, and preview the incredible vibe that awaits the 10,000+ fans headed to Colorado. And yes, to stay to the original inspiration for the Bluest Tape, Jeff drops some solid recommendations from 96 and 98 that you can see below. 13 June 1996 - Bee Cave, TX - The Backyard...2021-06-241h 57
Bluest Tape110: We've Been Gone a Long TimeWe’ve Been a Long Time GoneMy lands, we were gone a long time, weren’t we?Great to see you all again, everyone. Harvey and Jeff play a little catchup on life, Panic, politics, and such, and then sit down with Scott Whiddon, a Professor of Writing at Transylvania University in Lexington, who also happens to be a damn fine musician. On December 27, Scott will release his new single, “The Ballad of Chris Bell,” about the Big Star founder and Memphis-born singer-songwriter who died way too young in 1978. The guys talk about Scott’s new reco...2020-12-302h 12
Bluest Tape109: Holt TeamJeff and Harvey discuss the return of the NFL (a few weeks late - time stands still in the quarantine). And then Sam Holt comes back to the podcast to play some scorching hot tunes and also discuss HOME TEAM and what it means. We also talk some more about Todd Nance and discuss his classic tune "Check Me Out (with a Cheeseburger).We would include a song list, but it's too damn long. Just know it's all top-notch.You've waited a long time for this episode - it's a long one, enjoy it.2020-10-203h 24
Bluest Tape108: That High HatThat High HatSam Holt joins to discuss Todd NanceAdd the loss of Todd Nance to the list of terrible things that have happened in 2020.Jeff and Harvey knock off the rust and discuss how important Todd Nance was to the Widespread Panic sound. And then friend of the pod, Sam Holt, joins Harvey to talk some more about his friendship with Todd and then play some raging Jerry Joseph & Friends stuff and then some great early 90s Panic (what else would you expect from Sam?).Jerry Joseph & Friends 15 September 2001...2020-09-082h 53
Bluest Tape107: A Patchwork Quilt of LifeA Patchwork Quilt of a Life: Jerry @ 25It is impossible to believe, but it has been 25 years since we lost Jerry Garcia on August 9, 1995. His life and music paved the way for bands like Panic; his passing may have meant even more, elevating them to bigger tours, bigger venues, and more notoriety as Deadheads looked and longed for a new home. In this episode, we reflect on Garcia’s legacy, what he meant in our own lives, including “where we were” when we found out Jerry had died, and certainly what he meant to Panic. We close out th...2020-08-141h 43
Bluest Tape106: The Natty is SetThe Natty Is SetMy God, have we FINALLY reached The Natty?By God, we have! It is set. A consensus #1, all time show in 4/3/96 Huntsville, AL vs. the “People’s Champ,” 10/28/00 New Orleans, LA. A sensational standalone show on a sleepy Wednesday night in “The Rocket City” vs. a get-down Saturday night on Halloween weekend in “The Crescent City.” This matchup is really like choosing between your two kids (Harvey and I both have two boys - some days it is easier to choose one you like, though) and will force you, the voting public, to make a tough d...2020-08-071h 27
Bluest Tape105: A Fantabulous Final Four + An Interview with Marq SpustaA Fantabulous Final Four + An Interview with Marq SpustaWe are super good at recording interviews - and episodes - weeks and/or months ago and dropping them on you all weeks and/or months later. You would think that during the pandemic we’d both have nothing to do but work and yell at people for not wearing masks, but that has not been the case. Life has been hectic, y’all! This week, Jeff and Harvey catch up on things, breakdown the Panic Final Four (chalk, chalk, chalk, and chalk), wax poetic about “Wednesday” shows, and pres...2020-07-032h 27
Bluest Tape104: The Elite 8 Unveiling + Jupiter CoyoteThe Elite 8 Unveiling + Jupiter CoyoteOkay, we are down to the Elite 8 in our “A Panic Sweet 16 for the COVID-19” bracket to determine the “best” Panic show ever. We recap the results from the last matchups in the tourney and preview the monsters coming up, including the Battle for Alabama, Jeff’s best show ever vs. Harvey’s best show ever, NOLAWeen 2000 v Sit n Ski, and just maybe, quite possibly, the “best” Panic show ever from May 1999 v a classic NYE show. Whew!After the bracket breakdown, we share the long overdue interview Harvey conducted on NYE...2020-05-072h 32
Bluest Tape103: Panic Sweet 16 part 3A Panic Sweet 16 for the COVID-19:The George McConnell and The Danny the Angry Sound Man BracketsHere’s the right side of the Widespread Panic Sweet 16 bracket, eight killer shows that, if you haven’t heard them or don’t know about them, why are you reading this and listening to us? You must not get any of our terrible jokes, or any of our snarky references to “Dark Day Program,” “Coach,” and “Sparks Fly.” This is a recording of a Facebook Live we did a week or so ago, so apologies if our references are alr...2020-04-131h 48
Bluest Tape102: Panic Sweet 16 part 2A Panic Sweet 16 for the COVID-19The Todd Nance BracketAs promised, here’s our Widespread Panic Sweet 16 bracket of what we and the band think are the “best” 16 shows in the band’s history (yes, we know, some of our choices are debatable, but take us to task on Twitter!). The 16 includes 11 shows officially released by the band and 5 at-large concerts from the years 1989 to 2001. We continue the tournament in the lower left part of the bracket - named for the band’s original drummer, Todd Nance - with the #4 v #13 and #5 v #12 matchups.Pleas...2020-04-0258 min
Bluest Tape101: Panic Sweet 16 for COVID-19A Panic Sweet 16 for the COVID-19The T. Lavitz BracketAs promised, here’s our Widespread Panic Sweet 16 bracket of what we and the band think are the “best” 16 shows in the band’s history (yes, we know, some of our choices are debatable, but take us to task on Twitter!). The 16 includes 11 shows officially released by the band and 5 at-large concerts from the years 1989 to 2001. We get started off in the upper left part of the bracket - named for the first and shortest tenured keyboardist in the band’s history, T. Lavitz - with the...2020-03-271h 20
Bluest Tape100: A Big Show for Unprecedented TimesA Big Show for Unprecedented TimesThe Bluest Tape @ 100Well, it took us almost three years, but we finally have made it to our 100th episode! Congrats to us and congrats to you all for sticking with us through all the talk about appliance repair, existential dread, whining about Kentucky basketball, Memphis-related conspiracy theories, and, perhaps most important, the pod’s evolution in how we think about Panic 3.0.So, episode 100 is a really big show. Not only did we do a live Facebook stream of our video chat, we drop some uncirculated Panic, an...2020-03-202h 47
Bluest Tape99: We Fancied Rat PatrolWe Fancied Rat Patrol: Beacon Residency 2020Episode #99 hits at a particularly harrowing time in the recent history of our nation. The NBA is on hiatus. March Madness will be played in arenas in front of moms, dads, ballboys, and janitors, and no one else. Tom Hanks - FREAKING TOM HANKS - has the damn virus. End times? Nope. Just 2020, the best year ever.Well, despite the darkness, at least we still have some Widespread Panic to talk about. The band just completed its first five-nights-in-a-row RESIDENCY in many, many years - five nights, no repeats...2020-03-122h 19
Bluest Tape98: Why Do We Even Exist?Why Do We Even Exist?A Very Special, Existential Bluest TapeYep, we ask this question and many more in this, our 98th episode of The Bluest Tape. What ostensibly began as an episode to discuss the recent Panic en la Playa Nueve turns into a discussion about washer/dryer repair and the very nature of this podcast that you are about to tune into. We go DEEP. But, we also talk about PELP, and another great PELP it was, really turning into a family reunion in some ways, not just for the fans, but...2020-02-113h 11
Bluest Tape97: Everyone Gets a Second ChanceEveryone Gets A Second Chance2020 Is Upon UsFirst time we’ve recorded in a while and so much has gone on, most notably, Panic concluding a strong three night run at the Fabulous Fox Theater in Atlanta over New Year’s. This episode, we recap the holidays, recap our illnesses, complain about football and basketball referees and the ridiculous amount of replays, and of course, end up talking about Panic. We give the 2019 run a good once over, and then we let Harvey wax poetic about NYE 94 and 95. No surprise, but some pretty good musi...2020-01-152h 14
Bluest Tape96: Nothing Lasts Forever in the Cold November RainNothing Lasts Forever in the Cold November RainMontana, November 2000We recorded this episode in the midst of a driving Memphis rain storm and a 25+ degree temperature drop on Veteran’s Day, so tipping our cap to the great W. Axl Rose and Stephanie Seymour seemed appropo. We dropped a new format for our Halloween 2019 recap and promptly cast it aside for a return to the old format. Sorry!This week, we have two great examples from Fall Tour 2000 - a couple of unheralded shows from the State of Montana. 11/10/00 finds at Montana St...2019-11-191h 42
Bluest Tape95: Get Your Hot TakesGet Your Hot Takes!Halloween 2019 RecapWhat a great three night run in New Orleans! Wow!Excellent performances on all three nights, some BIG surprises, great covers, and killer setlists all around. Obviously, the talk of the run was the tribute to Andy Kaufman on Halloween night that ended in a bizarre piece of performance art to the tune of "Volare" and “Tacos are Cheap.” I hope they book Tony Clifton as an opener for Panic en la Playa in 2021.Trying a new format this week. We talk about the shows, sure...2019-11-081h 39
Bluest Tape94: Millioke', which is Algonquin for “The Good Land"“‘Millioke,’ which is Algonquin for “The Good Land”Panic Returns to the Cream City!This weekend, the boys hit the Riverside Theatre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for what will likely be another excellent run of three shows. The band has made the Riverside its exclusive Milwaukee home since 2006, but before that, they played all over “The United States of Milwaukee,” from Shank Hall and the Modjeska to the Eagles Ballroom and Summerfest. We get things started with the band’s first trip to the Cream City in 1992, follow it up with their first set at Summerfest in 1995, and clo...2019-10-242h 33
Bluest Tape93: Back to the Mother ChurchBack to the Mother ChurchRyman 2019If you are a regular listener to the Pod, you’d swear that we have turned this in a Billy Strings podcast! Lots of Billy Strings talk again this week - we unveil his previously unknown, completely secret REAL last name (dramatic enough for you?) - as Harvey waxes poetic about Billy’s role in the three night acoustic run at the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. These acoustic shows mark a giant leap forward for the band from the days of Sit n Ski (ama...2019-09-132h 20
Bluest Tape92: By the Time We Got to WoodstockBy the Time We Got to WoodstockThis week, we take a trip back to the 1969 Aquarian Exposition, aka, the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair, held in Bethel, NY. Through three days of rain, mud, bad trips, no food, traffic jams, and more mud, nearly a half million young people from all over the US made their way to this legendary festival. One such person was Jeff’s father-in-law, Larry, who hitched his way from New York City on Saturday morning, arriving just in time for the day’s music. In this episode, we learn all about Larr...2019-08-212h 36
Bluest Tape91: "The Music is Running Itself and They're Just Hanging On""The Music Is Running Itself and They're Just Hanging On"A Conversation with Sam HoltHarvey is joined again by friend of the podcast, Sam Holt. They dig deep into the archives and play some of Sam faves from shows in 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, and 2001. They discuss Sam's upcoming Remembering Mikey event in Atlanta on August 10, 2019 at Terminal West and also his late night shows in Nashville after Ryman Panic on 8/23 and 8/24.Links below go to whole show streams from Panicstream.31 October 1990 - Athens, GA - Georgia TheatreDog Song2019-08-022h 18
Bluest Tape90: On the Road with Harvey, Jeff, and the DDBBOn the Road with Harvey, Jeff, and the DDBBAnother Joyous Occasion, Vol. 2For all your first times or long times out there, we have a landmark first in this episode of the Bluest Tape. Whilst driving up I-75 to the Tedeschi Trucks Band in Cincinnati, Jeff and Harvey actually recorded an episode in the SAME place at the SAME time, this time, in Jeff’s Honda Pilot! Harvey does most of the nuts and bolts this time around so Jeff could keep his eyes on the road, but the discussion goes back and forth ab...2019-07-262h 19
Bluest Tape89: Unexpected, Graceful, Not ForcedUnexpected, Graceful, Not ForcedRed Rocks 2019Jeff is still in the fog of newborn parenthood, so we'll give him a pass for not finding time to join us on the podcast this week, but we are lucky enough to call in an ace reliever in the form of Ted Rockwell. Ted attended the most recent Panic three night run at Red Rocks, and as we learn, has attended all of the 60 consecutive WSP sell outs at Red Rocks, dating back to that fantastic show on May 31, 1996 (of course it was fantastic, it was 1996)....2019-07-112h 32
Bluest Tape88: Babies Only Care What the People FeelBabies Only Care What the People FeelWell, we stay true to our element with some more 1996 heat, this time to celebrate the arrival of the Kollath progeny. “Little Wrangler” Ellison Liron Kollath arrived on Tuesday, June 4, weighing a robust 8lb, 7oz. Mom and baby are doing well and dad is trying to figure out how to go hide at work and not offend anyone. In his short time on Earth, Baby Ellison has shown a keen interest in “Take Off Jam” - no, I’m not making that up - it is amazing what you find out at 230...2019-06-202h 00
Bluest Tape87: Getting Back to Our RootsGetting Back to Our Roots: A Return to 1996Since it had been SO long since we dropped a new episode on you all, we thought it best to go back to our roots and play some serious, super sleeper, spring/summer 1996 heat. We head all the way out west to Tacoma, Washington where we find Panic inhabiting the Temple Theater for a smoking two setter that is oftentimes overlooked because of what comes before (5/31 through 6/2) and after (6/5). 6/4 is a special day for the Bluest Tape since, unless nature intervenes, will be the birthday for the newest Kollath...2019-06-052h 07
Bluest Tape86: Late for the FutureLate for the FutureSpring 2019Sometimes we have the best of intentions.Sometimes we record two episodes at once.Sometimes we plan on putting out episodes in back to back weeks.Sometimes life intervenes.Sometimes Jeff forgets to write the liner notes.Sometimes we feel bad about all of this.Here it is, a review of the early and middle part of the Spring 2019 Panic tour. We recorded the show just before the Sweetwater 420 and Trondossa Festivals so we don’t have anything from those four sh...2019-05-071h 59
Bluest Tape85: It Was Twenty Years Ago TodayIt Was Twenty Years Ago Today...Early Spring 1999All these 20/25/30 year anniversaries are making us feel OLD, ya’ll! It is hard to believe that Panic has been around that long, and even more remarkable that the band is still together and killing it (yes, even we now admit the band is on fire, just needed to ‘recalibrate’ our thinking - we’re late to the party, sue us!). We go back 20 years to the spring of 1999, probably the best tour of the year and one of the last great tours before Mikey departed in summer 2...2019-04-172h 25
Bluest Tape84: We Enjoy Ourselves84: We Enjoy OurselvesPart 2 of the Panic/Phish Osiris crossover podcast experience.After Harvey wandered aimlessly through an episode of Helping Friendly Podcast with RJ Bee, RJ returned the favor and appears on the Bluest Tape to discuss some memorable Panic moments.After a very un-scientific survey of Panic Twitter, Harvey decided to have RJ listen to:03 April 1996 - Huntsville, AL - Von Braun CenterMaggot Brain07 May 1997 - Louisville, KY - Palace TheatreFishwater28 October 2000 - New Orleans, LA - Lakefront ArenaMardi...2019-04-041h 56
Bluest Tape83: Lagniappe #6Lagniappe #6: March the 29thIn this lagniappe episode, Harvey looks back at some pretty special shows played by the band on March 29th.Please continue to support the podcast by buying one of our swell t-shirts here!Links below go to the whole show stream from Panicstream:29 March 1992 - Fort Collins, CO - Fort RamHatfield > Rock, Mercy > Entering A Black Hole Backwards > Chilly WaterSource: SBD29 March 1995 - Somerville, MA - Somerville TheatreRed Beans, And it Stoned MeSource: AKG 46129 March 1996...2019-03-291h 23
Bluest Tape82: We'll Be Back to Clean It All Up Later“We’ll Be Back to Clean It All Up Later:” Traditional Closers, Vol. 2We close our the closers series with the top five picks in our draft. It was a tough choice at the top of the draft, a true Ryan Leaf v. Peyton Manning kind of decision, but in this case, I suppose there were really no losers and no one ended up in jail for drugs and theft. If that’s the case, then I guess it was nothing like Leaf v. Manning. Anyway, I digress. So, Widespread Panic. Closers. Jeff had the 1st...2019-03-142h 55
Bluest Tape81: “We’ll Be Back to Clean it All Up Later”“We’ll Be Back to Clean It All Up Later:” Traditional Closers, Vol. 1It certainly took us a while to get back to this theme of traditional openers → traditional closers (are we doing encores, Harvey?) but here we are with volume one of the closers portion of the proceedings. Some excellent selections here (Harvey with three, Jeff with two) that may spark a little debate amongst the Panic fans out there. We get started with a selection from the Travelin’ Light Tour of summer 1998, and then go back a year to summer 1997 for a couple of hot mid-July s...2019-02-262h 28
Bluest Tape80: That Other January TourThat Other January TourHere we are in the midst of another Sit n Ski anniversary, but this time around, we’ll take a pass on the landmark 1996 tour and jump back three years further in the past and look at 1993. Taking two weeks off after an epic NYE at the Georgia Theater, Panic hit the road for a remarkable 41 shows in a little over 50 days, starting in Florida and ending up in New Orleans in early March. The shows for this episode come from late January and find the band in prime form - crisp transitions, ex...2019-01-312h 15
Bluest Tape79: Ending of One, Beginning of AnotherEnding of One, Beginning of Another: NYE Run at the Fabulous FoxThe New Year’s 2018 run at the Fabulous Fox Theater is in the books. While many of you are probably already looking towards Panic en la Playa in a week-plus, we decided to take a look back at what was a pretty solid three show run. We saw the return of some old favorites, some supreme setlist creativity, and, no surprise here, some damn fine picking from the boys. It wasn’t a flawless run by any stretch, though strong overall. We were both especially impr...2019-01-182h 27
Bluest Tape78: Auld Acquaintances Might Be Forgotten, But These Panic Shows Won’t BeAssuming y’all survived Christmas and such, it is now time to look ahead to Panic’s return to the FABULOUS Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA. The band is saddled up and ready to ride for three nights at the legendary old movie house, and the Bluest Tape has your pre-show soundtrack all mapped out. Harvey and Jeff clearly missed each other since they again talk way too long about various topics, but eventually they get to the music, expertly curated by Harvey this week, who again brings hyperbole and boldness to the table. This week, we present two show...2018-12-282h 34
Bluest Tape77: It’s A Wonderful PodIt’s A Wonderful Pod: Puttin’ a Bow on 2018Bonus Tracks and Deep CutsLet’s bring good ol’ 2018 to a close in style with a selection of bonus tracks, which in our case means “shows we really dug and never found the chance to play ‘em this year, or they were in an episode that got cut for one reason or another.”In the case of these four selections, we think the wait was WELL worth it. After Harvey and Jeff get caught up with their lives and holiday plans, they charge headlong into...2018-12-243h 30
Bluest Tape76: “Settle Down, What Do You Think This Is, a Rock n Roll Show?”“Settle Down, What Do You Think This Is, a Rock n Roll Show?”Classic Openers, Part 2Let’s close out the openers show in style, with five burners from days gone by. Harvey kicks things off with his second and third picks, “Send Your Mind” from the great Van Morrison, and a return to the well (so to speak) with a nice “Little Kin” opener from the essential March 1996 show in Johnson City, TN. Jeff comes back with the first of his final two selections: a stellar “Pleas” delivered in front of a rowdy, whiskey-bottle tossing crowd on f...2018-11-282h 00
Bluest Tape75: "I'm Surprised Nothing Got Broke""I'm Surprised Nothing Got Broke"14 shows in 14 days, part 2Ted Rockwell returns for part 2 of our conversation on the 25th anniversary of the October/November 1993 tour. We play some fantastic music, including perhaps the greatest Garrie intro of all time: "Please help me in that respect, Thank You!"; a fantastic stretch of music from the Big Potato State; and a sublime encore from Eugene, Oregon. Come along for the ride as we listen to a band firing on all cylinders.But before we get to the music, Jeff and Harvey discuss Halloween festivities...2018-11-061h 45
Bluest Tape74: "No Fuss, No Muss"“No Fuss, No Muss”14 shows in 14 days, part 1We've been away for a few weeks (we wanted to give everyone a chance to get caught up on back episodes and listen to all the recent shows the band has been playing). Harvey and Jeff do a quick update and discuss some first thoughts (and hot takes) on the band's Halloween run in Vegas.Then Harvey is joined by good friend of the pod, Ted Rockwell, to discuss one of the classic runs of the band's history, the 14 shows in 14 days in 13 cities through the...2018-11-011h 54
Bluest Tape73: And You Are Gonna Be Happy From Now On...and you are gonna be happy from now on!Classic Openers, Part 1This week, we bring you the first of six episodes focusing on classic Panic openers, closers, and encores. Harvey has come up with a complicated mathematical formula that guided us through the fantasy football-like snake draft allowing us to determine what we think are ten of the best classic or traditional (but not THE BEST) Panic openers of all time. Jeff kicks it off with another trip to NOLA for a great segment from Halloween 99 (including “Todd Speaks!), while Harvey takes his shot wi...2018-10-092h 57
Bluest Tape72: We Gotta Go, Thank You Very Much!We Gotta Go, Thank You Very Much!Flip the Bird Encores!No matter the version of Panic, we have ALL been there. A killer setlist, badass playing, and a great post-drums just leaving you wanting more. You even stay standing and clap for the band to come back for the encore - that’s how excited you are. The band comes back, the crowd pops, the energy is high, and...and...and...Nobody’s Loss? Why the hell didn’t they just hit the lights, play “Wonderful World,” and send us all home? Yep, that’s right, we...2018-09-273h 23
Bluest Tape71: Fear and Loathing in NashvegasFear and Loathing in NashvegasSo, here we are, 71 episodes in and, finally, Harvey and Jeff have seen Panic 3.1. We have complained, we have criticized, we have rationalized, and we have waxed poetic about the distant past, but in this episode, we finally come clean: we cool with Panic 3.1. The last three night run in Nashville was a good one and Harvey has a full recap from the second night and from the Sam Holt Band show on Friday night, too. Some good stuff for you this week - some great stuff from Saturday night, including a...2018-09-122h 42
Bluest Tape70: The Irrelevant FourThe Irrelevant Four2018 College Football PreviewLast year, we did the expected, giving you a top four for the College Football Playoff, and added to it with special guest Mark Schlabach. This year, with the help of the Phil Steele (we discuss if he is, in fact, a real person) college football preview magazine and Wikipedia, we highlight four (highly irrelevant) bowl games and choose four great shows to make up for the (irrelevance). We start off in 2001 with a sleeper 1st set pick from May 2001, a sly “Driving Song” sandwich from beautiful Boise, head back...2018-08-292h 32
Bluest Tape69: Out of Left FieldOut of the Left FieldA Year of Unexpected JamsAll due credit to faithful listener of the pod Chad Coates for suggesting the theme for this week’s episode. Way back in November, Chad sent us a list of “unexpected jams,” extended versions of songs or super long “>” buried in a setlist that, on paper, might look a little sleepy. Chad picked some sure fire winners for us from the year 2000 - he has some other suggestions, too, and we definitely think we will go back to this well again. Come for the jams, stay for t...2018-08-212h 09
Bluest Tape68: The Holt Chronicles, Vol. 2This week we bring part two of our conversation with Panic fan/taper/guitar tech/guitarist Sam Holt, who shares additional stories from his time with the band and lets us in on what he’s been up since parting with the band. Check out a sublime “Heaven” from the encore on August 5, 2006, followed by an excellent run of songs from August 10, 2006 featuring a couple of “OTPs” (Only Time Played) - a Sam Holt original and a Michael Houser solo track. Closing out the show is a run of songs from the Sam Holt Band that we think you will reall...2018-08-101h 46
Bluest Tape67: Lagniappe #5Lagniappe #5We’re taking a brief respite from the Sam Holt Chronicles to give you a taste of one of the better shows from the Travelin Light Tour of Summer 1998. The tour featured some inspired playing, some interesting setlist experimentation, and a ton of special guests almost every night. This one, from Jackson, Mississippi has all of those things in spades and is a particular favorite of ours. We feature a very nice post-drums segment and an intense encore with the guys from Galactic (RIP Houseman) and longtime Panic friend, George McConnell. Play it loud - this is...2018-08-021h 03
Bluest Tape66: The Holt Chronicles, Part 1The Holt Chronicles, Part 1Many thanks to our very special guest this week, SAM HOLT. That’s right, the guy that has lived the dream of so many Panic fans - fan, taper, guitar tech, MEMBER OF THE BAND. Sam jumped on the bus back in 1989 and has never left it. He is to thank for a pile of tapes of the early days of Panic - some stories of which he shares with us - and heavily documented the classic years of 1995-96. Sam joined up with the band as a guitar tech in summer 2000 and st...2018-07-251h 57
Bluest Tape65: Lagniappe #4Lagniappe #4Celebrating a silver anniversaryWe’re taking a break from our regular programming this week. But this week’s lagniappe is a little different. Harvey goes solo this week and celebrates the 25th anniversary of his very first show, back when he was just a young buck. A 1993 HORDE show from the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans, Louisiana.This show is not in circulation digitally, so he dusted off his 3rd generation cassette, captured it, did a little hiss removal, and here it is in its entirety in all of its imperfect glor...2018-07-181h 26
Bluest Tape64: Jeff (Actually) Hearts Panic v3.0Jeff (Actually) Hearts Panic v3.0A Very Special Episode of The Bluest TapeThis week, we recap the weekend that was at Mud Island in Memphis, TN. Jeff and Harvey had both planned on attending the shows and giving you the hard-hitting, accurate analysis that you all have grown to love over the past year, but alas, it was not to be. Jeff, however, did go to the show on Friday night, and, SURPRISE, he LIKED it. That’s right, faithful listeners, Jeff actually LIKED the show. Hell, he’s not even gonna complain about ‘Steven...2018-07-062h 52
Bluest Tape63: "We've Been Having an Exquisite Time"“We’ve Been Having An Exquisite Time!”Random Show ClosersWell, after the success of our “Random Openers” show we decided to run it back (sort of) with “Random Closers.” We debate the differences between 1st set closers, 2nd closers, and encores, recall some of our favorite closers from days of yore, and share the (somewhat) famous story of the Deer Creek 2001 show where a pre-show storm turned the sky a purplish-green color. For all you amateur meteorologists out there, that ain’t good. Music-wise, we start off in April 1995 with a tipsy JB bringing the good on “And...2018-06-282h 03
Bluest Tape62: Way Out WestWay Out WestFirst Leg of Summer 2001June 2001 was a big month for Widespread Panic. They released their final studio album with Michael Houser, Don’t Tell the Band, and embarked on a mighty fine summer tour starting way out west in California. This week, we talk about the first handful of shows from this tour, with stops in San Diego, LA, and a return to Paolo Soleri in Santa Fe. Tune in for the music - including a great version of “Coconut,” a killer guest spot from War keyboardist Lonnie Jordan, and “Don’t Be Denied”...2018-06-192h 22
Bluest Tape61: Random OpenersSetting the ToneRandom Panic OpenersWe have all had that moment at a Widespread Panic - when the lights come down, the crowd noise goes up, and in your head, your mind is spinning with the thought of “What are the boys gonna kick it off with tonight?” Sometimes, the band will start it off nice and slow and ease the crowd into the night; other times, they will just smack you in the face with a 2 x 4’ and you are just along for the ride at that point. This week, we look at four s...2018-06-081h 47
Bluest Tape60: More Sandwiches!More Sandwiches!Travelin' Light Tour 1998We've done a lot of celebrating the 20th anniversary of things recently: the historic 10 night Paris run; the release of Panic's first official live album, Light Fuse Get Away; and the record-breaking Panic in the Streets. So it only makes sense that we move on to the 20th anniversary of Panic's big summer tour in 1998, the "Travelin' Light" Tour - Panic's first summer tour headlining sheds across this great country! So instead of giving the traditional 20th anniversary gift of china to our dear listeners, what do you think the...2018-05-302h 31
Bluest Tape59: First VariationsFirst VariationsClassic Panic Songs Get a FaceliftSo, once you get past Harvey’s condescension and, frankly, outright hostility towards Jeff for not “understanding” this week’s theme, this is pretty damn fine episode of The Bluest Tape. We tackle “first variations” of classic songs, including lengthy versions of “Airplane,” “Tallboy,” and “Wondering,” and also slow “Porch Song,” diving deep, especially, into the evolution of a couple of these songs and debating which other short Panic songs could become vehicles for expansion. We will definitely be coming back this way again.Links below go to whole s...2018-05-222h 31
Bluest Tape58: A Low Country BoilA Low Country Boil: Panic Does CharlestonHarvey’s back from sabbatical and the band is back together for our 58th episode - can you believe it? This week, we take a trip down to Charleston, SC for some Low Country Panic. The band has been playing there for nigh on 30 years, and delivering some classic performances over the years. We touch on a great, cover-heavy, early show from 1988; a great SBD recording from 1993; and a stellar first set selection from September 1997. Tip back a beverage with some airline bottle liquor (if you’ve lived in Charleston or b...2018-05-111h 42
Bluest Tape57: Lagniappe #4Lagniappe #4: A Tasty Treat from Spring 1998We’re taking a little break from our usual programming this week. We hope you like this little taste from the spring 1998 tour closer in Iowa City, IA. Jeff even mentions going camping again!Links below go to whole show streams from Panicstream.03 May 1998 - Iowa City, IA - Hubbard Park, University of IowaDiner > Driving Song > Fishwater > Driving Song > Happy > HatfieldSource: AKG 483 > EAA PSP-2 > DA-P1>(Post Production)>SONY R500 with SBM on Taped by Eric Levita (Smiley), Conversion by Eric Fo...2018-05-031h 04
Bluest Tape56: Lagniappe #3Lagniappe #2: A Tasty Treat from Fall 1999We’re taking a little break from our usual programming this week. We hope you this little taste of Widespread Panic from Fall Tour 1999 and a quick little story about Jeff’s 1996 Pontiac Grand Am.Links below go to whole show streams from Panicstream.24 October 1999 - Milwaukee, WI - Eagles BallroomFishwater, C. Brown, B of D > Pigeons > Me & the Devil BluesSource: AKG 483 > Oade m248 > SBM-1 > DAT by Jeff Frank Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...2018-04-2757 min
Bluest Tape55: Panic in the Streets, 20 years later20 years ago, on April 18, 1998, Widespread Panic played a free record release release party to approximately 100,000 fans on the streets of their hometown Athens, Georgia. There were a lot of challenges to pulling something like this off, but with that band in that place at that time, it almost seemed meant to be. Coming off of a European tour which saw the band playing in some of the smallest venues they had played in a decade, they returned to their hometown and played to the largest crowd they had ever played to. And boy were they up to the task...2018-04-183h 02
Bluest Tape54: Light Fuse, Get Away: Vol. 2, Disc TwoLight Fuse, Get Away: Vol. 2, Disc One20 years later - A Modern Mix, Vol. 2This week we present Volume Two of our tribute to the 20th anniversary of Panic’s first - and greatest - live album, “Light Fuse, Get Away.” Last week, we created a first set; this week, we go with a second set that could have been played during spring/summer of 1997. Same rules apply: all SBDs and no repeats. Sure, it might be a little far afield, to have two instrumentals pre-drums. Yeah, it might be a bit absurd to have a set...2018-04-131h 55
Bluest Tape53: Light Fuse, Get Away: Vol. 2, Disc OneLight Fuse, Get Away: Vol. 2, Disc One20 years later - A Modern Mix, Vol. 1Pretty impossible to believe, but Widespread Panic’s first live album, “Light Fuse, Get Away” dropped twenty years ago this month. A true watershed in the band’s career, the album highlights the excellent Spring and Summer Tours of 1997. To celebrate this anniversary, we take a crack at putting together a Volume Two of “Light Fuse, Get Away.” Using only SBD recordings from the same tours, and no repeats from the album, we have put together what could certainly been reasonable first set fr...2018-04-061h 38
Bluest Tape52: The Chesterfield Chronicles, Vol. 2Paris 98: The Chesterfield Chronicles, Volume 2Widespread Panique in Paris 1998Well, here we go, the final five shows from the epic ten show run from the Chesterfield Cafe. The boys brought the heat the first five nights, took a couple days off (Eiffel Tower? Louvre?), got all wound up again, and closed the run out with a bang. We get things rolling with a stellar “Impossible” on March 24, followed by a nasty “Driving Song > Arleen” sandwich on March 25. The last three nights have great moments, too, with hot versions of classic tracks like “Diner” and “Stop-Go,” and we close it...2018-03-303h 22