Amidst numerous rumors, Widespread Panic took the stage last night at Louisville, KYs The Palace Theatre without announcing a replacement for guitarist George McConnell, who has officially parted ways with the Athens, GA-bred quintet. Though many fans claim that longtime Widespread Panic supporter Jimmy Herring was in attendance, the groups only guests were veteran Panic producer John Keane and guitar technician Sam Holt, both of whom have toured with the group throughout the summer. While the exact reason for McConnells sudden exit remain unknown, the guitarist has clearly felt like an outsider for some time. In an upcoming Relix cover story, McConnell tells writer Jaan Uhelszki, Ive had other guitar players come up and tell me that they should be in this band instead of me… I am the most hated man in the jam world. Last night, Widespread Panic also revived its long dormant cover of Ginger Bakers Do What You Like, which has been in retirement since 2002. The group will perform at Columbia, MDs Merriweather Post Pavilion on Friday.