Widespread Panic closed its three-show 25th Anniversary kick off run with a performance at Atlanta, GA’s Fox Theatre last night. Panic has played several historic gigs at the Fox since it first headlined the room in 1993, including consecutive New Year’s Eve shows from 1996-1998. The group also ended its 2004 hiatus with three performances at the Fox in March of 2005.

Like Widespread Panic’s anniversary shows in Athens, GA this past weekend, last night’s performance featured a mix of song rarities and spirited improvisation. Col. Bruce Hampton—who opened Panic’s first headlining show at the Fox with Aquarium Rescue Unit in 1993—also emerged with guitarist Tinsley Ellis near the end of the band’s first set for the debut of “Basically Frightened” as well as “Smokestack Lightning.” Ellis—who has collaborated with the band a handful of times since 1987—remained onstage for a set-closing cover of “Born Under A Bad Sign” (a song that had not been played since October 31, 2005). Singer John Bell also name-checked Landslide Records principal and early Panic/ARU champion Michael Rothschild after “Traveling Light.”

The members of Widespread Panic continued to explore their catalog second set. Before “City of Dreams,” Bell sang a portion of Talking Heads’ “Heaven” and later commented he “meant to do that. Just like the old day.” The band also busted out a take on Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy” for the first time since July 23, 2007 and ended its second set with a cover of Neil Young’s “Last Dance,” which Bell described as “a little trip down memory lane.” The show came to a close with an encore that featured “May Your Glass Be Filled,” “Ain’t Life Grand” and a debut take on Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing.”

Panic will perform at Austin, TX’s Moody Theater on March 17. “The group will also be honored”: by the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives later today. Additional reporting by Ariel Rosemberg

Here’s a look at the setlist via PanicStream

Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA, February 14

Set 1: Surprise Valley > Pilgrims > Tie Your Shoes, Walkin’ (For Your Love), Walk On, Little Kin > Travelin Light, Basically Frightened (*), Smokestack Lightning (*), Born Under A Bad Sign (**)

Set 2: Disco > Diner > City of Dreams, Pleas > North > Big Wooly Mammoth > Drums > Vacation, Dear Mr. Fantasy, Last Dance

E: May Your Glass Be Filled, Ain’t Life Grand, Sultans of Swing

(*) w/ Col. Bruce Hampton (ret.) on vocals and Tinsley Ellis on guitar

(**) w Tinsley Ellis on guitar and vocals

Only ‘Basically Frightened’; Only ‘Sultans of Swing’
Last ‘Born Under A Bad Sign’ 10/31/05
Last ‘Dear Mr. Fantasy’ 7/13/07