Having long since surpassed the historic venue’s sellout record, Widespread Panic paid tribute with photos, songs and flowers to the famed promoter Bill Bass (who passed away in January 2023) all weekend long during their annual Red Rocks Amphitheatre run. Bass (of Image Productions, Small Axe Concerts and Bill Bass Concerts) played a critical role in the growth of Widespread Panic around the country since the early-90s, but no more was his larger-than-life personality, presence and influence felt than around the greater Denver area, and most specifically, at Red Rocks.

“I truly can’t imagine what Widespread Panic’s career would look like had Bill Bass not been a part of our story. Bill supported the band long before we might have been considered a safe bet, introducing us to new territories far beyond Colorado,” says John Bell of Widespread Panic. “His encouragement fueled us to believe in ourselves, the greatest gift a young band can receive. I’m sure countless numbers of musicians and industry folks share this fortune and blessing, thanks to Bill’s love of music and celebration. I’ll forever celebrate his memory with much love, laughter and gratitude. Thank you, sir.”

– John Bell of Widespread Panic (via Westword)

Sunday’s ‘early show’ tradition marked the band’s 69^th sellout at Red Rocks and the stage was marked with black tape showing the number front-and-center at JB’s feet. Taking the stage at just after 7pm on an abundantly sunny and bright evening, Panic kicked things off with a trio of well-worn and beloved favorites “Up All Night,” “C Brown,” and “Disco” (that continued without pause through “Big Wooly Mammoth > Stop-Go” as the sun dropped below the towering rock formation stage right. For the first of two debuts during the evening, guitarist Jimmy Herring played a Jonny Greenwood-esque riff to introduce Panic fans to the newest tune in the catalog “King Baby” – one of the strongest additions of the handful that have entered the repertoire since the band’s post-pandemic return in 2021.The gnarly, winding and bizarrely poetic Vic Chesnutt coupling of “Protein Drink > Sewing Machine” offered a prelude to the relentlessly churning second frame that would follow to close set one.

Panic’s history of closing out Red Rocks weekend with a lengthy and special show is too chock full of notables to mention many in particular (other than to mention that this was the second Sunday tribute to a close recently departed friend in the last three years – in 2021 the band used the grand occasion to pay tribute to Danny Hutchens of Bloodkin). Kicking it mostly old school by (set) design, the only song debuted / first recorded in the last twenty years was the now ultra-rare “Fishing” (making its first appearance since 2016 / nearly 300 shows) that appeared late in the set prior to the classic and most bombastic “Fishwater > Arleen > Fishwater” to help appropriately turn up and wind down yet another abundantly historic and joyous occasion.

Returning to the stage after a brief encore break, John Bell took a moment to toast and tribute Bill Bass, before debuting the uber-sentimental cover by (famously morbid) songwriting icon Warren Zevon, opening the final mini-frame with “Keep Me In Your Heart,” enjoy every sandwich indeed. A slowed-down version of “Chilly Water” fit between the nod to Bass and Zevon, before the smoldering “Love Tractor” sent everyone home fulfilled and likely planning for #70, #71 & #72 next summer – same time, same place!