Asheville, NC, July 28, 2025
News Summary
Widespread Panic ignited the ExploreAsheville.com Arena with a thrilling performance during their second night in Asheville, NC. The band mesmerized fans with a diverse setlist that included both iconic covers and original hits, showcasing their musical prowess and stage energy. Highlights included covers of Link Wray’s ‘Rumble’ and Black Sabbath’s ‘Iron Man,’ alongside heartfelt original songs like ‘We Walk Each Other Home.’ The evening culminated with a festive encore featuring ‘Porch Song,’ leaving the audience eager for the last show of their tour.
Asheville, NC Welcomes Widespread Panic for Electrifying Performance
Widespread Panic captivated a packed audience at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena in Asheville, North Carolina, on the second night of their three-show run, delivering a dynamic blend of covers and original hits. The concert featured a remarkable setlist that showcased the band’s musical versatility and electrifying stage presence.
The concert kicked off with a double dose of covers, opening with Link Wray’s iconic “Rumble” followed by Bloodkin’s poignant “Henry Parsons Died.” The well-established rock group’s lineup consists of members John Bell, Dave Schools, JoJo Hermann, Jimmy Herring, Duane Trucks, and Sunny Ortiz, all contributing to an unforgettable night of live music.
The first set continued with Widespread Panic’s original composition “Rock.” During the heartfelt performance of “We Walk Each Other Home,” frontman John Bell shared personal anecdotes inspired by the loss of his beloved dog, enhancing the emotional resonance of the performance. The band seamlessly transitioned into “Party at Your Mama’s House,” leading into Robert Johnson’s “Stop Breaking Down Blues.”
Longtime collaborator John Keane joined the performance to render two covers of Vic Chesnutt’s songs, “Degenerate” and “Sleeping Man,” further enriching the evening’s diverse musical experience. The first set concluded with Jerry Joseph’s reggae-infused anthem “Chainsaw City,” which teased The Clash’s “Guns of Brixton.”
The second set began with Black Sabbath’s classic “Iron Man,” marking Widespread Panic’s second homage to the legendary band in two nights—a fitting tribute to Ozzy Osbourne’s lasting impact on rock music. Fans enjoyed several original tracks in this segment, including “King Baby,” “Second Skin,” and the fan-favorite “Diner.” Bell displayed his spontaneous side by improvising a rap centered on high school memories during the set. The band then transitioned smoothly into J.J. Cale’s “Ride Me High,” followed by “Postcard,” “Love Tractor,” and a vibrant rendition of Tom Petty’s “Running Down A Dream.”
The concert’s encore featured John Keane again on pedal steel guitar, performing Talking Heads’ “City of Dreams” and The Dillards’ “There Is A Time.” The show culminated with “Porch Song,” delivering an exhilarating finale that left the energized crowd roaring for more. In a gesture of appreciation, Bell acknowledged ASL interpreter Edie Jackson for her contributions, emphasizing the band’s commitment to inclusivity during their performances.
These Asheville shows are part of Widespread Panic’s extensive summer tour, and there remains one final show in the city. Fans eagerly anticipate the last opportunity to witness the band’s sensational performances that reflect their deep connection with the audience and passion for live music.
Key Highlights of Widespread Panic’s Asheville Performance
- Location: ExploreAsheville.com Arena
- Date: Second night of a three-show run
- Featured Covers: “Rumble,” “Henry Parsons Died,” “Iron Man,” and more
- Original Hits: “Rock,” “We Walk Each Other Home,” “Diner,” and others
- Special Guests: John Keane performing Vic Chesnutt covers and joining the encore
- Band Members: John Bell, Dave Schools, JoJo Hermann, Jimmy Herring, Duane Trucks, Sunny Ortiz
- Next Show: Final performance remaining in Asheville
FAQ Section
What songs did Widespread Panic cover during their Asheville concert?
During the concert, Widespread Panic covered Link Wray’s “Rumble,” Bloodkin’s “Henry Parsons Died,” Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man,” and more.
Who are the members of Widespread Panic?
The band consists of John Bell, Dave Schools, JoJo Hermann, Jimmy Herring, Duane Trucks, and Sunny Ortiz.
What was the finale song of the concert?
The final song performed was “Porch Song,” which concluded the concert on a high note.
Chart: Key Features of the Concert
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Second night of three-show series |
| Venue | ExploreAsheville.com Arena |
| Setlist Highlights | “Rumble,” “Rock,” “We Walk Each Other Home,” “Iron Man,” “Diner,” etc. |
| Special Guests | John Keane |
| Encore Songs | “City of Dreams,” “There Is A Time,” “Porch Song” |
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Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
