Rare Widespread Panic Studio Demos From 1986 Surface

Georgia rockers Widespread Panic return to the road tonight to begin Fall Tour at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. The band is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, which is expected to be their last of extensive touring. Today, a pair of rare compilations recorded during their first year together have surfaced.

The first collection of 1986 demos is dubbed Space Wrangler Demo and features originals “Porch Song,” “Space Wrangler,” “Chilly Water,” “Stop-Go,” “Conrad,” “Driving Song” and “Gomero Blanco” as well as a cover of J.J. Cale’s “Travelin’ Light.” Everyday Companion’s Ted Rockwell converted the source seed provided by Todd McGlynn. While the entire compilation can be streamed via PanicStream, have a listen to “Travelin’ Light”:

A second collection of demos thought to be recorded in 1986 starts with “Stop-Go” and then finds the band joined by vocalist Kelly Jo Davis for “Coconut,” “Sleepy Monkey,” “Driving Song” and “Space Wrangler.” Thanks to Patrick Wood and D.P. Swint for seeding and converting the demos for our listening pleasure. While the entire compilation can be streamed via PanicStream, have a listen to “Driving Song”:

As always, you can stream audio of tonight’s Panic show for free: