Chuck Leavell Ignites Widespread Panic’s 2025 Red Rocks Run

Widespread Panic returned to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a three-night stand this weekend to bring their historic record of consecutive sold-out concerts at the idyllic Colorado venue to 75. Legendary keyboardist Chuck Leavell joined the band each night, where he sat in for extended portions of all three shows.

Chuck Leavell, The Rolling Stones' musical director/touring member and one-time member of The Allman Brothers Band, has a long history with Widespread Panic that dates back to his first guest appearance with the band in 1991. Leavell’s most recent guest spot before this year’s Red Rocks run came at the Mempho Music Festival on October 1, 2022.

On Friday, the Kings of Red Rocks launched this year’s visit by linking classics “Send Your Mind” and “Walkin’.” After performing “Cotton Was King,” “Henry Parsons Died” and “We Walk Each Other Home,” Chuck Leavell emerged for the last four songs of the first set, as he lent extra keys to “Climb To Safety,” “Time Is Free,” “Blight” and “Stop Breaking Down.”

Panic opened Friday’s second set with “Porch Song” and followed with “Can’t Get High” and “Little By Little.” Next up was a seamless run connecting “Small Town,” “Disco,” “Second Skin” and “Goin Out West.” Chuck Leavell returned for the band’s first cover of the Jimmy Cliff classic “The Harder They Come” since September 12, 2015 — a span of 355 shows. The renowned Georgia musician also contributed to the set-closing pairing of “Mercy” and “Fishwater.” Additionally, Leavell fronted the band on their two-song encore featuring covers of The Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” and the Cream-popularized “I’m So Glad.”

Widespread Panic kicked off Saturday’s show with a rare “Barstools & Dreamers” opener. The band then played David Bromberg’s “Sharon,” along with a string of staples “Junior,” “Holden Oversoul,” “Shut Up & Drive” and “Goodpeople.” Chuck Leavell lent a hand on “Tail Dragger,” “Blue Indian” and “Ain’t Life Grand” to seal the frame.

The sextet delivered the 2025 debut of their cover of James Taylor’s “Knocking ‘Round The Zoo” to start the closing stanza on Saturday. Later, Panic worked “Drums” into “Papa’s Home” with Leavell reemerging for the song’s conclusion. Chuck Leavell stuck around for “Me And The Devil Blues” and Panic’s first take on the ABB classic instrumental “Jessica” since the aforementioned 2022 Mempho set. The night ended with Leavell guesting on Traffic’s “Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys” and fan-favorite “Chilly Water.”

Widespread Panic went it alone for the full first set on Sunday, their 75th consecutive sell out at Red Rocks. The band strung together “Wondering,” “The Last Straw” and “Up All Night” with a “Driving Song” that encompassed “Pilgrims.” From there, Panic offered the third-ever “Life As A Tree” and punctuated the frame with oldies “Space Wrangler,” “Airplane” and “Action Man.”

The final set of the weekend started with “Pigeons” and “Pleas.” Next, “King Baby” gave way to “Saint Ex,” which bled into “Conrad.” Chuck Leavell was back in time for Panic’s first cover of The Rolling Stones chestnut “Dead Flowers” since the band debuted their take on December 29, 2015. Leavell also helped out on “Ribs & Whiskey” and a “Surprise Valley” featuring “Tie Your Shoes” within.

Widespread Panic played “Honky Red” to begin Sunday’s encore. Leavell took the stage to join the sextet for a debut cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” and the fitting “End Of The Show” finale.

Watch additional videos of Chuck Leavell performing with Widespread Panic at Red Rocks below:

Setlists, Photos & Official nugs Soundboard Audio

Friday, June 27

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Saturday, June 28

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Sunday, June 29