Drivin N’ Cryin’s Kevn Kinney Joins Widespread Panic At Mempho

Widespread Panic performed over the course of two nights at the Mempho Music Festival this past weekend. The band from Athens, Georgia welcomed Kevin Kinney of Atlanta group Drivin N Cryin for a rendition of “Straight To Hell” at Radians Amphitheatre in Memphis.

“Straight To Hell” appears on Drivin’ N’ Cryin’s 1989 album, Mystery Road. Kevin Kinney’s sit-in with Widespread Panic on “Straight To Hell” marked Kinney and WSP’s third time performing the song together since their first collab on the tune, which took place on October 25, 2015, in Milwaukee, as per Everyday Companion.

The Mempho sit-in was the first time Kinney and Panic had teamed up on “Straight To Hell” since November 19, 2021. The performance saw Kinney leading the band through the country song with Panic frontman John Bell and bassist Dave Schools adding harmonies on the chorus. The collab also boasted honky-tonk piano from JoJo Hermann and a twangy ride from guitarist Jimmy Herring.

Watch “Straight To Hell” below:

Widespread Panic launched their first performance at Mempho with a trio of crowd-pleasers: “Disco,” “Pleas” and “Love Tractor.” The band then stretched out a bit on “Shut Up And Drive.” The first frame came to a close with “Junior.”

Set two got underway with “One Arm Steve” ahead of a massive “Surprise Valley,” which surpassed the 18-minute mark. Another favorite in “Black Out Blues” followed ahead of the Kevin Kinney sit-in. Additional favorites in the second set included “Jack” and “Bear’s Gone Fishin.” The set wrapped with the pairing of “Protein Drink” and “Sewing Machine.”

WSP’s night one encore at Mempho began with the poignant cover of Warren Zevon’s “Keep Me In Your Heart.” The beloved “Porch Song” brought the band’s headlining set to a close.

Setlist (via EDC)

1: Disco > Pleas > Love Tractor, Shut Up And Drive, I’m Not Alone, Little By Little, Thought Sausage, Up All Night, Junior

2: One Arm Steve, Surprise Valley, Blackout Blues, Straight To Hell*, Impossible > Jack, Bear’s Gone Fishin’ > Tie Your Shoes, Protein Drink > Sewing Machine

E: Keep Me in Your Heart, Porch Song

Notes:

* with Kevn Kinney on guitar/vocals

Next up for Widespread Panic is a return to Milwaukee ahead of their Halloween run in Savannah, Georgia. Scroll down for the band’s itinerary and ticket info.