Widespread Panic Breaks Out NRBQ’s ‘Help Me Somebody’ In Milwaukee

Widespread Panic launched a three-night run at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee on Friday. The concert saw the band knocking the dust off their cover of NRBQ‘s “Help Me Somebody.”

Panic kicked off night one of their 2025 Milwaukee run with the classic “Blue Indian.” Following additional oldies “Contentment Blues” and “Henry Parsons Died,” WSP fit “Dark Bar” within “Goodpeople.” The band then paired up the instrumental “Happy” with “1 X 1.” Newish tunes “King Baby” and “Halloween Face” wrapped the first frame.

Set two was packed with more classic material beginning with a “Big Wooly Mammoth” and “Wondering” couplet followed by “Walkin’ (For Your Love)” and “Space Wrangler.” Additional favorites in the second set included “Rebirtha” and “Surprise Valley” ahead of a standout performance of “Bowlegged Woman” to seal the set.

The aforementioned “Help Me Somebody” began the two-song encore. Originally appearing on NRBQ’s 1977 album, All Hopped Up, “Help Me Somebody” was a staple cover for WSP in the latter half of the 1990s. Performances of the song became sporadic in the 21st century.

Led by keyboardist JoJo Hermann with frontman John Bell joining on harmonies, the 2025 Milwaukee performance of “Help Me Somebody” marked the first time Panic performed the song since February 27, 2020, as per Everyday Companion. The band followed up with “End Of The Show” to conclude the concert.

Official Audio

Setlist (via EDC)

Set 1: Blue Indian, Contentment Blues, Henry Parsons Died, Goodpeople > Dark Bar > Goodpeople, Happy > 1 x 1, King Baby > Halloween Face

Set 2: Big Wooly Mammoth > Wondering, Walkin’ (For Your Love), Space Wrangler, Blue Carousel, Rebirtha > I’m Not Alone, Honky Red > Surprise Valley > Drums > Surprise Valley, Bowlegged Woman

Encore: Help Me Somebody > End Of The Show

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Widespread Panic will hold their Halloween run in Savannah, Georgia this weekend. Find the band’s full tour routing and ticket info below.