Widespread Panic Releases Final Michael Houser Show

Widespread Panic has selected a historic show for the 26th installment of the Porch Songs series of live archival releases. Porch Songs #26 contains Panic’s July 2, 2002 performance from the US Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; which was the final show co-founding guitarist Michael Houser ever played.

It’s an interesting choice for a release as many Panic fans have a tough time listening to material from Mikey’s last tour. Houser lost his battle with cancer a little more than a month after performing in Cedar Rapids. The band went on to fill his role with George McConnell at first and McConnell guests on a jam into “Guilded Splinters” and the “She Caught The Katy” encore on July 2, 2002. “Guilded Splinters” also features Galactic drummer Stanton Moore and saxophonist Randall Bramblett. Moore guests on “Drums” as well, while Bramblett also lends a hand on “Christmas Katie.”

Porch Songs #26 is currently available for download via LiveWidespreadPanic.com. Those purchasing CDs will have to wait until the second week of January for them to ship.

Here’s a look at the setlist from that fateful night:

Set One: One Arm Steve, Pigeons, Airplane > Sleeping Man, Wondering > Rock, This Part Of Town, Papa’s Home > Worry

Set Two: Can’t Get High, Fishwater > Can’t Find My Way Home > Blackout Blues, Christmas Katie* > Jam** > I Walk On Guilded Splinters*** > Drums**** > Bear’s Gone Fishin’ > I’m Not Alone, Makes Sense To Me

Encore: She Caught The Katy**

* with Randall Bramblett on saxophone
** with George McConnell on guitar, Randall Bramblett on saxophone
*** with George McConnell on guitar, Randall Bramblett on saxophone, Stanton Moore on percussion
**** with Stanton Moore on percussion
[Galactic opened; Mike’s last show]

[Setlist via Everyday Companion]