Widespread Panic Rings in New Year’s Eve at The Fox Theatre

Atlanta, January 1, 2026

News Summary

Widespread Panic celebrated New Year’s Eve with a spectacular three-night concert series at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta. The final night featured special guest Billy Strings and included a vibrant mix of original tracks and heartfelt covers, honoring musical legends. The concert lasted nearly three and a half hours, showcasing a variety of fan favorites and captivating tributes, creating an unforgettable celebration for attendees as they welcomed the new year together.

Atlanta experienced an exhilarating New Year’s Eve celebration as Widespread Panic concluded a three-night run at The Fox Theatre on January 1, 2026. The band’s final concert featured special guest guitarist Billy Strings, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.

The concert showcased a mix of original songs and covers, with memorable tributes to late musical icons Jimmy Cliff and Ozzy Osbourne. The event drew fans from across the nation, marking Widespread Panic’s 8th New Year’s Eve celebration at the iconic venue.

After a spectacular balloon drop at midnight, the performance included 25 songs over nearly three and a half hours. The setlist comprised fan favorites and covers, highlighting the band’s ability to blend their unique style with tributes to influential artists.

The evening began with lead vocalist John Bell seated and playing acoustic guitar, setting a relaxed atmosphere for the audience. The first set featured unplugged versions of “Blue Indian,” “Wondering,” “We Walk Each Other Home,” and “Don’t Be Denied.” Notably, Widespread Panic also performed their second-ever cover of Alice in Chains’ “Down In A Hole” during this set. Billy Strings joined the band for “Fishing,” a song that reflects his love for the hobby, before concluding the first set with “Who Do You Belong To?” and “Travelin’ Light,” both showcasing Strings’ guitar work.

The second set began with “Big Wooly Mammoth” and seamlessly transitioned into “King Baby,” leading into “Ribs & Whiskey,” which featured guitarist Nick Johnson. Johnson also played guitar on the songs “Tall Boy” and “Diner.” This set wrapped up with the poignant tracks “May Your Glass Be Full” and “Love Tractor.” The crowd enjoyed an upbeat atmosphere, buoyed by the band’s dynamic performance.

Following the midnight celebration, the third set kicked off with “Ain’t Life Grand,” again featuring the talented Billy Strings. The band honored Jimmy Cliff with a cover of “Sitting In Limbo” followed by “I Can See Clearly” by Johnny Nash. To pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, Widespread Panic performed Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” and “War Pigs.” Intriguingly, “Paranoid” had not been played since October 2016, and “War Pigs” was performed only twice since Osbourne’s passing. The night concluded with “Disco,” “Tie Your Shoes,” and “Porch Song,” all featuring Billy Strings, creating an electrifying end to the concert.

The encore featured the emotionally charged “Ride Me High” and “All Time Low,” bringing the night to an exhilarating close. With this event, Widespread Panic reiterated their strong connection with fans and their unique ability to celebrate their legacy through music. The band plans to resume their live schedule on January 20, 2026, continuing their musical journey across the nation.

Overview of Key Concert Features

• Location: The Fox Theatre, Atlanta
• Event Dates: December 30, 2025 – January 1, 2026
• Special Guest: Billy Strings
• Total Songs Performed: 25
• Duration: Nearly three and a half hours

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Metro Atlanta Weekend Events Highlight Culture and Entertainment
Atlanta Gears Up for Major Concerts in 2026
Atlanta to Host Major Hip-Hop and R&B Concerts
Atlanta Introducing Countdown Over ATL for New Year’s Eve Celebration
Atlanta Unveils New Year’s Eve Celebration ‘Countdown Over ATL’
Celebrate the New Year in Atlanta with Festive Events
Atlanta Prepares for a Stellar Year of Concerts
Widespread Panic Hosts Special Concert with Billy Strings
Widespread Panic Welcomes New Year with Concert in Atlanta
First Friday Food Fest Returns to Atlanta

Additional Resources

• Live for Live Music: Widespread Panic & Billy Strings New Year’s Eve
• Relix: Widespread Panic Concludes New Year’s Run
• Jambands: Widespread Panic New Year’s Run in Atlanta
• JamBase: Widespread Panic & Billy Strings Atlanta Performance
• Whiskey Riff: Billy Strings Joins Widespread Panic
• Wikipedia: Widespread Panic
• Google Search: Widespread Panic
• Google Scholar: Widespread Panic
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Widespread Panic
• Google News: Widespread Panic

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.