Widespread Panic: Behind the Jam on the Band's Tour Bus

Singer John Bell shows off his bunk, plus the books and journals he keeps nearby to pass the time on the road (and write a few songs).

What lurks in the cupboard on the Widespread Panic bus? Sardines, Truffle oil and plenty of cereal.

Widespread Panic with their bus in March 1987 — John Bell tells some tales of the old days, when he was the band's driver and mechanic.

WSP discuss what it's like to be tagged as a jam band.

Axeman Jimmy Herring joined the band last year following a couple of replacements for the group's original guitarist, Michael Houser, who died in 2002. Check out Bell discussing his new bandmate's skills and Herring obsessing over chord mathematics.

Take a tour of the back of the bus and find out who does the band's laundry.

Find out why Bell refers to the group's tour itinerary as "The Book of Lies!"

The band has never played the same set twice — hear how they plot their shows.

Bell discusses New Orleans, the city where he met his wife and, after donating money to help rebuild after the Katrina disaster, became buddies with Brad Pitt.

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

More Song Stories entries »

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