By Night Four of Panic en la Playa, Widespread Panic stood at that rare intersection where endurance meets inspiration. The crowd had logged miles of dancing, the band had explored every corner of its catalog, and yet there was no sense of winding down. Instead, the final night in Riviera Maya felt expansive, generous, and emotionally charged—less a victory lap and more a statement about why this band still matters.
Night Four wasn’t about pushing tempo or chasing peak jams at all costs. It was about storytelling, collaboration, and letting the music stretch across decades of influence. From reflective openers to guest-filled explorations and a truly unforgettable encore, Panic closed the week with confidence and heart.
Set One: Stories in the Sand
The night began gently with “Postcard,” a fitting opener for a destination run. Its breezy familiarity settled the room, easing everyone into the final chapter of the week. “Pilgrims” followed, adding a sense of forward motion, the band already sounding loose but focused.
“Walkin’ (For Your Love)” brought a touch of grit, grounding the set before one of the night’s most beautiful moments arrived. “And It Stoned Me,” the Van Morrison classic, featured a guest appearance from Sierra Hull, whose presence immediately shifted the atmosphere. Her mandolin lines floated effortlessly through the warm night air, adding texture without overwhelming the song’s natural tenderness. It was subtle, graceful, and perfectly placed.
Hull remained onstage for “Pickin’ Up the Pieces,” and the song blossomed under her touch. The interplay between her acoustic precision and Panic’s electric muscle created a dynamic that felt fresh without feeling forced. It was one of those collaborations that reminded everyone how open Panic’s music remains, even after decades on the road.
The set’s second half turned darker and heavier with “Fishwater.” The groove deepened, the jam stretched, and the band slowly steered into “The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys.” The Traffic cover unfolded patiently, its iconic melody drifting over the crowd like a slow-moving tide. Rather than rush the moment, Panic let it breathe, savoring every note.
That patience paid off when the band slid into “Bowlegged Woman, Knock Kneed Man.” What followed was one of the most intricate segments of the entire run: Low Spark reprised, Fishwater reemerged, and the pieces locked together in a way that felt both spontaneous and inevitable. It was a reminder of how Panic builds narratives within their sets—not just songs, but arcs.
Set Two: Muscle, Guests, and Deep Exploration
The second set opened with “Bust It Big,” immediately raising the intensity. It’s a song built for momentum, and Panic leaned into it hard, pushing the groove forward with authority. From there, “Mr. Soul” added a raw edge, its Buffalo Springfield roots fitting neatly into the band’s gritty aesthetic.
“C. Brown” followed, injecting a sense of fun and looseness, before the set took a collaborative turn. “Second Skin” featured Adam MacDougall, whose keyboard work expanded the sonic palette instantly. The jam opened wide, swirling and exploratory, setting the stage for what would become one of the defining runs of the night.
With MacDougall still in the mix, “Red Hot Mama” exploded into the room. The Funkadelic cover was greasy, fearless, and joyous, Panic fully embracing the funk without losing their own identity. The energy carried straight into “Spoonful,” the Willie Dixon blues classic, which stretched into a deep, slow-burning jam that felt equal parts reverent and reckless.
The set’s back half tightened up with “All Time Low” and “Jack,” both delivered with grit and confidence. These weren’t filler tracks—they were reminders of the band’s rock-and-roll spine, grounding the exploratory moments in raw power.
Then came “Maggot Brain.” Introduced with a spoken-word lead-in, the Funkadelic masterpiece unfolded slowly and deliberately. It wasn’t rushed, and it wasn’t showy. Instead, it felt like a collective meditation, the band channeling emotion rather than technique. The crowd stood still, fully locked in, as the notes lingered and faded into the night.
“Chilly Water” closed the set, bringing everyone back together in familiar territory. Its anthemic release felt like a shared exhale, the final set of the run ending on a note of unity and joy.
Encore: A Moment for the Books
The encore began with something truly special: “Jack Straw.” The Grateful Dead cover marked its live debut for Panic, and the crowd reaction said it all. It wasn’t treated as a novelty—it was played with respect, confidence, and genuine affection. The song fit surprisingly well, its narrative drive and melodic turns aligning naturally with Panic’s sensibilities.
To close the week, “Ain’t Life Grand” delivered the final word. It was impossible to hear that chorus—sung by thousands of voices under the Riviera sky—and not feel the weight of the week settle in. The song wasn’t just a closer; it was a thesis statement for the entire run.
Final Thoughts
Night Four of Panic en la Playa wasn’t about topping what came before it. It was about honoring the journey. The guest appearances felt organic, the song choices intentional, and the pacing deliberate. Panic didn’t rush the goodbye—they let it unfold naturally, trusting the music and the moment.
As the final notes faded and the lights came up, there was no sense of sadness—just gratitude. For the band, for the crowd, and for a week that once again proved why Widespread Panic’s relationship with its fans is so enduring.
Night Four didn’t just close the run. It sealed it.
Setlist – Night Four
Set 1:
Postcard
Pilgrims
Walkin’ (For Your Love)
And It Stoned Me (Van Morrison cover) – with Sierra Hull
Pickin’ Up the Pieces – with Sierra Hull
Fishwater >
The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (Traffic cover) >
Bowlegged Woman, Knock Kneed Man (Bobby Rush cover) >
The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (reprise) >
Fishwater (reprise)
Set 2:
Bust It Big >
Mr. Soul (Buffalo Springfield cover)
C. Brown
Second Skin – with Adam MacDougall >
Red Hot Mama (Funkadelic cover) – with Adam MacDougall >
Spoonful (Willie Dixon cover) – with Adam MacDougall >
All Time Low
Jack
Maggot Brain (Funkadelic cover, spoken word intro) >
Chilly Water
Encore:
Jack Straw (Grateful Dead cover – live debut)
Ain’t Life Grand