Widespread Panic Rocks Capitol Theatre with Warren Haynes, Busts Out 'Cortez the Killer' After 191 Shows
When Widespread Panic took the stage at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York on November 22, 2025, the crowd didn’t just expect a great show—they hoped for something unforgettable. They got it. With longtime collaborator Warren Haynes joining for the second set and encore, the band delivered a moment fans had waited 191 shows to hear: Neil Young’s 'Cortez the Killer.' It hadn’t been played since August 4, 2019, in St. Augustine, Florida. And it wasn’t just a return—it was a revelation.
Set One: Building the Foundation
The night opened with the band’s signature 'Fishwater' > 'Better Off' > 'Fishwater' sandwich, a fan-favorite sequence that instantly signaled this wouldn’t be an ordinary show. Over 66 minutes, Widespread Panic churned through 'Pleas,' 'Bust It Big,' 'We Walk Each Other Home,' 'The Last Straw,' 'Nobody’s Loss,' and 'Halloween Face,' each track layered with the kind of improvisational fire that’s made them jam band legends since the late ’80s. The energy was electric, but everyone knew the real fireworks were coming.
Warren Haynes Arrives: Blues, Rock, and a Legacy Rekindled
Halfway through Set Two, after 'Holden Oversoul,' 'Ride Me High,' 'Papa’s Home,' and a drum solo that had the crowd clapping in unison, the lights dimmed. Then, from the wings—there he was. Warren Haynes, the Asheville, North Carolina-born guitarist who’s played with The Allman Brothers Band for over two decades, walked on stage with his Gibson Les Paul slung low. The roar was deafening.
Haynes didn’t waste a second. He launched into 'Good Morning Little Schoolgirl,' a blues standard he’s made his own with Gov’t Mule and the Allmans. The crowd swayed like they were back in the ’70s. Then came the curveball: 'Surprise Valley' > 'Goin’ Out West' > 'Surprise Valley' reprise. The Tom Waits cover, a staple in Haynes’ Gov’t Mule sets, felt like a secret handshake between band and audience. When 'Porch Song' closed the set, you could feel the room holding its breath.
The Encore: A 6-Year Wait, Finally Over
For the encore, the band didn’t just play—they resurrected history. 'Cortez the Killer' opened the final stretch. First performed by Widespread Panic in 2019, the song hadn’t surfaced since. Haynes, who famously played it with Dave Matthews Band in Central Park back in 2003, took the lead with a solo that felt both raw and reverent. The crowd sang along to every line, many with tears in their eyes.
Then, as if to tie the night to the region’s musical soul, they closed with Tom Petty’s 'Running Down a Dream.' As LiveForLiveMusic’s Otis Sinclair noted, it was a 'north Florida callback'—a nod to the band’s deep roots in the Southeastern jam scene. Haynes’ voice, gritty and warm, echoed through the 1,800-seat theater like it was meant to be there all along.
More Than a Concert: A Residency Built on Legacy
This wasn’t just one night. It was the second of three at The Capitol Theatre, a venue that’s hosted the likes of The Grateful Dead, Phish, and The Allman Brothers since it opened in 1926. Renovated in 2012 under Peter Shapiro’s stewardship, it’s become a spiritual home for jam bands. The November 21 show was packed; the November 23 'Sunday Service' matinee—announced with the now-iconic LiveNation tagline, 'Don’t be late, this train doesn’t wait for nobody! Mind the gap!'—sold out within hours.
Haynes, a Westchester County resident since the ’90s, isn’t just a guest here—he’s family. His collaborations with Widespread Panic date back to their early days in the Georgia club circuit. He’s played with them on over 50 occasions since 1994. But this? This felt different. The 'Cortez' bust-out wasn’t a gimmick. It was a gift.
What Comes Next?
Widespread Panic’s 2025 tour rolls on: Savannah’s Enmarket Arena on November 28, then Atlanta’s Fox Theatre on December 29. But for those who were there on November 22, nothing else will compare. The band didn’t just play songs—they reconnected with a legacy, honoring Neil Young’s anthem, Tom Petty’s anthem, and the decades of music that brought them all together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was 'Cortez the Killer' such a big deal for Widespread Panic fans?
'Cortez the Killer' hadn’t been played by Widespread Panic in 191 consecutive shows since August 4, 2019. The song is notoriously difficult to pull off live, and Haynes’ signature interpretation—forged through his work with Gov’t Mule and the 2003 Central Park performance with Dave Matthews Band—made it a holy grail for fans. Its return wasn’t just rare; it felt like a musical resurrection.
How did Warren Haynes become so closely tied to Widespread Panic?
Haynes has collaborated with Widespread Panic since the early ’90s, appearing on over 50 live shows and even contributing to their 2004 album 'A Decade of Grass.' He’s also a Westchester County resident, making his appearances feel personal, not just professional. His dual role as Allman Brothers legend and Gov’t Mule frontman gives him a unique bridge between Southern rock and jam band culture.
What makes The Capitol Theatre special compared to other venues?
Opened in 1926 and renovated in 2012, The Capitol Theatre holds just 1,800 people—small enough for intimacy, large enough for major acts. Its acoustics are legendary, and its history includes performances by The Grateful Dead, Phish, and The Allman Brothers. Unlike arenas, it feels like a living room for music, where every note carries weight and every encore feels earned.
Is 'Goin’ Out West' a regular part of Widespread Panic’s setlists?
No. Tom Waits’ 'Goin’ Out West' is a Gov’t Mule staple, and Haynes only brings it into Widespread Panic shows when he’s guesting. This was only the second time it’s been played by the band in over 30 years. Its inclusion signaled that this wasn’t just a guest spot—it was a full collaboration, with Haynes shaping the set’s direction.
What’s the significance of the 'Sunday Service' show on November 23?
The 'Sunday Service' matinee at 7:15 PM EST is a tradition at The Capitol Theatre, offering fans a more relaxed, often experimental end to a residency. It’s not just a concert—it’s a communal ritual. Past 'Sunday Service' shows have included surprise guests, acoustic sets, and rare covers. This one, following the intensity of the Haynes show, promised to be a spiritual counterpoint—and it sold out fast.
How did fans react to the 'Cortez the Killer' performance?
Social media exploded. Clips of Haynes’ solo on 'Cortez' went viral on TikTok and YouTube, with fans calling it 'the best version since Neil himself.' One fan posted, 'I’ve seen 42 Widespread Panic shows. This was the first time I cried at a guitar solo.' The moment wasn’t just musical—it was emotional, a bridge between generations of rock fans.
