From Soundcheck: Widespread Panic Share Behind-the-Scenes Clip with Billy Strings

Photo via Youtube

Last week, Widespread Panic delivered their New Year’s Eve run, December 29-31, at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Before the onset of the concert series–and unbeknownst to the sold-out house–featured guest and guitar hero Billy Strings was in the wings, readying himself for the experience: three nights of sit-ins. Following the main event, the host band has shared a behind-the-scenes look at soundcheck.

In the clip, uploaded to Widespread Panic’s social media platforms and YouTube channel, the band and their guest can be seen testing the group’s longtime live staple, a cover of Bloodkin’s “Who Do You Belong To?” A seated John Bell sings the lyrics, supported by Strings and bandmates, Dave Schools, Jimmy Herring, Domingo Ortiz, Duane Trucks, and JoJo Hermann. 

From the group’s practice session, the song made its way into their live show, arriving during the first set of their New Year’s Eve concert. “Who Do You Belong To?” surfaced seven songs into the frame, trailing a segment of originals, “Blue Indian,” “Wondering,” and “We Walk Each Other Home,” and covers, Neil Young’s “Don’t Be Denied,” and Alice in Chains’ “Down in a Hole.” Strings’ arrival coincided with “Fishing” and ensued during the Bloodkin selection.  

Following Widespread Panic’s NYE event, the band will take some time away from the stage and resume their schedule upon the 2026 return of their destination concert event, Panic en la Playa, from Jan. 20-23, in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Tickets remain on sale.  

Strings’ impending live shows will arrive on Feb. 6-7, at Akins Ford Arena in Athens, Ga., and lead a strong list of sold-out concerts. View more.  

Read Widespread Panic’s New Year’s Eve concert recap.