Today, August 10, 2024, marks the 22nd anniversary Michael Houser‘s death at the age of 40. Houser was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2002 and decided to Widespread panic on the street until he was no longer physically able to do so.

Although it was a very emotional time, Mikey showed great strength and resilience in his final days, playing his final show just a month before his untimely death. The founding member of Widespread Panic will be missed by everyone in the jam scene, especially the band’s loyal fans in the South and beyond.

To honor the memory of the great guitarist, we wanted to share some footage from Houser’s final days with Widespread Panic in 2002. Houser and Widespread headlined the very first Bonnaroowhere they delivered a truly uplifting version of “Tall Boy” in “Testify,” which featured the legendary gospel group, Dottie Peoples and the People’s Choice ChoirA subsequent compilation CD with selected pieces from the entire festival was dedicated to the deceased guitarist.

Widespread Panic with Dottie Peoples and the People’s Choice Choir – “Tall Boy” > “Testify” > “Tall Boy” – June 22, 2002
(Video: WolfEchoes)

Widespread Panic – “Vacation” (Pro-Shot) – 22.06.02

Panic brought this fateful tour to the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre for three nights, beginning June 28. Widespread Panic is synonymous with Red Rocks, having sold out the venue 69 times in a row. The last Widespread Panic Red Rocks performances with Houser were certainly moving, if bittersweet.

Widespread Panic – Red Rocks – 06/28/02 – Full Video

Just a few days later, on July 2nd, Mikey played his final show with Widespread Panic. Although his days were numbered, the guitarist gave his fans an unforgettable performance in Cedar Rapids, IA. You can stream the emotional show by following this PanicStream link and join us in remembering this great guitarist who left us in his prime.

Rest in peace, Mikey Houser. We love you and miss you.

(Originally published on 10.08.17)