With the exception of 2004, Widespread Panic has celebrated New Years Eve at Atlantas Philips Arena each December since 1999 and this Monday night proved to be no different. The Georgia-bred heroes opened their three-set performance appropriately enough with the Ball track Time Waits and dressed their stage like an enlarged aquarium. The groups first set saw the group focusing on their acoustic material, while Widespread Panics second set featured a mammoth, electric version of Talking Heads Life During Wartime and a set closing version of their new single, Up All Night (which conveniently references both Georgia and New Years). The ball dropped shortly before the groups third set and a rainforest of confetti and balloons filled the arena. At about 12:10 AM, the group returned to the stage and keyboardist JoJo Hermann offered a slow, piano introduction to Aint Life Grand. The groups third set also included choice takes on Bust it Big and Vic Chesnutts Protein Drink/Sewing Machine. Widespread Panics New Years run also included two songs guitarist Jimmy Herring regularly played with his seminal band Aquarium Rescue Unit: Fixin to Die and Time is Free.

Widespread Panic will release the new album Free Somehow this February.