Widespread Panic has announced its first official archival release. The band will offer up a multi-track recording of its performance at Southern Illinois University Arena in Carbondale, IL on December 1, 2000. This show features the group’s classic line-up, including the late Michael Houser on guitar. Carbondale 2000 will be released on June 10.
Meanwhile, yesterday the band also offered up a statement regarding percussionist Sunny Ortiz. In the news section of its website the group announced, ‘Sunny is alive and well. He’s kicking back with the wife and kids, enjoying a little R’n‘R and is looking forward to many wonderful years with Widespread Panic.’ While this ‘news’ would seem to be a bit tongue-in-cheek, it also serves to quell rumors that Ortiz may be departing the group in the near future. Widespread Panic will next perform at Bonnaroo on June 15.