Mikey Houser's Last Show

Born in Boone, North Carolina, original lead guitarist and founding member of Widespread Panic, Michael Houser, graduated from high school in Chattanooga, Tennessee and attended the University of Georgia for college. There, he met John Bell, which led to the beginnings of Widespread Panic. During his time with Panic, Houser was known for his predominant use of the Ernie Ball volume pedal for sonic effect, causing him to spend most of his stage time balanced on one leg. This would eventually cause his left leg to become numb due to circulation problems. During a 1996 acoustic tour, at which the entire band sat down while playing, Houser realized the improved accuracy and comfort of his playing while seated and spent the rest of his years with the band playing seated on stage.

In early 2002, Houser was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. On this day, July 2, in 2002, Houser played his last show with Widespread Panic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He left the band’s Summer 2002 tour early due to his declining health and sadly passed away on August 10, 2002. Houser released two solo studio albums (one released posthumously) and is featured on 7 studio albums, 4 live albums, 10 archive releases and 9 Porch Songs releases with Widespread Panic. He is also featured on a solo studio album from fellow WSP band member John “JoJo” Hermann, as well as two studio albums with brute, one with Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons and two with Bloodkin.

While it seems that Widespread Panic has finally found their answer for Houser’s death in current lead guitarist Jimmy Herring, Panic fans old and new will always remember Michael Houser, not only as the man who started it all, but also as a wonderful human being. Today, we remember Mikey’s last show with a stream of the entire concert from Panicstream.com. Rest in peace Mikey!


CLICK HERE TO STREAM MIKEY'S LAST SHOW!