Song Review(s): Widespread Panic - “Maggot Brain” → “Love Tractor” (Live, June 26, 2026)
The whole band is cookin’, but anyone who didn’t know Nick Johnson was filling in temporarily would be staggered to learn the news after taking in Widespread Panic’s June 26 rendition of “Maggot Brain.”
Handling lead-guitar duties while Jimmy Herring undergoes cancer treatment, Johnson seems as comfortable as a longtime member on this moody Funkadelic cover. Just as importantly, Johnson captures the essence of the instrumental, and the essence of Panic, while finding to express himself as well.
It was surely a daunting challenge in front of a sold-out Red Rocks, but Johnson pulled it off. And when drummer Duane Trucks signaled the segue to “Love Tractor,” the band transitioned flawlessly into the light, skittering melody, which immediately devoured previous number.
It’s quite the shift, but the just-released, pro-shot video proves it was not awkward in any way. And when Johnson conjures the spirit of Michael Houser on the outro, it’s clear he’s the right guy in the right place at the right time.
Grade card: Widespread Panic - “Maggot Brain” → “Love Tractor” (Live - 7/2/26) - A+/A-
7/2/26
