Diner

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Diner" by Widespread Panic from their 1993 album Everyday, a track that’s a favorite among Zoo Freaks for its jammy, Southern rock vibe. One juicy piece of trivia about "Diner" is its connection to the album’s iconic cover, which features a young, then-unknown Angelina Jolie. Shot by German photographer Alastair Thain, the red-tinted image captures a moody, abstract vibe that perfectly complements the song’s laid-back groove. In a 2023 interview with AL.com, bassist Dave Schools revealed that the band had no idea Jolie would become a global superstar, noting the cover was chosen for its artistic feel rather than her budding fame. Fans on X often geek out over this tidbit, with posts like, “Still wild that Angelina’s on the Everyday cover—perfect for vibing to ‘Diner’!”

Another cool story about "Diner" comes from its live performances, where it’s a staple for improvisation. According to fan site Everyday Companion, "Diner" often segues into classics like “Space Wrangler” or “Disco,” creating epic, free-flowing jams that embody Widespread Panic’s live magic. A 2015 post on the Widespread Panic Fans Facebook group shared a fan’s memory of a 1998 Athens show where “Diner” stretched into a 15-minute jam, with John Bell’s soulful vocals and Michael Houser’s guitar riffs leaving the crowd in a frenzy. The song’s lyrics, evoking late-night diner scenes and road-weary musings, resonate with the band’s nomadic spirit, as Schools once quipped in a 1993 interview: “It’s the soundtrack to those 3 a.m. greasy spoon stops.”

Widespread Panic got their start in Athens, Georgia, in 1986, born from the creative spark of guitarist/singer John Bell and guitarist Michael Houser. The two met in 1981 at the University of Georgia, bonding over their love for Southern rock, blues, and the Grateful Dead’s improvisational ethos. They began jamming in their dorm, eventually recruiting bassist Dave Schools, drummer Todd Nance, percussionist Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz, and later keyboardist John “JoJo” Hermann. Their early gigs around Athens’ gritty bar scene built a cult following, with fans drawn to their raw energy and marathon sets. By 1988, they released their debut album, Space Wrangler, independently, cementing their place in the burgeoning jam band scene alongside acts like Phish. Their relentless touring and fan-friendly taping policy—allowing recordings of live shows—fueled their rise, leading to sold-out runs at venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Today, you can keep up with Widespread Panic on their Facebook page, where they share tour updates and throwback photos, or their Instagram, boasting over 150,000 followers with snaps from the road. Their X account is a hub for real-time fan chatter, like a recent post hyping a “Diner” performance: “Nothing beats that ‘Diner’ groove live!” For deeper dives, check out the fan-run Everyday Companion, a treasure trove of setlists and show stats, or join the Widespread Panic Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap stories and trade rare recordings. Whether you’re spinning “Diner” at THE ZOO or catching a live jam, Widespread Panic’s legacy thrives through their music and tight-knit community.