Widespread Panic Release “Blue Carousel” [Video]

Photo Credit: Josh Timmermans

Widespread Panic have unveiled its latest example of studio work. Without warning or a known intent to follow up on their June 7 released set, Snake Oil King, the band dropped a single, “Blue Carousel,” across streaming platforms, acknowledging the move with a simple post on social media accompanied by the hashtag #LoveAndJoy, a suspected reference point between John “JoJo” Hermann and Michael Houser.

“Blue Carousel” initially debuted in a live setting during the latter date of Widespread Panic’s two-night stand at Live Oak Bank Pavilion in Wilmington, N.C., on Sept. 15-16, 2023. Notably, over the course of two concerts, they used their set lists to work through the alphabet. After A-Z, they used the remaining frame to spell out T-O-U-G-H  S-H-I-T, followed by an encore which formulated B-Y-E–ultimately, taking the last B as a marker for the debut, “Blue Carousel.”

The tune’s 2023 full-band debut occurred after Hermann performed it live …