In 1998, Athens Mayor Gwen O’Looney stepped on to the stage at the bottom of Washington Street and looked out at a crowd of over 100,000 people who came to see the town’s very own Widespread Panic.The enormous gathering was more than double what she had expected.
Always the optimist, O’Looney gave a speech reflecting the crowd’s positive energy but ended with a cry for peace and safety.
“You have made history. This is the largest CD-release party ever. Don’t hurt my town!”
April 18 of this year marks the 20th anniversary of the now-legendary “Panic in the Streets” album release party held in Athens, Ga.. Somehow, this small southern town was able to jump over hurdles and put on a concert that attracted people from all over the world and did so on only two months notice.