Billy Strings Honors Widespread Panic, Remembers Bob Weir in Athens

Bluegrass star kicks off 2026 tour with tributes to local heroes and late Grateful Dead co-founder

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Billy Strings kicked off his first run of 2026 shows at Athens, GA's Akins Ford Arena, which opened in 2024 as part of the city's Classic Center conference and entertainment complex. During the show, Strings paid tribute to local heroes Widespread Panic by covering their song "All Time Low" on the 40th anniversary of the band's first official show. He also honored the late Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir with covers of "Me and My Uncle" and "Cassidy" during the encore.

Why it matters

Athens has a rich musical history, especially in the jam band scene, with Widespread Panic being one of the city's most beloved homegrown acts. Strings' tributes to Panic and Weir, both influential figures in the jam world, resonated with the local audience and highlighted the enduring legacy of these artists.

The details

Strings kicked off his first set with a cover of Widespread Panic's "All Time Low," a nod to the band's 40th anniversary. Later in the show, Strings used his encore to honor the late Bob Weir, performing Weir's signature songs "Me and My Uncle" and "Cassidy." Strings and Weir had collaborated in recent years, including during Dead & Company's Dead 60 celebration in Golden Gate Park last summer.

  • The show took place on February 7, 2026, which marked the 40th anniversary of Widespread Panic's first official show.
  • Strings last performed "Me and My Uncle" on May 5, 2022 and "Cassidy" on May 7, 2022.

The players

Billy Strings

An American bluegrass musician known for his virtuosic guitar playing and eclectic musical style.

Widespread Panic

An American jam band formed in Athens, Georgia in 1986, known for their improvisational live performances and loyal fanbase.

Bob Weir

A founding member of the Grateful Dead and a highly influential figure in the jam band scene, who passed away on January 10, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Strings and Weir have collaborated several times in recent years, including during Dead & Company's Dead 60 celebration in Golden Gate Park last summer, though Strings has shied away from playing Dead tunes during his own shows in recent years.”

— mikegreenhaus, Author (jambands.com)

What’s next

Strings will return to Akins Ford Arena for another show on February 8, 2026.

The takeaway

Billy Strings' tributes to Widespread Panic and Bob Weir during his Athens show highlighted the deep musical connections between the bluegrass star and the jam band community, as well as the enduring legacy of these influential artists in the region.