'PANIC' FANS PROTEST COVERAGE:

I was not altogether surprised, but rather disgusted, after reading the
articles about the Widespread Panic shows last weekend. It was bad enough
to have so many cops there, but the enormous uproar is ridiculous.

This has been going on for 50 years people older than 40 think kids have
gone crazy. They say the music we listen to is awful, devilish. They say we
are bums because we take a weekend out of our lives to go hear an awesome
band, one of the few still touring. We hang out in the lot with other fans.
We have fun and don't hurt anybody we are going to hell!

Ease up. It is awful that two died. It is awful that people say that
Widespread Panic shows are known for drug use. It is awful that people get
killed every day in the Birmingham area, and all the cops are at a concert
trying to bust kids who are just trying to hear a good band and have fun.

People around here have a real problem about protesting things they really
don't know anything about. People are doing drugs everywhere. Singling out
a band and implying that its shows bring in drugs is not only naive it's a
great example of playing up a story for entertainment or shock value.

Widespread Panic fans not getting together to do drugs any more than any
other concert-goers. The only difference is, kids at Panic shows don't look
like they are in the latest boy band, and Widespread Panic is worth
listening to.

Amy Church

Jacksonville