20 Years Later: How “Panic in the Streets” was almost prevented

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. <a href="https://medium.com/@waeidson22/20-years-later-how-panic-in-the-streets-was-almost-prevented-329d9c462a53">Click Here</a>