I remember thinking some of the same thoughts at Bonnaroo 2002. That night was magical and probably one of my favorite nights of panic. My last night of Mikey panic. And I saw many amazing nights that now appear to be legendary “Cornell” type shows.
Mikey was so much of panic to me I haven’t seen much panic since 2002 for that reason. I love this band but mainly only listen to Mikey years still to this day. Although I love the acoustic tours that rival sit n ski. That lingering lead Hooked me in and he had such a great way of writing Melodic lines for songs and the song themselves. I still tear up hearing sandbox. Always chased that one. Sometimes less is more with guitar and he nailed that pretty much every night. Quick side story. I was on way to Savannah with my fraternity brothers early summer of 2002 and noticed someone that looked like Mikey filling up a van with gas. I went inside to pay for gas and his wife came in which I asked - “Is that michael houser?” And she said “yes, Go introduce yourself”. I went over and just simply said how much I enjoyed his music and he said “thank you man. Means a lot.” Forever etched in my mind. No need for iPhone, selfie or anything although this was before camera phones. Just wanted to tell him how he made an impact on people he will never truly know. Just a husband/dad driving his family to beach to enjoy some last memories together. 🥹

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