So this was Fat's last performance at Jazz Fest in 2001. I was there that day (over to the right). Fats followed first Dr. John, and then Ray Charles onto the stage. What an afternoon! But as good as those first two shows were, Fats easily took the day.
There were concerns he might back out of that 2001 show as well. His good friend Eric Paulsen (see below) rode with him to make sure he didn't get cold feet at the last moment. He had developed a sort of stage fright, likely tied to a fear of his health causing him to disappoint his fans. But he came through and he didn't disappoint as you can hear:
If you click on "watch on YouTube" this is the first song of a playlist that shows the whole show.