Fans of Widespread Panic received a blow this weekend with the news that longtime guitarist Jimmy Herring has been diagnosed with stage 1 tonsil cancer.
The positive side is that Herring is expected to make a full recovery after undergoing treatment. Widespread Panic themselves emphasized this hopeful outlook in a statement: “We are happy to report” [liveforlivemusic.com].
However, due to the immediate need for treatment, the band has been forced to cancel their upcoming three-night residency in Asheville, North Carolina, originally scheduled for July 25th-27th. Ticketholders can expect automatic refunds at their point of purchase.
The band has promised an update on the remaining shows of their 2024 tour schedule “in the coming days” [liveforlivemusic.com]. Their tour is currently slated to resume with a visit to Boston on August 22nd-24th.
Widespread Panic’s Jimmy Herring Diagnosed with Cancer
Here we send Jimmy Herring our strongest wishes for a successful recovery and a swift return to the stage. In the meantime, fans can visit the band’s website Widespread Panic website for the latest updates and news.
This news comes as a shock to many fans, as Herring is a cornerstone of Widespread Panic’s sound. His electrifying guitar work and improvisational prowess have been a driving force behind the band’s success for over two decades. Herring joined Widespread Panic in 1997, following the departure of Michael Houser. Since then, he’s become an integral part of the band’s identity, helping them to cultivate a legion of devoted fans.
While Herring’s absence is certainly a setback, Widespread Panic has a history of overcoming adversity. The band has persevered through lineup changes and frontman John Bell’s own health struggles in the past. There’s no doubt that the Panic family will rally around Jimmy during this challenging time.
Here are some additional resources for fans:
- Widespread Panic’s Official Statement [liveforlivemusic.com]
- News coverage on Jambands.com [jambands.com]
I’m Pradeep Ahalawat, the founder and chief writer of this blog. (Holding the degree of M.Sc. IT with more than 15 years of expereince in IT sector) With a passion for storytelling and a keen interest in current affairs, I started this platform to share my perspectives.