Widespread Panic is pausing their tour following the diagnosis of their lead guitarist, Jimmy Herring, with Stage 1 tonsil cancer.
On Monday, July 22, the rock band announced the unfortunate news, stating that Herring will begin treatment immediately and is expected to make a full recovery. Consequently, they have canceled their upcoming shows in Asheville, North Carolina, which were scheduled for July 25-27, and may adjust the rest of their tour dates as Herring recovers.
"He will begin treatment immediately and is expected to make a full recovery. That part we’re happy to report," Widespread Panic shared on Instagram. They also mentioned that they will provide more details about their future concert schedule in the coming days.
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Ticketholders for the Asheville concerts will automatically receive refunds, though it remains uncertain if or when these shows will be rescheduled.
The band expressed their gratitude to fans, saying, "We thank everyone for their concern and blessings as Jimmy and his family go through this healing process. Let the healing begin."
Herring, 62, has been a key member of Widespread Panic since 2006, joining after the passing of guitarist Mike Houser. He made his debut with the band at New York City's Radio City Music Hall that fall. A North Carolina native, Herring has been playing guitar for nearly 40 years and first gained national recognition as a founding member of the jazz fusion band Col. Bruce Hampton and The Aquarium Rescue Unit in the late 1980s. He has also played with several other bands, including Frogwings, Jazz Is Dead, and The Other Ones, a project featuring former Grateful Dead members.
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Despite releasing only two studio albums under his name, Herring has been featured on over 20 records throughout his career. Up until recently, he remained active with Widespread Panic during their 2024 tour across North America. Following their Asheville concerts, the band was scheduled to perform in Boston from August 22-24 and in Las Vegas in late September.
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