‘Let The Healing Begin’: Widespread Panic Cancels Tour Dates After Lead Guitarist Jimmy Herring Diagnosed With Stage 1 Tonsil Cancer

Widespread Panic has assured ticket holders for their Asheville shows that they will receive refunds, but it’s unclear if or when these shows will be rescheduled. The band expressed gratitude for the support of fans during Jimmy’s family’s recovery process.

Jimmy Herring has been the lead guitarist of Widespread Panic since 2006

I’ve had an exciting and illustrious journey as a musician. My first gig was with Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit back in 1997. Later on, in 2002, I got the incredible opportunity to join forces with four original members of the Grateful Dead – Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh, and Bill Kreutzmann – forming the Other Ones band.

In November 2005, Herring parted ways with Phil Lesh and Friends. After George McConnell’s departure, Widespread Panic announced on August 3, 2006, that Herring would join them as their lead guitarist. He made his debut with the band at Radio City Music Hall. Since then, he has toured extensively with Widespread Panic and contributed to three of their albums.

In 2008, abstract Logix published Herring’s debut solo album, titled “Lifeboat.” During that time, he also played with Project Z and The Allman Brothers Band as a musician. Notably, he was one of the founders of Jazz Is Dead and Aquarium Rescue Unit.