The band Widespread Panic announced that its lead guitarist Jimmy Herring ‘has been diagnosed with stage 1 tonsil cancer’ and is set to ‘begin treatment immediately’ and ‘expected to make a full recovery.’
The Athens, Georgia-based musical ensemble made the announcement on its Instagram page Monday, adding that it ‘will not be playing its upcoming’ slate of shows in Asheville, North Carolina this weekend.
‘We will have a clearer picture of our future concert schedule in the next few days,’ the band said on its Instagram post.
It concluded: ‘We thank everyone for their concern and Blessings as Jimmy and his Family go through this healing process. Let the Healing begin.’
A statement under the post noted that the band’s shows at the ‘ExploreAsheville.com Arena at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 7/25, 7/26, and 7/27’ have been canceled, with refunds to ‘be issued automatically at the point of purchase.’
The band Widespread Panic announced that its lead guitarist Jimmy Herring, 62, ‘has been diagnosed with stage 1 tonsil cancer’ and is set to ‘begin treatment immediately’ and ‘expected to make a full recovery.’ Herring, 62, pictured in New Orleans in April
Herring, a 62-year-old native of North Carolina, initially joined the musical ensemble in the autumn of 2006 at a concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, according to People.
His entrée into the band came about four years after the band’s first guitarist Mike Houser died in August of 2002 at the age of 40 from pancreatic cancer complications.
A biography on Herring’s personal website indicates that the musician has been professionally active for almost four decades, having played in the group Col. Bruce Hampton and The Aquarium Rescue Unit in the late 80s and early 90s.
He has also collaborated with musical outfits such as Frogwings, Jazz is Dead, The Other Ones and The Ringers, according to the bio, and has made two solo albums and participated on more than 20 albums.
‘His formidable technique is in service of a vast harmonic and rhythmic imagination, forged by decades on the road and a myriad of influences spanning jazz, rock, country, and the outer limits of improvised music,’ the bio reads of Herring’s artistry.
Following the canceled shows, Widespread Panic is slated to play a trio of concerts at Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park from August 22-24, and in Las Vegas at The Theater at Virgin Hotels from September 20-22.
It was not immediately clear on Tuesday if the shows would be continuing in the wake of Monday’s announcement.
Herring, a native of North Carolina, initially joined the musical ensemble in the autumn of 2006 at a concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City
The veteran musician was pictured onstage in Colorado in July of 2015
A biography on Herring’s personal website indicates that the musician has been professionally active for almost four decades, having played in the group Col. Bruce Hampton and The Aquarium Rescue Unit in the late 80s and early 90s. Pictured in May of 2017 in Atlanta
The band was seen onstage April 25 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Herring was hailed with a number of well-wishes from colleagues in the comment section of the post announcing of the news of his health battle
Herring was hailed with a number of well-wishes from colleagues in the comment section of the post announcing of the news of his health battle.
Singer-songwriter Jason Isbell said, ‘Such a beautiful soul and as good a musician as I’ve ever seen. Love and healing to Jimmy.’
Musical artist Robert Randolph said, ‘We are praying for jimmy!!!!’ calling him ‘one of the best guitarists ever!!’
Country artist Margo Price wrote, ‘Sending a swift recovery to one of the greatest guitarists ever. We love you Jimmy!’
Musician Eric Krasno said, ‘Sending big love to Jimmy and the entire family.’
A statement from the band Umphrey’s McGee read, ‘Get well soon brother.’
