Worldwide Panic reports guitarist Jimmy Herring has tonsil cancer

By 
 July 24, 2024

Jimmy Herring, who plays lead guitar for the rock band Widespread Panic, was diagnosed with tonsil cancer, according to a recent statement from his band, and on his personal Facebook page, as USA Today reported.

On Sunday, Widespread Panic published a statement on its official website regarding Herring's diagnosis:

"The Widespread Panic Family is sad to report that our brother, Jimmy Herring, has been diagnosed with stage 1 tonsil cancer," the band wrote. "He will begin treatment immediately and is expected to make a full recovery."

"That part we’re happy to report," the band said in their post to Facebook, before going on to address their upcoming tour.

More Details

"The Band will not be playing the upcoming Asheville dates. We will have a clearer picture of our future concert schedule in the next few days," the band went on.

On Sunday, Herring publicly disclosed the band's statement on his official Facebook page; however, he refrained from discussing his diagnosis.

They went on to speak to fans about their appreciation for support, and hope for the future: "We thank everyone for their concern and Blessings as Jimmy and his Family go through this healing process. Let the Healing begin."

Herring's Career

According to Herring's official website, Herring became a member of Widespread Panic in 2006, shortly after the passing of guitarist Mike Houser.

Herring is a veteran of the jazz-rock and jam band scenes.

Over the course of his career, he has played in a variety of bands, such as Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit, Frogwings (featuring Butch Trucks of the Allman Brothers Band), Jazz is Dead, and Phil Lesh and Friends.

Cancelations

In a statement released on Sunday, Widespread Panic said that the rock band has decided to cancel a series of gigs scheduled to take place in Asheville, North Carolina, as a result of Herring's cancer diagnosis, understandably.

According to People, the band was planning to visit the ExploreAsheville.com Arena on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday to perform their songs. Ticket holders will be able to receive their refunds automatically.

Further, Widespread Panic stated that it "will have a clearer picture of our future concert schedule in the next few days," in reference to the new concert dates.

"We thank everyone for their concern and blessings as Jimmy and his family go through this healing process," the band concluded. "Let the healing begin."

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