Following Thursday’s announcement that Widespread Panic guitarist Jimmy Herring will temporarily step away from the band while he receives a new round of cancer treatment, Billy Strings provided some context on his unannounced, three-show guest appearance with the group during its 2025 New Year’s run at Atlanta, GA’s Fox Theatre.
“I was so grateful that I had New Year’s Eve off this year,” wrote Strings, whose namesake bluegrass band notably took this year off from its own customary New Year’s run, “when my buddies in Widespread Panic called me and said that they may need me to fill-in for Jimmy, who is navigating some serious health problems. I came ready to play as much or as little as they needed me and I was so happy but not at all surprised when Jimmy absolutely KILLED it and worked those three shows like the friggin’ beast that he is!! They didn’t need me, That’s for sure.”
“But we had such a blast playing together,” he added. “He is such an amazing cat and beautiful soul. A true master at his craft and genuinely kind human. I’ll be praying for him and his whole family and crew until he kicks this shit’s ass and gets back out on stage. We love you Jimmy!! Get well brother ❤️”
Strings went on to lay some praise on Atlanta guitarist Nick Johnson, who also sat in with Widespread Panic last month in Atlanta and is set to fill in with Herring during his hiatus: “And all you long-haired spreadnecks don’t fret!! Nick Johnson is an absolute monster on the guitar and is going to handle the reins until Gandalf the loud can get back in the saddle. Let’s all send the band our love and light. WSMFP forever and always!!!”
Billy Strings, who had already joined Widespread Panic for a full set in Chicago earlier in the year, joined the band at the Fox Theatre on December 29th for roughly the last hour of the show, highlighted by an engrossing entanglement of “Fishwater” > “Surprise Valley” > “Fishwater” > “Surprise Valley”, plus covers of The Dillards and Buffalo Springfield. He returned the following night, December 30th, at the end of set two for “Mercy”, “Bust It Big”, and a climactic “Chilly Water”, then returned for the encore to share vocals with John Bell on “Pickin Up The Pieces” and match Herring’s searing guitar riffs on a closing “Climb to Safety”. On New Year’s Eve, Billy Strings completed his Widespread Panic sit-in three-peat, appearing on three songs during set one as well as the full third set and encore. The show also featured a three-song sit-in by Nick Johnson during the second set.
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In a social media post by Widespread Panic on Thursday, the band revealed that Jimmy Herring will temporarily step away from touring as he undergoes treatment for a recurrent case of throat cancer that sidelined him in 2024. “Shortly before the New Year, Widespread Panic lead guitarist Jimmy Herring informed his bandmates that the illness he had been treated for during the band’s 2024 hiatus had returned and that he would be stepping away from the band temporarily to focus on his health. There is good news to share. Jimmy’s prognosis is positive, and with the proper care and rest, he is expected to return in the near future. With the band’s full support and encouragement, Jimmy and his bandmates are confident that Nick Johnson is the right person to step in during this time, having played with Duane in Col Bruce’s band, with Randall Bramblett, and with Ansley and the Hold.”
Widespread Panic first revealed Herring’s cancer diagnosis in July of 2024. The band ultimately canceled all of its remaining shows for the year, and later returned with a healthy Herring over Valentine’s Day weekend 2025. Since then, the band has resumed its active live performance schedule.
Widespread Panic has shows scheduled this year in Austin, St. Augustine, Birmingham, Las Vegas, New Orleans for Jazz Fest, Columbia, MD for All Good Now, and Mexico later this month for the band’s Panic En La Playa Trece. Find a full list of upcoming Widespread Panic tour dates here. Billy Strings will kick off his 2026 touring schedule back in Georgia for a sold-out, two-night stand at Athens’ new Akins Ford Arena. Find a list of upcoming Billy Strings tour dates here.
Revisit L4LM’s full coverage of the run: December 29th | 30th | 31st. Check out a selection of photos of Billy Strings sitting in with Widespread Panic in Atlanta below. Stream or download audio recordings of all three shows via nugs here.
Wishing Jimmy Herring a speedy recovery!
Widespread Panic w/ Billy Strings – “War Pigs” (Black Sabbath) – 12/31/25
Widespread Panic w/ Billy Strings – “All Time Low” – 12/31/25
[Video: Touch of Grey]
Widespread Panic w/ Billy Strings – “Chilly Water” – 12/30/25
[Video: MB1 Music]