Widespread Panic guitarist Jimmy Herring will temporarily step away from the band to focus on his health, the group announced Thursday. While Herring undergoes treatment for a recurrent case of throat cancer that sidelined him in 2024, guitarist Nick Johnson will fill in for him with Panic.
In a post to social media, the band wrote,
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 condition back in July 2024, announcing he had been diagnosed with stage 1 tonsil cancer. The band ultimately canceled all its remaining shows for the year, returning over Valentine’s Day weekend 2025. Panic played a full slate of shows in 2025, culminating with three guest-filled nights in Atlanta for a New Year’s Eve run. All three nights saw bluegrass progeny Billy Strings sit in on guitar, jamming alongside Jimmy. December 31st’s three-set spectacle also featured a surprise sit-in from Nick Johnson, who previously joined the band for New Year’s Eve 2018 at the same Fox Theatre.
Widespread Panic wrote in an added message,
As Widespread Panic moves into 2026, we will be joined by guitarist Nick Johnson. Nick will be lending his talent while Jimmy undergoes another round of treatment to reinforce the healing process after being diagnosed with throat cancer in July of ’24.
Jimmy, his family, and the band continue to be so grateful for the well-wishing and kindness that have been offered while Jimmy continues to navigate the road to full recovery.
May the coming months bring good news, music, celebration, and occasional miracles.
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 tour dates here.
Get well soon, Jimmy.
Widespread Panic, Nick Johnson — “Tall Boy” — Atlanta, GA — 12/31/25
[Video: MrTopdogger]
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