The music industry has been left in shock after news regarding the medical condition of Widespread Panic’s Jimmy Herring was made public. The veteran guitarist has been a mainstay for the band ever since he joined in 2006. However, his current illness has thrown Widespread Panic as well as Jimmy Herring’s artistic future in jeopardy. But, what actually happened to the seasoned musician?
Here are all the available details regarding Herring’s ongoing health struggles.
Jimmy Herring’s illness explained
The American rock band has announced that Jimmy Herring has been diagnosed with Stage 1 tonsil cancer.
The update emerged while the 1981-founded group was still out on tour. Widespread Panic confirmed Jimmy Herring’s cancer news via an Instagram post, stating, “He will begin treatment immediately and is expected to make a full recovery. That part we’re happy to report.”
Due to Herring’s illness, the band was forced to abruptly halt their current tour. Their forthcoming concerts in Asheville, North Carolina, originally planned to be held between July 25 and 27, were understandably canceled. It is currently unknown when the shows will be rescheduled, if at all. Nonetheless, the band assured that the Asheville ticketholders would be actively refunded in due time.
Further updates about the 62-year-old guitarist’s health are yet to follow. His medical issues have also cast a shadow of doubt on the band’s upcoming shows. In the aforementioned statement by Widespread Panic regarding Jimmy Herring, the band also conveyed that they “will have a clearer picture of our future concert schedule in the next few days.” Nevertheless, they expressed gratitude for the fans’ support and understanding and ended their message with the statement, “Let the Healing begin.”
Notably, Herring originally joined Widespread Panic in 2006 following the untimely demise of lead guitarist Mike Houser. Having remained a core member of the band for close to two decades, his future in music will heavily depend on how his medical condition unfolds.
