Widespread Panic guitarist Jimmy Herring diagnosed with tonsil cancer

Jimmy Herring, the lead guitarist for the rock band Widespread Panic, has been diagnosed with stage 1 tonsil cancer. The band announced Herring’s diagnosis on their official website on Sunday, July 21 2024.

“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.”

Herring shared the band’s statement on his official Facebook page, although he did not comment further on his diagnosis.

Herring joined Widespread Panic in 2006, following the death of guitarist Mike Houser.

He is a veteran of the jazz-rock and jam band scenes, having played in numerous bands over the years, including Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit, Frogwings, Jazz is Dead, and Phil Lesh and Friends.