Widespread Panic cancels Asheville tour dates while revealing cancer diagnosis of lead guitarist Jimmy Herring

Widespread Panic won't be performing for their upcoming concert in Ashville as the band canceled the previously announced tour dates, sharing that their lead guitarist, Jimmy Herring, has been diagnosed with tonsil cancer.

The band shared both the cancelation and Herring's health news via a statement on their official Instagram handle, writing:

"Dear Friends, The Widespread Panic Family is sad to report that our Brother, Jimmy Herring, has been diagnosed with stage 1 tonsil cancer."

Further sharing with fans Herring's health update, the band shared a snippet of good news, saying:

"He will begin treatment immediately and is expected to make a full recovery. That part we're happy to report."

While Herring's diagnosis comes with a hopeful note of recovery, their upcoming tour dates in Asheville, however, will have to be canceled. The band noted in the statement:

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

Widespread Panic was scheduled for a three-day concert on July 25, 26, and 27 at Harrah's Cherokee Center in Asheville, North Carolina.

The band also thanked the fans for their concern and "blessings" with what Jimmy and his family are going through at the moment, ending their statement with, 'Let the healing begin." Jimmy Herring also reshared the same Instagram post on his Facebook page.

For those who have already purchased their tickets, the statement noted that "refunds will be issued automatically."

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Jimmy Herring joined Widespread Panic as an official member in 2006

The 62-year-old veteran rock band guitarist has been a member of numerous bands throughout his career. He first got national recognition as one of the founding members and lead guitarist of Col. Bruce Hampton and The Aquarium Rescue Unit.

The OG ARU lineup comprised Herring, Bruce Hampton, who passed away in 2017, Oteil Burbridge, Matt Mundy, and Jeff Sipe, aka Apt Q258.

Herring stayed with the band until 1997, and about three years later, he went back onstage touring with the Allman Brothers Band before being asked to become a member of The Other Ones.

The project consisted of four of the OG members of the Grateful Dead, which has since changed its band name to The Dead.

Jimmy Herring was a busy man in the 2000s as he was also involved with the experimental musical trio with close friends Ricky Keller and former bandmate Jeff Sipe, releasing two records, their self-titled album Project Z (2000) and Lincoln Memorial (2006).

In 2006, Widespread Panic just lost their OG lead guitarist Mike Houser, opening up a place for a new member. The band asked him to join them and assume Houser's lead guitarist role that same year.

While he's had many other projects and groups here and there, he remained with the group and has toured with them ever since.

With their Asheville concerts canceled, Widespread Panic's next scheduled tour dates are in Boston on August 22, 23, and 24. There is no news yet if Herring's diagnosis and treatment will affect any future concerts.