Widespread Panic has made some surprising personnel changes. George McConnell left the band after four years. There’s no definitive word as to why, but rumors are flying. He left mid-tour, so whatever happened was sudden and unexpected. Sam Holt and John Keane finished the tour on lead guitar. Keane is the band’s longtime producer and frequent guest artist. Holt, was the late Michael Houser’s guitar tech for seven years. He now leads his own band, Outformation.
photo of Sam Holt by Jake Krolick for Jambase
The BIG BIG news for fans of the Athens, GA-based jamband is the coming addition of Jimmy Herring. Herring, has toured with Phil Lesh + Friends and Col. Bruce Hampton’s Aquarium Rescue Unit, among others. Lesh recently split with the guitarist, a questionable move by the “all business” Grateful Dead bassist. Jimmy is a rock star on stage and a good old boy who likes to fish in his free time. He’s the perfect addition to WP. I can’t wait to see this new lineup.