Jimmy Herring Discusses Widespread Panic Drummers Duane Trucks & Todd Nance

Yesterday, Widespread Panic announced Winter Tour 2016, the band’s first run of the new year. While no mention was made about who will be on drums for the tour, a previous announcement said Todd Nance “is expected back in 2016.” Panic guitarist Jimmy Herring spoke about Nance and current Widespread drummer Duane Trucks, who happens to be his son-in-law, as part of an interview with Atlanta Business Chronicle.

When asked about how it has been sharing the stage with Duane, Jimmy responded “It’s been great. I’ve known that kid since he was just knee-high to a grasshopper. He’s been like a little brother to me even though he’s the same age as my daughter, and of course later he married my daughter. (Laughs) We couldn’t be more thrilled. We love him. I’ve always loved him and I love playing with him. He’s a young musicologist. He’s very influenced by his older brother, Derek, and all of the people he’s played with. His dad has also always turned him onto great music. The kid is a sponge. He never stops and he knows a lot more music than most people my age. He’s really something.”

Herring was then asked for an update about when Nance would return, “I know we are going to play with Todd. I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait to see him and play with him again. I don’t know any of the particulars of when that will take place, but I do know it will definitely take place. I look forward to seeing him.” Duane Trucks took over for Todd Nance just over a year ago so Todd could have time to “attend to personal matters.” Nance, the band’s original drummer, has played a number of gigs in recent months with a variety of projects though has not performed with Widespread Panic since September 14, 2014.

Head to Atlanta Business Chronicle for Jimmy’s thoughts about filling in for Michael Houser, the band’s new studio album Street Dogs and many other topics.