Watch Widespread Panic’s Jimmy Herring Take Stage For 1st Time With Band After Cancer Treatment

Widespread Panic made their highly anticipated return to the live stage for the first time since June 2024, during which time guitarist Jimmy Herring underwent successful treatment for tonsil cancer. Herring and his bandmates got back to playing shows together with a three-night run in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Herring’s triumphant return to performing in concert with WSP commenced on Friday, February 14 with the first of three shows at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena. WSP had not held a concert in Atlantic City since 2000.

With the crowd roaring as Herring took his usual place onstage, WSP frontman John Bell recognized his fellow guitar-playing bandmate. Before launching into their first set since June 23, 2024, JB briefly spoke to the crowd.

“Gonna take this time to say ‘Happy Valentine’s Day Jimmy,!’” Bell proclaimed.

Shouts of “Jimmy” came from some in the audience in response. Widespread Panic then kicked off the show with their classic “Ain’t Life Grand.” Watch the emotionally uplifting start to the show below:

After completing the first set, which was composed entirely of originals, Friday’s second set saw the emergence of special guests Jason Crosby and John Keane. Crosby played fiddle and keyboards and Keane played guitar and pedal steel guitar. Both guest musicians also supplemented WSP during the show on Saturday. Crosby also participated in Sunday’s finale.

Official soundboard recordings of all three Widespread Panic shows from Atlantic City are available via nugs.net. Stream the shows below. Up next for WSP is a three-night run in St. Augustine, Florida March 20 – 22.