Widespread Panic Co-Founders John Bell & Dave Schools Discuss Jimmy Herring’s Health

Last July, Widespread Panic revealed guitarist Jimmy Herring was diagnosed with stage 1 tonsil cancer, which led the band to take an unexpected seven-month hiatus while the guitarist was treated. Co-founders John Bell and Dave Schools discussed Herring’s recovery with Relix.

“The treatments seem to have done what they were supposed to do. And a large part of that is that Jimmy was an impeccable patient and such a self-healer, just like he presents himself musically,” Bell told Relix’s Mike Greenhaus.

Widespread Panic made their triumphant return to the stage on Valentine’s Day in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The choice of location far from the heart of the fanbase for such an important three-night stand was somewhat random.

“We went with the doctors’ predictions of how his strength was gonna be, checked in with how Jimmy was feeling and waited until we were 80-90% sure that we were going to be able to play a certain date before we announced it. By the luck of the draw, the first one that popped up which we felt like we could do was this February gig in Atlantic City, N.J.,” JB explained.

Dave Schools also had positive things to say about Herring’s condition. “Jimmy’s OK and he’s really rearing to play,” the bassist said. “The only comment I can make about Jimmy was that we were playing full shows and that bastard had more energy than I did. He’s a ninja, and he’s really excited to be back,” the Richmond native added.

The choice of what song Widespread Panic would open their first show back with was clear to the band. “‘Ain’t Life Grand’ just seemed so obvious. We are all so happy that Jimmy passed through his treatment successfully. His readiness to get back on the stage was infectious. I figure we are all pretty lucky to be able to do what we do after so many years,” Schools noted.

John Bell and Dave Schools each weighed in on the rehearsal process leading up to the three-night stand in Atlantic City:

John Bell

“We got together on a couple of different occasions and rehearsed for three days—just getting to know each other again and relearning the new songs. It was a gas—even though it’s something I’ve done for 2/3 of my life. Everything’s magnified now—though it is also really good to come up for air every once in a while and see what else life has to offer, whether it’s just working in the garden or traveling a little bit. It’s good to clear out the cobwebs so that you have got something new to write songs about.”

Dave Schools

The way that we went at it when we got back together was really no different than anytime after a break. We carved out some days, got together and tried to get as close to what happens on stage as possible. We had two sessions, and one was really super low-key—we were just sitting around with guitars and playing some songs, talking, laughing and catching up. Then we had what we call “hard rehearsals,” where we went in and set up the stage and basically played three shows. We had a batch of songs that we wanted to work on and some of those are from the past—and some are new ideas for songs that have not yet arisen.

The “songs that have not yet arisen” come on the heels of a batch of recent material featured on two 2024 studio albums from Widespread Panic: Snake Oil King and Hailbound Queen. JB and Schools discussed the process that led to the release of the companion records.

“The idea to release it [as two vinyl records] is that CDs have run their course. Most everything’s in the streaming or single format as far as how people are getting their music. And vinyl albums just sound really good. When I listened to the test pressing it was like, ‘Oh, crap, I forgot.’ It’s like how I used to hear music as kid or the first time I listened to music after my first beer. The album cover and stuff used to be part of the experience,” Bell explained.

The pair also talked Widespread Panic’s current touring model, their experience opening for The Rolling Stones in Denver, what drummer Duane Trucks brings to the table and several additional topics. Read the full interview at Relix.com.

Widespread Panic next takes the stage tomorrow, May 16 for the first of two nights at Credit One Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina. Find a full list of upcoming tour dates by scrolling below.