Founding drummer of Widespread Panic, Todd Nance dead at 57

ATHENS, Ga. — Todd Nance, drummer and a founding member of Widespread Panic, died Wednesday from complications of a chronic illness, according to the band’s Facebook page. He was 57.

Nance died in Athens, Georgia, according to the post.

From the Nance Family: It is with great sadness that we announce that Todd Nance, a founding member of Widespread...
Posted by Widespread Panic on Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Cody Dickinson, of the North Mississippi Allstars, also shared the news on his Instagram on Wednesday.

View this post on Instagram

I just can’t believe I am writing these words again, so soon.. Saying goodbye to my dear friend and drumming brother, Todd Nance. Todd had that deep, southern boogie groove. Undeniable and infectious. The real deal Holyfield. His signature drumming style influenced so many. His many great performances brought happiness and joy to us all. Todd would always invite me to sit in and play with WSP. I mean ALWAYS. Of all the drummers who have shown me so much love and support all these years, he was the guy who would say, ‘come on Cody, play drums during my solo. Or washboard. Whatever you want.’ Who does that?? Todd Nance. That’s who. Love you buddy. Always. God bless and god speed. Lord, please look after Tammy and his family, as well as all of us who loved him so much, during this difficult time. Amen. Cody

A post shared by Cody Dickinson (@codydickinson) on Aug 19, 2020 at 8:48am PDT

Widespread Panic, which developed a large, faithful following, is known for its blues-based music with long, improvisational passages and progressive percussions that attracted fans of “jam” bands like the Grateful Dead and Phish.

In 2014, Nance took a hiatus from the band and then left the band in 2016.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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