Todd Nance obit

Todd Nance, founding drummer of Widespread Panic, dies at age 57

 

He was not on the list.

Todd Nance, the founding drummer of Widespread Panic, has died at age 57.

The Georgia jam band today confirmed Nance’s death with a post on its Facebook page. It included a message from Nance’s family and a tribute from his former bandmates. Here’s the full text:

"From the Nance Family:

“It is with great sadness that we announce that Todd Nance, a founding member of Widespread Panic, passed away early this morning in Athens, GA from sudden and unexpectedly severe complications of a chronic illness. There are no services being planned at this time, but information will be shared as decisions are made regarding the best way to honor Todd’s extraordinary life and career. The Nance family appreciates the love and support of all and requests that their privacy be honored during this hard time.

"From the Widespread Panic Family:

“With heavy Hearts and Loving memories we say good bye to our Brother Todd Alton Nance. Widespread Panic was born the night of Todd’s first show. He and Mikey had played music together in High school (maybe Junior high) and with a lucky thought, Michael tracked him down and asked him to join us -- because we had a gig, but needed a drummer. For thirty years Todd was the engine of the Widespread Panic. He wrote great songs, and was a giving and forgiving collaborator. T Man was the epitome of a ‘team player.’ Drove the Band and drove the van.

“Funny, adventurous, and a very kind Soul, we wish Todd and his Family peace during this sad time after so many happy times. Safe travels, Brother Todd.

“With Love, the Boys and Girls of Widespread Panic”

Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars also shared the news of Nance’s death on his Instagram page, paying tribute to his friend, fellow musician and occasional collaborator.

“I just can’t believe I am writing these words again, so soon,” wrote Dickinson, who recently posted on the death of the Allstars’ bassist, Carl Dufrene. “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”

Details on the illness that prompted Nance’s death haven’t been revealed.

Nance, a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was the drummer for Widespread Panic from 1986 to 2016. He performed on nearly all of Widespread Panic’s studio albums -- the exception was 2015′s “Street Dogs” -- and he was a key member of the band during its tours.

Nance took a hiatus from Widespread Panic in 2014, citing personal issues, and was replaced by Duane Trucks, the drummer for Hard Working Americans. Trucks is the nephew of Butch Trucks, longtime drummer for the Allman Brothers Band, and the brother of guitarist Derek Trucks of the Alllman Brothers and Tedeschi Trucks Band.

Nance reunited with Widespread Panic for four shows in February 2016 at their “Panic En La Playa Cinco” event in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The band announced its formal split with Nance later that year. He moved on to perform with other jam-band veterans, in groups known as Todd Nance & Friends, the Interstellar Boys and the Todd Nance Experiment.

“Basically, I had 31 great years touring with (Widespread Panic),” Nance said in a 2017 interview with Larson Sutton posted on Jambands.com. “I wouldn’t trade that for anything. But, things do change as time goes on. I had to address those issues and put my professional life on the sideline. So now that I’ve gotten that stuff out of the way, I’ve tried to get back to work. That’s pretty much it.”

Widespread Panic, one of the most popular bands in the jam world, has a long track record of performances in Alabama, with shows in cities such as Birmingham, Huntsville, Orange Beach and Tuscaloosa. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham has been a favorite spot for the band and its fans; Widespread acknowledged that with a 2001 concert DVD, “Live at Oak Mountain.”

Widespread’s history in Birmingham dates back to the 1987, however, and some early shows at The Nick. The Everyday Companion, an online catalog of concerts and songs performed by Widespread over the years, also lists 1987 shows at The Chukker in Tuscaloosa and Thirsties in Mobile.

“Time sure does fly, I’ll tell you that,” Nance told Lawrence Specker of AL.com during a 2011 interview. “I guess we’re approaching maybe 3,500 shows. When you think about that, that’s pretty much a career right there. ... Thinking back over it, I guess we got a lot done.”

ans and fellow musicians offered tributes to Nance and expressed their condolences to his family on social media. Widespread Panic’s Facebook post had inspired about 1,000 comments by Thursday morning, including:

“RIP Todd Nance. Thank you Such a great drummer. Vegas ’95, I remember zoning out just on Todd’s drumming on Pigeons. Since then, the drums in that song has been one of my favorites.” -- Mike Recinto

“RIP Todd. Your family has my deepest condolences. Thank you for so many amazing shows. Roll Todd Roll!” -- Clint Moore

“The true heartbeat and backbone of Panic. He was patient, kept the momentum, waited for his moment and then filled the space so eloquently and effortlessly! Thanks for all the good times ... Rest In Peace Todd” -- Barret Blondeau

“RIP Todd thanks for sharing your talent with all of us for so many years” -- Steve Bennett

“Thank you sir for so so many transcendant and life affirming evenings. Rest easy and go in peace.” -- Dino Shults

“Thanks Todd for keeping the beat. Theres a bar called Heaven, they play all night long” -- Sandy Arnold Doherty

Singer-songwriter Jason Isbell, an Alabama native, also chimed in via Twitter. “Todd Nance was a sweet man and a great musician,” Isbell wrote. “So sad to learn of his passing. Thinking of y’all, Widespread Panic. Love you folks.”