Todd Nance, founding drummer and 30-year-old member of the Southern rock jam band Widwide Panic, has died at the age of 57.
The Nance group and family confirmed the drummer’s death on Wednesday, adding that Nance died in Athens, Georgia, after “sudden and unexpected complications from a chronic illness.”
“With heavy hearts and loving memories, we bid farewell to our brother Todd Alton Nance,” Panic said in a statement. ‘Widespread panic was born the night of Todd’s first show. He and [founding guitarist Michael Houser] had played music together in high school (maybe junior) and with a happy thought Michael tracked him down and asked him to join in – because we had a performance but needed a drummer. For 30 years, Todd was the engine of widespread panic. He wrote great songs and was a giving and forgiving contributor. T Man was the sign of a ‘team player’. Dry the tire and drive the delivery bus. ”
The band went on, “Funny, adventurous and a very friendly soul, we wish Todd and his family peace in this sad time after so many happy times.”
Nance joined Houser, singer John Bell and bassist Dave Schools for the band’s first official appearance as Widwide Panic in February 1986. That began Nance’s 30th anniversary as the band’s drummer, with Nance appearing and serving as co-authored on the band’s first 11 studio albums, as well as sitting behind the kit for countless concerts of the beloved and well-traveled jam band. The drummer would also participate in the widespread side project Brute and also lead his own band, Barbara Cue.
Nance first left Widwide Panic in 2014, but returned to the band two years later for three appearances in February 2016. However, Nance and the band soon parted ways, with Duane Trucks joining the band full time.
“There are currently no services planned, but information will be shared as decisions are made about the best way to honor Todd’s extraordinary life and career,” the Nance family said in a statement Wednesday. “The Nance family appreciates the love and support of all and asks for their privacy in this difficult time.”
