Todd Nance — the founding drummer of beloved jam band Widespread Panic — has died. The sad news came today from Nance's family, who confirmed the longtime Widespread Panic member passed away this morning in Athens, GA, from "sudden and unexpectedly severe complications of a chronic illness." He was 57.
Born in Chattanooga, TN, Nance got his first drum kit at age 13, later forming a high-school rock band with Michael Houser. In 1986, Nance was enlisted by Houser to form what became Widespread Panic.
Over the decades, Nance continued to played with the group, staying behind the kit during their most successful period. He only ended up exiting Widespread Panic in 2016, when he left due to what were referred to at the time as "personal issues."
The statement from Nance's family posted on Widespread Panic's website reads as follows:
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," starts the note from the Nance Family. "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.:
Widespread Panic themselves posted the following:
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
Born in Chattanooga, TN, Nance got his first drum kit at age 13, later forming a high-school rock band with Michael Houser. In 1986, Nance was enlisted by Houser to form what became Widespread Panic.
Over the decades, Nance continued to played with the group, staying behind the kit during their most successful period. He only ended up exiting Widespread Panic in 2016, when he left due to what were referred to at the time as "personal issues."
The statement from Nance's family posted on Widespread Panic's website reads as follows:
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," starts the note from the Nance Family. "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.:
Widespread Panic themselves posted the following:
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
