In Memoriam: Garrie Vereen

We’re sad to report that a longtime member of the Widespread Panic crew, Garrie Vereen, passed away on Wednesday morning due to what a statement calls “unexpected complications from his recent aneurysm.”

Vereen first met John Bell in 1984 and started traveling with the band in 1991, taking on a variety of roles including selling t-shirts, keyboard tech, roadie, road manager, production manager and anything else that was asked of him.  Known to many as “one of the nicest guys in the industry,” Vereen will be missed by all who knew him.

Here’s the band’s official statement about Vereen’s passing…

One of the truest friends on and of this earth, Donald Garrie Vereen, passed away Wednesday morning due to unexpected complications from his recent aneurism.

So many blessings have already been received by so many concerned; Garrie’s Family and extended Family thank you all for trying to help fill this new found void in our Hearts.

However… and this is important… in this age of lightning speed information (and mis-information) sharing, The Vereen and Widespread Panic Families respectfully request that energies spent are not wasted on rumor and speculation, but channeled into the Love we share for Garrie, his Family, and one another.

With Respect, Reverence, and Blessings,
Windy Vereen and John Bell