Guitarist Nick Johnson takes music 'to a whole 'nother level' with Randall Bramblett and Widespread Panic

The versatile musician has become an integral part of two iconic Georgia bands

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Guitarist Nick Johnson has become an integral part of two iconic Georgia bands - the Randall Bramblett Band and Widespread Panic. Known for his work with Col. Bruce Hampton and his ongoing role in the Bramblett Band, Johnson has now stepped in as lead guitarist for Widespread Panic while longtime guitarist Jimmy Herring takes a health-related break. Johnson's seamless integration into the Panic lineup has impressed the band, with bassist Dave Schools noting Johnson's ability to 'let it go' and enter a 'pure flow state' on stage.

Why it matters

Nick Johnson's rise as a sought-after guitarist in the Georgia music scene highlights the state's rich musical heritage and the tight-knit community of jam band artists. His ability to adapt to the styles of both Randall Bramblett and Widespread Panic showcases his versatility and musicianship, while his connections to influential figures like Col. Bruce Hampton demonstrate how Georgia has fostered a vibrant and collaborative music culture.

The details

Johnson has been a member of the Randall Bramblett Band for the past 13 years, contributing to Bramblett's 'modern roots music' sound. When Widespread Panic's longtime guitarist Jimmy Herring took a break due to health issues, the band reached out to Johnson to fill in. Johnson had to quickly learn Panic's extensive catalog, but the transition has been seamless according to Panic members like bassist Dave Schools and vocalist-guitarist John 'JB' Bell. Bramblett, who has admired Johnson's guitar prowess for years, says the versatile musician is able to 'take it to that whole 'nother level' with his instinctive playing and ability to serve the song.

  • In December 2025, Widespread Panic drummer Duane Trucks called Johnson and asked if he was available to fill in for Jimmy Herring.
  • Johnson had to quickly learn Widespread Panic's extensive catalog before joining the band for their New Year's run of shows at the Fox Theater in Atlanta in late 2025.
  • Widespread Panic then reconvened at the Georgia Theater a few days later to practice for a series of shows in Mexico, where Johnson took the lead guitar role.
  • Randall Bramblett Band, including Johnson, is performing at Eddie's Attic in Decatur, Georgia on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Nick Johnson

A versatile guitarist who has been a member of the Randall Bramblett Band for 13 years and has now stepped in as the lead guitarist for Widespread Panic while Jimmy Herring takes a break.

Randall Bramblett

An Athens-based multi-instrumentalist-songwriter whose 'Band' includes guitarist Nick Johnson, known for their 'modern roots music' sound.

Widespread Panic

An iconic jam band from Athens, Georgia that has welcomed Nick Johnson as a temporary replacement for longtime guitarist Jimmy Herring.

Jimmy Herring

The longtime guitarist for Widespread Panic who is currently taking a break due to health issues.

Dave Schools

The bassist for Widespread Panic who has been impressed by Nick Johnson's seamless integration into the band.

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What they’re saying

“Nick sat in with us between two other sit-ins from [guitar virtuoso] Billy Strings, and he totally held his own with everybody. He had so much fun up there playing with Jimmy, and it was all pretty amazing to see. Those shows are like family reunions anyway, where everyone is just lovin' on each other. It seemed like a warm welcome.”

— Dave Schools, Widespread Panic bassist (ArtsATL)

“Within two or three songs, we felt this incredible sense of relief with Nick. We just knew everything was right. Then, once we were in Mexico, we had four shows in a row — all without Jimmy — and Nick took the lead. At one point, I literally watched him come out of his shell. He was able to just let it go. He went from concentrating and looking at charts to being in a pure flow state. It's like the Dead so cleverly put it, 'the music was playing the band'.”

— Dave Schools, Widespread Panic bassist (ArtsATL)

“He had some big shoes to fill, and Jimmy has big fingers, too. I think Jimmy really steered us toward Nick, and it's just been an inevitable convergence. Nick's time with Randall is pretty full circle, too — because Randall is a member of our extended family, from way back. From not knowing how things would shake out in November until now, it's just been so seamless.”

— John 'JB' Bell, Widespread Panic vocalist-guitarist-co-founder (ArtsATL)

“Nick bears down and learns fast. I know from playing with him for around 13 years now, he's an instinctive player. I know Panic needs that kind of person for all their material, and we do, too. So it just plain works. He loves that material as a musician and a fan, and loves Jimmy Herring as a friend and a peer. I'm glad it's worked out so well for him. The Panic schedule still allows him to play with us, so it's a good thing anyway you look at it.”

— Randall Bramblett, Musician (ArtsATL)

What’s next

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The takeaway

Nick Johnson's rise as a sought-after guitarist in the Georgia music scene highlights the state's rich musical heritage and the tight-knit community of jam band artists. His ability to seamlessly integrate into the styles of both Randall Bramblett and Widespread Panic showcases his versatility and musicianship, while his connections to influential figures like Col. Bruce Hampton demonstrate how Georgia has fostered a vibrant and collaborative music culture.