Widespread Panic guitarist Mike Houser has issued a statement on his health, confirming that he has cancer. He has not played with the band since July 2, during which time guitarist George McConnell and saxophonist Randall Bramblett have performed. The following statement was posted to Widespreads website:

Dear Widespread Panic community, and dear friends, Mikey here, with some thoughts and facts for you.
As some of you know, I have contracted a terminal form of cancer. I want to assure all of you that all that can be done has been done, and I want to thank all of you who have contributed information, medicine, and so on. As for me, I am at my home in Athens, GA, surrounded by my family, and being well taken care of. In the words of Lou Gehrig ‘Though some of you may have thought I have caught a bad break, I feel like the luckiest man in the world.’
Between my best friends, J.B., Todd, Sunny, Dave and JoJo, and you, our friends, and best support group in the world, I feel strong and well taken care of. I have hopes of playing again soon, although I can’t say for sure when or where, and I hope to see you all there.
With much thanks and love,
Mikey