Photo via Widespread Panic’s Facebook page

Widespread Panic co-founder and frontman John Bell has clarified comments that his band will retire from the road after this year. In a new interview published in Charleston, SC’s Post and Courier, Bell says, “The plan now is just to dial it down a little bit in the future. Not do as many shows, but still be out there from year to year.” Bell went on to say the members of the band wanted “a little breathing room to enjoy our families and pursue any other non-Panic things that any of us feel drawn to.”

Last week, Panic keyboardist JoJo Hermann told Mississippi’s Clarion-Ledger that band will veer off the road after New Year’s Eve, though he mentioned that the band will still play select, big shows. Bell echoed Hermann’s thoughts, and the Charleston paper reports that Bell “emphasized that it’s not a hiatus, which they’ve taken before. They still plan to play the big blowouts at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, or Jazz Fest in New Orleans, for instance. But they’re retiring from the months-long tours across the country that have brought them to smaller markets like Charleston so many times over the years.” Panic took formal hiatuses in both 2004 and 2012.

Bell declined to comment on Panic’s split with original drummer Todd Nance, describing his departure as “business stuff.” When the topic turned to Nance’s replacement Duane Trucks he said, “We’re having a great time with Duane…He’s young, but he’s extremely professional and knowledgeable.”

Panic will perform in Augusta, GA this evening.