Widespread Panic Equipment Manager Garrie Vereen Passed Away
Athens, GA – The Widespread Panic family took a big hit as long time equipment manager Garrie Vereen has passed away. This tragedy is going to be hard on not only the Vereen family but band members, crew members, staff at Brown Cat Inc and panic fans across the globe. Garrie had a heart of gold and on any given night would know hundreds of fans in attendance.
Just a few years back I was working with at the Mile High Music Festival, Garrie saw me sitting side stage. Knowing I was a fan, he came up and asked if I wanted to “listen to the mix” he handed me a set of the bands headphones, and to this day I have never heard Widespread sound so good!!!! Thanks Garrie
The Vereen and Widespread Panic family just recently went through the tragic loss of Garrie’s son Forrest. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Garrie’s other son Collin Vereen and everyone in the Vereen family. News like this is hard to write about. Widespread Panic is celebrating there 25th year anniversary and just played an amazing run of concerts in Athens, GA.
Garrie Vereen from The Earth Will Swallow You from Christopher Hanson on Vimeo.
Thank You Christopher Hanson for posting this clip of Garrie from the Widespread Panic movie The Earth Will Swallow You.
Stories about Garrie can go on forever, one year I was in Washington with my unofficial widespread panic mom. We were near the rail towards the front of the stage when I see Garrie waving in our direction. Next thing you know he is handing beers from the stage to the crowd.
Garrie Vereen and crew members help out with percussion during Mr. Soul – Red Rocks 2008
It just wont be the same the next time I see the boys. Please feel free to share your stories about Garrie in the comments section below.
First American Bank & Trust
300 College Avenue, Athens, GA 30601
(706) 354-5000
Erica - February 16, 2011
I have known Garrie for a few years now. All I can say is that he was a wonderful person and we are all going to miss him deeply. Even the first time I met him through my family who were his close friends, he took me under his wing and always made sure we were taken care of. He was an beautiful soul. God bless him and his family. We love you Garrie, wherever you are.
Mike Hardaker - February 16, 2011
Erica,
Thanks for the comment and the great Garrie memories. I’m sure Mikey, Forrest and Gerrie and many more are having a big celebration somewhere up in the stars.
Mike Hardaker
Ej Wasik - February 16, 2011
I’ve known Garrie for over 11 years and can truly say that he was one of the most giving and genuine people that I’ve ever met. I had the privilige of meeting some of his family at Oak Mt., and have share many times with him that have been life changing and influencing. He has helped facilitate the continuation of my career vision in a way that no other could come close to. Garrie was an angel in training and I hope to feel him working, like I have Michael. God Bless.
Mike Hardaker - February 16, 2011
Ej,
Wow 11 years, we are blessed to here Garrie helped you with your career vision. And hopefully he continues to give back from above..
Mike Hardaker
JG - February 16, 2011
I only met Garrie him once, less than a month ago. He was clearly one of those people who’s light simply shines bright, evident even through the exchange of a handshake and a few words. Garrie’s work and dedication to making the Panic machine run is greatly appreciated and will not soon be forgotten! Thoughts and prayers to his friends and family.
Thornton - February 16, 2011
Garrie and the Vereen family are a wonderful group of people. Having been born and raised in Athens, GA, I have grown to love and respect Garrie. The last time i saw him face to face was in Eugene, OR. 2010.
Carter - February 16, 2011
Best memory I have is this past year at tn theatre when jb sent garrie into the pit to give a 7 year old girl earplugs. He mistook me for her father first, and I hooked have gone along with cause she got to go sidestage and get all kinds of cool stuff after. Great guy with a big heart who truly cared about the fans. Thoughts and prayers to the rest of his family.
Ort. Carlton. - February 16, 2011
Beloved,
My deepest, deepest sympathies.
Wholeheartedly, Ort.
Mike Gartner - February 16, 2011
I never had the pleasure of meeting Garrie or his family. I have heard countless stories along the way about what a great man he was. RIP.
Janice Simmons - February 17, 2011
My blessings go out to all family and fans of Garrie and WSP. May peace follow you always.
Brandy Shepard - February 17, 2011
Garrie was always giving and had a heart of gold. I will miss him dearly. Prayers and thoughts to the entire Vereen family.
-Brandy
lbirmingham - February 17, 2011
I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Garrie in Europe panic 09′ . he was a truly beautiful soul thst will be missed dearly by many. I recall having dinner with mikey , garrie and my friend neal . After neals death summer 2000 I spoke with garrie in oak mountain and he reminded me to cherish every moment in life and don’t let the memories ever fade away . God bless his family and the panic family .
Stephen U - February 17, 2011
I met Garrie way back in 1996 during Sit and Ski tour.He said some things to me that helped me out alot.Throughout the years since then, he has always gone out of his way to say hello to me during the many years of touring with Panic that he and I have done.Garrie,you will forever be missed and I will never forget you.God Bless .
pete - February 17, 2011
i met garrie briefly during set break in memphis 06. it was a short conversation but we both shared a laugh.
my thoughts and prayers to his friends and family,
pete
Fred Rice - February 17, 2011
I was blessed with a Panic career that started late in 1999. I met Garrie not long after that. It was the summer of 2001 when it got real good. I had the greatest opportunity as a fan, a friend, and some guy with a big bus. Huntsville utah was the place it really all started. by the end of that day, I was now JB’s new friend Fred, and Garrie and Lopez, and Sam, Dick S, and Jerry Joseph all hanging out in my bus for the day. Most of that day I spent with JB and Garrie relaxing, watching movies and talking about old school Panic. Needless to say, I had a few really cool new friends. The next 100 or so shows I was backstage.. and as JBs friend, I was treated to the most amazing times.. and everynight while waiting for JB, I was hanging out with Garo. Blessed with so many incredible experiences..Garrie always made sure I was ok, and being taken care of.. and he always took time to make sure. Garrie made so many great times happen.. and i looked forward to seeing him as much as JB. I was welcomed into ” the family”.. and I did feel apart of it. I was proud when I hit 100 shows, and even prouder when I hit 200, and when I got the setlists from him that night.. he just smiled and said thanks. I have been on many stages with Garrie, waiting for JB..Greek theater, Paolo Solari, Austin, Ogden, NOLA, Vail, Snowmass..and many others. When Garrie missed a show.. i felt like a part of the band was missing. When I sat down with him in Cleveland..we talked about enjoying what we had.. cuz everything.. anything could change in an instant. He was a great man who cared so much for everyone.. and even at work when he was busy.. he always had a moment so say hello and goodbye. Garrie.. Rest in Peace my friend..
I didnt get to say goodbye… With love and tears.. your friend named Fred
mike - February 17, 2011
Garrie and I used to work together at the GA theater (early 90′s) before he went to work for the boys..and he was one of those guys that nothing would change him(great job-no bloated ego syndrome)-he always remained the same great guy. I knew his wife before i moved to Athens and she is one of the sweetest people,too. Wayne Sawyer and Garrie-two of the 1st roadies,will always have a special place in my heart. Every time he saw me he’d sing,’Monday, Monday”(because of my last name and always asked if i needed a ticket or a beer. My heart goes out to Wendy and the rest of the family..prayers for them>>>
Sammy Cox - February 17, 2011
Lit’l Wing
Garrie was one of the kindest souls on the planet. I never heard him say a negative word about anyone. He was a bit younger than us growing up in Macon, Ga. We took him under our wing and he was always a quick learner and contributor no matter what adventures we were exploring. Years later, he took all of us under his wing. He was so supportive and caring. He was a man of grace – full of vigor and character. What a wonderful role model, father, husband, friend and brother.
Not to take lyrics out of context but WSP’s Time Zones hits home to me this week.
Earthquake
Leaves you shakin’
But at least we’re not shakin’ all alone.
Peace,
Sammy
Nate - February 17, 2011
I had the pleasure of first meeting Garrie back in the Spring of 2000. As afriend of one of his sons, I was able to experience moments that I will cherish the rest of my life. Statesboro 00, so many Oak Mtns, Knoxville after he lost his son, Garrie was always there with an extra set of tickets and a backstage pass. There are few people who were able to share with so many like Garrie was able to. For that I will always be greatful and will only remember the best of him. We’re here if you need us guys.
N,J and K
Robbie G - February 17, 2011
I met Garrie and conversed with him a few times prior to him tuning Sonnys congas…he was always easy to talk to.
Why was that article written about him being murdered when the band said he had an anurism…Confusing! This sucks after such a high moment this last week…..those 2 Athens shows blew me away as I listened over the airways. Bummer..
God bless his family, the band, and all his close friends.
JOSE VARGAS - February 18, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with Garrie while I was on tour with Panic. He was a very loving person and I always enjoyed Garrie’s company. God bless him and his family.
jeff halferty - February 18, 2011
a sweet man w passion and a great family. our thoughts and prayers to yor family.
love from aspen colorado
jeff halferty - February 18, 2011
a sweet man w passion and a great family. our thoughts and prayers to your family and friends, and fans from brown cat.
love from aspen colorado
Richard Smich - February 20, 2011
Well it all started when Garrie noticed me on the front row with my head all bandaged up from a recent head surgery, and i yelled and yelled to get a set list…Garrie the man that he was threw it from Sunny’s set….I got my first set list at the Orlando HOB show in 2000…the next night I had Mary, my girl friend at the time write “Dyin Man” on my head bandages cause people were so concerned what happend, and i had to explain it a 100 times….after that, now they just said hey dyin man, hope we get to hear it tonight…the next night, of course i was up front and was yelling to get a set list again, Garrie came down and gave it to me and said you dont give up do ya…with that soutern charm….the third night they closed with DYIN MAN, Found out later Garrie requested they play that song for me in the crowd, at the end of the show he gave me a set of Sunny’s drumsticks and said…..”I hope you live another day Dyin Man”…and thats when our 11 year friendship began……
I cant say enough about one of the few true…true…true genuine people in the world…the stern nice guy you could always trust and respect…..I always tried to model myself after him…everyone loved him…..and why???? because he was the guy you should want to be like…After I met Garrie….I was more excited to see him and see how he was doing,then i was to see WSP, and I love Widespread…What a special person….I really cant say enough…
Our Friedship grew, met his family, such special people….I really can’t imagine…..I am so sorry………A friend and I came up with a T-shirt idea….it said “Team Garrie” on the front and “The Man behind the Band” on the back, and that he was………. Garrie, I love you man, and I want you to know that I will live my life each and every day in a positive way because of you…And Windy, and the Vereen Family….anything you need…ANYTHING..I am here for you in everyway………….
My heart goes out to the Widespread Panic Band members and Family as well…..
Phillip McCook - September 28, 2011
Grew up with Garrie on Lake Sinclair and through High School. lost touch and caught back up with him in 2001 new years eve at the Phillips atlanta. Same Old Garrie ” Babba” was his nickname in school. I remember when he got the convertible skylark and we’d head off to stone mountain back in the late 70′s and cruise with the top down. And when he fell out of same car headed to the beach with the top down. He was always fun to be with no doubt. I was headed to atlanta last year and he wasn’t there. I was gonna get him to sign one of my old VIP passes. Headed to the show OCT 8th 2011 in atlanta and can feel a big hole in my heart already.
If anyone has a extra set list from Garries hand I’d sure like to have one.
Thanks Phillip
pmccook1@windstream.net
Mike Hardaker - September 29, 2011
Phillip,
Thanks for sharing such a great story, send me your mailing address and next time I am back at my folks house I will be sure to grab a couple setlist to send you. Garrie was such a nice person and his memory will forever live on within the Widespread Panic family and beyond..
Mike