Jam band Widespread Panic [ tickets ] has announced new dates for a fall tour supporting its recently released "Earth to America" album, along with the departure of lead guitarist George McConnell.

Neither the band nor McConnell offered a reason for the departure of the guitarist, who joined Widespread Panic following 2002 death of founding member Michael Houser, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 40.

In a statement issued Wednesday (8/2) on the band's website, guitarist/vocalist John Bell assured fans that the lineup change would not affect upcoming Widespread Panic shows.

"Bottom line is there's still songs to be played, music to make, and that's what’s going to happen," Bell said. "We'll miss George a lot. I'm very grateful to him for lending us his talent and friendship these past four years, and we wish him all the best."

The band recently announced additions to its fall calendar, kicking off a newly added stretch of dates Sept. 14 at New York's Radio City Music Hall. Pre-sale tickets for the show are currently available through the band's website.

"Earth to America," released in June, marked a return to studio recording for the group, which has issued several live albums in recent years. The disc was recorded at the historic Compass Point studio in the Bahamas, with legendary Stax producer Terry Manning behind the controls.