Melvin Seals & JGB have confirmed guitarist Zach Nugent will depart the band after their appearance at The Werk Out Festival on August 1 to focus on his solo career. John Kadlecik along with former guitarists Dave Abear and Stu Allen will take turns handling lead guitar duties for the band over the remainder of their summer tour.

Abear, who played lead guitar for Melvin Seals & JGB from 2011 – 2016, will perform with the group on August 2 and 3 in Austin as well as on August 8 and 9 in Denver. Allen, who played lead guitar for Melvin Seals & JGB from 2004 – 2010, is aboard for the band’s Jerry Day performance in San Francisco on August 4 as well as their appearance at the June Lake Jam Fest on September 8. Former Furthur guitarist John Kadlecik will join the group for the remainder of their August dates as well as a concert in St. Louis on September 1. Melvin Seals & JGB will announce their fall tour plans soon, including the guitarist for the run.


“It’s with deep gratitude that I step away from JGB and continue to tell my story in my own words,” explained Nugent in part of a note posted on Facebook last week. “I’ve got so many ideas and chapters in my head and I cannot wait to get them out to share with you. Let’s do this. So much love to each of you, and see you so soon.”

Here’s Melvin Seals & JGB’s statement as well as Nugent’s: