One of America's longest running bands will be down a major member in the new year when Paul Barrere spends time away from the band to recover from Hepatitis C.  Diagnosed in 1994, the guitarist has been able to manage the virus for nearly two decades but agrees with doctors that the time is right to go on offense and try to drive the virus out of his system.  Barrere plans to begin his health leave shortly after the annual Little Feat Fan Excursion to Jamaica, which takes place in March.  The down time will also give him a chance to put the finishing touches on a solo project he has been working on since 2005.  In a post on the group's web site, Barrere assured Feat fans he has no intention of abandoning his role in the band, writing, '...this isn't goodbye by any stretch of the imagination.  It's just another crossroads to pass. I intend to get through this in the best way possible and get back to pickin' and playin' as soon as I am able.'
We send rapid rebound wishes to Paul - an outstanding musician and as nice a guy as there is in any band.
JamBands.com

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