For nearly 20 years, Umphrey’s McGee has steadily climbed their way to the tip-top of the jam band hierarchy, and continue to hold a reputation as one of the most musically-impressive and reputable bands out there. Umphrey’s puts on a live show that is second-to-none, and throughout those eighteen creatively-sustained years that the band has been touring, they no doubt have built up an extensive arsenal of memorable performances… Not to mention, the remarkable covers that they are so well-known to deliver with razor-sharp skill and unyielding precision during their unforgettable concerts.

Here is a handful of those highlights, selected from a long, long catalog of cover songs performed live over the years by our friends in Umphrey’s McGee. Enjoy this trip down Umph-memory Lane…

15. “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” (Snoop Dogg)
Canopy Club, Urbana, Illinois 12-13-2002

Recorded during a very transitional time for the band, the “improg” geniuses ended this unforgettable concert in late 2002 with this hip-hop classic, released a decade earlier by Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg. This performance demonstrates the good-humored and often playful atmosphere that typically flourishes at an Umphrey’s McGee show. “It’s like that, and like this, and like that and-a… it’s like this!”

14. “…And Justice For All” (Metallica)
Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 11-2-2013

Umphrey’s hammers out this 1988 heavy metal classic with dynamite exactitude. Drummer Kris Myers belts out James Hetfield’s grit-filled vocals as he and the band carry out the 9-minute metal opus without skipping a beat. Might I add, the drums sound better than ever. Lars Ulrich, eat your heart out!

13. “Wish” (Nine Inch Nails)
The Tabernacle, Atlanta, Georgia 12-29-2012

Every now and again, Umphrey’s McGee will rip into a cover that we never saw coming. Such was the case in Atlanta, GA on December 29th, 2012, when the band executed a mind-blowing version of the Nine Inch Nails hit from 1992, “Wish.” It is simply astounding how on point the band is, and how convincing they are at stepping into the shoes of whichever artist they choose to emulate. This performance is one of the finest examples.

12. “Breathe” (reggae version) (Pink Floyd)
Bonnaroo Music Festival, Manchester, Tennessee 6-8-2012

During a late-night set at the 2012 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, TN, Umphrey’s whipped out one of their favorite cover selections; the Pink Floyd classic, “Breathe” from 1973’s Dark Side Of The Moon. However, this version is more like Dub Side Of The Moon, with its groovy reggae arrangement. Tucked in between “JaJunk” and “Plunger,” this interesting spin on Floyd was most definitely a memorable highlight in the wee-hours of that Tennessee morning in early June.

11. “Billie Jean” (Michael Jackson)
The Orbit Room, Grand Rapids, Michigan 7-8-2011

Any time you hear that infamous and infectious bass riff, you know it’s time to dance! While there is no moonwalking on this stage, there is bassist Ryan Stasik, who falls right in the pocket and drops the funk for a room full of adoring fans. This scintillating rendition of the King of Pop’s smash hit is followed by the retro-tinged ten-minute jam, “Search 4”. Throughout these two songs, comes an overwhelmingly funky vibe brimming with soul and unadulterated dance fever. It’s a thriller, for sure!

10. “Forty Six & 2” (Tool)
Gathering Of The Vibes, Seaside Park, Bridgeport, Connecticut 8-2-2014

Umphrey’s McGee played a brief yet mighty set at last year’s Gathering Of The Vibes in Bridgeport, Connecticut. At the latter end of that performance was a shockingly awesome cover version of Tool’s 1996 hit, “Forty Six & 2.” As usual, the boys didn’t disappoint, and gave the lucky audience a face-melting rendition of this musical gem of the mid-90’s.

9. “Patience” (Guns n’ Roses)
The Tabernacle, Atlanta, Georgia 10-28-2011

The fortunate fans in Georgia are no strangers to Umphrey’s Mcgee, who have played Atlanta’s popular venue The Tabernacle fifteen times to date. This Halloween-themed show was dubbed “Hauntlanta,” and this was the first of two nights. Near the end of the first set, the audience had a chance to catch their breath, hold up their lighters and sing along with the crowd-swaying, 80’s ballad, “Patience” by Guns n’ Roses.

8. “Feelin’ Alright” (Joe Cocker version)
The Tabernacle, Atlanta, Georgia 12-31-2014

On New Years Eve 2014, the band played three blistering sets for a boisterous gathering of devoted followers. Rather than going the original Steve Winwood route, they played the song Joe Cocker style and set the audience ablaze with yet another tremendous cover.

7. “Dirty Love” (Frank Zappa)
The Gothic Theater, Denver, Colorado 7-4-2010

What better way to celebrate the fourth of July than with Umphrey’s McGee? Add a little Frank Zappa into the mix and the night goes from an entertaining evening to an epic extravaganza. For a band to even consider covering the genius Frank Zappa, they must have the necessary chops to get the job done right. There is no cause for concern with Umphrey’s McGee, who delivers another awesome performance with this Zappa classic.

6. “YYZ” (Rush)
Little Brother’s, Columbus, Ohio 6-19-2002

This here is vintage Umphrey’s McGee, back in the younger days with former drummer Mike Mirro. The boys have played this popular Rush instrumental many, many times over the years, but this early performance is a special one to be caught on tape. It shows Umphrey’s in their early years, still honing their craft and is quite an enjoyable blast from the past.

5. “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” (Pink Floyd)
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Colorado 7-3-2015

Earlier this July at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Umphrey’s blew our minds once again with an absolutely stunning version of Pink Floyd’s 1975 classic, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”. The gorgeous, rocky, open-air venue was the picture-perfect venue for this rock opus. The guitar sounds from Brendan Bayliss and Jake Cinninger echo through the canyon landscape with dazzling splendor. Shine on, indeed!

4. “Africa” (Toto)
Mayan Holidaze, Sapphire Resort, Puerto Morelos, Mexico 12-19-2013

In December of 2013, Umphrey’s played the long-standing destination festival Mayan Holidaze in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. This version of Toto’s 1982 smash-hit “Africa” was a beautiful thing to dance to in the warm sands at the Sapphire Resort. Replacing the lyric in the chorus from “Africa” to “Mexico,” these world-traveling festival-goers were front-and-center for this feel-good cover tune.

 

3. “Hit It And Quit It” (Funkadelic)
The Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, Colorado 12-31-2013

Here is a fantastic Funkadelic selection from the 1971 funk classic Maggot Brain. Not to mention, the auspicious audience members who were privileged enough to witness such awesomeness. On this highly-festive New Years Eve, as multicolored balloons popped and bopped above the crowd, the McGee boys tore into an unforgettable performance of this funk essential.

2. “Help On The Way > Slipknot” (Grateful Dead)
UM Bowl III Park West, Chicago, Illinois 4-27-2012

They’ve played this one quite a few times throughout their live career, but this particular performance from UM Bowl III in Chicago is just too perfect. Brendan, Joel, Ryan, Jake, Andy and Kris take on this Dead fan-favorite with unconditional perfection. Let the music do the talking and hear for yourself.

1. “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” (The Beatles)
From the London Session at Abbey Road Studios, London, England.
You really can’t get any better than this; Umphrey’s McGee playing The Beatles’ Abbey Road at Abbey Road Studios. No doubt, quite an honor for any group of musicians. You can clearly see that deep-seated appreciation and enthusiasm oozing out of your screen, as the band works tirelessly toward perfection and achieves it deservingly with this performance of “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” The grit of Lennon, the precision of McCartney, the spirit of Harrison and the clock-like drum style of Ringo Starr stirs in the studio air throughout this top-quality cover song. Enjoy!

Well there you have it; a short selection of gems from a seemingly never-ending list of cover songs brought to you by Umphrey’s McGee. The range of genres that the band covers is most definitely an impressive musical feat. Just like you, we here at Live For Live Music can’t wait to hear what else Umphrey’s has hiding up their sleeves. What are your favorites?

By Joseph Conlon