The abridged MLB season may be closed to fans this year, but that didn’t stop Brendan Bayliss from opening the festivities at the Chicago Cubs‘ Saturday game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Umphrey’s McGee guitarist didn’t get to throw out the first pitch, but he did get to play The National Anthem outside of Wrigley Field.
Under the watchful eyes of a statue of famed Cubs announcer Harry Caray, Bayliss performed the “Star Spangled Banner”. Unfortunately, the leader of the Illinois-bred jam outfit wasn’t enough to inspire the Cubs, as they were bested by the Brewers 6-5.
In a video posted by Umphrey’s McGee, Bayliss is seen performing an instrumental rendition of the United States’ anthem just outside the famous ballpark. While the game itself may have been empty of spectators, one socially-distanced fan took in Bayliss’ guitar-hero moment. Not quite the Jimi Hendrix version from Woodstock most people probably weren’t expecting, Bayliss’ rendition is solemn and dignified, while also putting his guitar prowess on full display.
Watch Brendan Bayliss of Umphrey’s McGee perform The National Anthem outside of Wrigley Field on Saturday.
Brendan Bayliss – “Star Spangled Banner”
[Video: Umphrey’s McGee]