[Update 5/14/25]: Following Kris Myers‘ shocking departure from Umphrey’s McGee after 22 years, the band has announced the drummers who will replace him.
Umphrey’s McGee is due to resume touring on May 22nd to kick off a two-night run in Isle of Palms, SC, where veteran drummer Scotty Zwang (SunSquabi, Ghost Light) will fill in behind the kit. Zwang will play with Umphrey’s on May 22nd and 23rd in Isle of Palms, May 24th in Wilmington, NC, and May 25th in High Point, NC.
Then on May 29th, Widespread Panic’s Duane Trucks will begin a three-show stretch backing up Umphrey’s on a run of Florida shows. Trucks will play with the band on May 29th in Orlando, May 31st in Miami Beach, and June 1st in St. Petersburg. After that, Zwang will return to the band and perform with Umphrey’s through the remainder of 2025, with the band noting, “all shows will go on as planned.”
“Yesterday we celebrated the amazing journey we’ve had with Kris Myers,” the band wrote on social media on Wednesday, “and today we share the first glimpse of our future. As we look ahead, UM remains as committed as ever to creating new music and unforgettable memories with you.”
Both drummers previously filled in with Umphrey’s when Myers took a four-month hiatus in 2023 to undergo shoulder surgery to repair and prevent any permanent damage to his rotator cuff. That period, from August through December of 2023, also saw Umphrey’s employ Ben Atkind (Goose), Rory Dolan (lespecial), Jeremy Salken (Big Gigantic), Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), and Jason Bonham to fill in before Myers dramatically returned following the New Year’s ball drop.
“Playing with Duane is always an honor and our time connecting with Scotty last fall uncovered something special—an intangible spark we’re excited to explore further,” the band concluded. “We’re energized by what’s to come and can’t wait to share the journey with you.”
With less than two weeks before Umphrey’s McGee’s tour was set to resume, Myers surprised fans by announcing, “I have made the difficult decision to resign” as the band’s drummer on Tuesday. Myers stated that he and the band “collectively felt it was time for me to pursue other elements of my musical creativity that have been calling me.” In a separate statement, Umphrey’s McGee supported Myers’ decision, writing that the band is proud of everything it built together “and grateful for the bond that will always remain.”
Scroll down to see the full statements from Kris Myers and Umphrey’s McGee, and find tickets and tour dates on the band’s website.
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[5/13/25]: After more than two decades behind the kit, drummer Kris Myers has announced his departure from Umphrey’s McGee, marking the end of a 22-year chapter with the long-running progressive jam band.
“After long talks and deep consideration, I have made the difficult decision to resign as the drummer of Umphrey’s McGee,” Myers wrote in a heartfelt message to fans. “This decision wasn’t easy, but the biggest ones seldom are.”
Reflecting on his time with the band, Myers recalled the journey he shared with his bandmates Jake Cinninger, Joel Cummins, Andy Farag, Brendan Bayliss, and Ryan Stasik.
“I will deeply miss all the amazing and professional aspects of Umphrey’s organization,” he said, “especially the time with my brothers Jake, Joel, Andy, Brendan and Ryan, growing from vans to tour buses, clubs to theaters, to where we are now. We collectively felt it was time for me to pursue other elements of my musical creativity that have been calling to me.”
Myers also expressed gratitude to the devoted UM fanbase, saying the community has been instrumental in his personal and professional development.
“The amazing and loyal UM community has been an integral part of my growth as a person, a professional, a philanthropist, and a performer, and I will forever be grateful. It has been an inspiration and a joy to have shared so many amazing experiences with such a loyal and exuberant fanbase—altogether enough to last for a lifetime.”
Despite stepping away from “an incredible journey with my longtime band of brothers,” Myers assured fans that his musical journey is far from over.
“Please know that I will still be out there performing, and I sincerely hope to see you on my new path down the road. For now, I look forward to what’s next and am gearing up for great things to come!”
In a separate statement, Umphrey’s McGee expressed full support for Myers’ decision and appreciation for the years they shared together on and off the stage.
“We are immensely grateful for the music, heart, and energy he brought to this band over the years, both on stage and off. It’s been an unforgettable ride filled with adventure, growth, and brotherhood, and we’ll always cherish the journey we’ve shared,” the band said.
“We’re proud of everything we’ve built together and grateful for the bond that will always remain. As he sets out to explore new creative pursuits, we wish Kris nothing but success and fulfillment.”
The band acknowledged the gravity of the moment while embracing the opportunity for renewal.
“Transitions create space for new beginnings. While it’s impossible not to feel the weight of this moment, we’re going to harness the opportunity that comes with change and continue the journey—full speed ahead.”
Myers’ departure marks the end of an era for Umphrey’s McGee. He joined Umphrey’s McGee in 2002, replacing original drummer Mike Mirro, who sadly passed away in 2014. Since then, he has been a rhythmic cornerstone of the band’s sound, contributing to over a dozen studio albums and thousands of live performances. His last concert with Umphrey’s McGee occurred at the Daze Between New Orleans festival late last month, featuring an original set with Jeff Coffin and Jennifer Hartswick plus a Led Zeppelin tribute set with Jason Bonham. The final song he played with the band’s longtime six-piece lineup ahead of the parade of special guests that night was a powerful “JaJunk”. Watch pro-shot video of the song below.
Umphrey’s McGee – “JaJunk” [Pro-Shot] – Daze Between New Orleans – 4/29/25
Despite this unexpected news, Umphrey’s shows no signs of slowing down. The group is set to continue its 2025 touring schedule with upcoming festival appearances, including Northlands Music & Arts Festival and Great South Bay Music Festival, and headlining dates throughout the summer. Find a full list of upcoming shows here.
Read the full statements from Kris Myers and Umphrey’s McGee about Myers’ departure below.
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