Drummer Kris Myers Rejoins Umphrey’s McGee in Chicago

Umphrey’s McGee drummer Kris Myers joined his band onstage during their New Year’s Eve performance at Chicago’s The Riviera Theatre last night. The drummer, who officially joined the ensemble on December 31, 2002, had been on medical leave for several months after undergoing shoulder surgery in August. 

Myers made his return as midnight hit during a version of “The Silent Type” that included elements of the classic New Year’s Eve tune ” Auld Lang Syne.” The drummer replaced Goose cofounder Ben Atkind, who had been subbing behind the kit, for the tune and remained onstage for “I Don’t Know What I Want,” “Educated Guess,” their debut take on Karl Denson’s “Elephants” and “Escape Goat.” “Elephants” also featured Atkind on percussion and Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret horns–who regularly join the members of Umphrey’s McGee for their New Year’s Eve show–and the horn section also appeared on “Escape Goat.” Both Myers and Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret horn section returned for the encore, which consisted of “Day Nurse” and their first cover of A-ha’s “Take on Me.”

By the time Myers made his entrance, the show had already featured a number of highlights. With Atkind on drums, Umphrey’s McGee offered a completely segued first set that kicked off with “Attachments” and included “Hiccup,” “Night Nurse,” “All In Time” and “The Floor.” Their second set spotlighted the horn section, beginning on the show-opening “Staircase” and continuing with their debut version of David Bowie’s “Young Americans.” Later, they appeared on Umphrey’s McGee’s first cover of The Doobie Brothers’ “What a Fool Believes” and a run from “Out of Focus” into “1348.” Atkins also played drums on the “Small Strides” and “Auld Lang Syne” that preceded “The Silent Type” during their third set. 

Umphrey’s McGee will perform next at Charlotte, NC’s The Fillmore on January 11. Myers is expected to return to the road with his bandmates for their 2024 dates.

Here’s a look at night night’s setlist via All Things Umphrey’s  

Sunday, December 31, The Riviera Theatre, Chicago, IL

Set 1: Attachments[1] > Hiccup[1] > Night Nurse[1] > All In Time[1] > The Floor[1]

Set 2: Staircase[2] > Young Americans[3], It Doesn’t Matter[1] > Hajimemashite[1] > 1348[1] > What a Fool Believes[4], Out of Focus[2] > 1348[2]

Set 3: Small Strides[1] > Auld Lang Syne[2], The Silent Type[5], I Don’t Know What I Want, Educated Guess, Elephants[6], Escape Goat[7]

Enccore: Day Nurse[7], Take On Me[8]

    [1] with Ben Atkind on drums

    [2] with Ben Atkind on drums and Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret horns

    [3] debut, David Bowie; with Ben Atkind on drums and Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret horns

    [4] debut, The Doobie Brothers; with Ben Atkind on drums, Michael “Mad Dog” Mavridoglou on vocals, and Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret horns

    [5] with Auld Lang Syne (Burns) teases; with Kris replacing Ben on drums and Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret horns

    [6] debut, Karl Denson; with Ben Atkind on percussion and Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret horns

    [7] with Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret horns

    [8] debut, A-ha; with Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret horns

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