Umphrey’s McGee has announced that drummer Kris Myers will sit out the band’s remaining 2023 tour dates as he undergoes surgery to repair and prevent any permanent damage to his rotator cuff.
“I have recently had to make an extremely difficult decision after an MRI result that revealed significant wear and tear on my left shoulder rotator cuff,” Myers wrote in a statement shared by the band. “Based on the best medical advice, I will be undergoing full rotator cuff repair surgery to prevent any permanent damage and prepare for many more years to come behind the drums.
“Unfortunately, I will be recovering for the rest of the year resulting in my absence from further shows in 2023,” he continued. “I love and appreciate you all and please take comfort in knowing that everything will be okay and I’ll be playing again soon with my favorite band. And look out, ‘cause when I come back…my drums will take an epic historic beating like nobody has ever seen before!”
While Myers takes time to tend to his health, Umphrey’s McGee will be joined by a rotating cast of heavy hitters behind the kit. “We are pleased to share that Duane Trucks (Widespread Panic), Ben Atkind (Goose), Jeremy Salken (Big Gigantic), and Jason Bonham will be joining UM for some upcoming dates,” the band announced. “In addition, you can expect [guitarist] Jake Cinninger and [percussionist] Andy Farag to spend a little time behind the kit to help round things out.” View the lineup schedule by date below.
Ben Atkind took to social media to express his both excitement for the gig and what an honor it was to be called upon to fill in for Myers: “I’ve loved this band since high school and I’m honored to fill in for a legend,” he wrote. “I’m no Kristofer Myers on the kit (literally one of the best out there) but I’m putting some serious work in and plan on crushing these shows! Hoping for a quick recovery for Kris!”
The band also announced that its UMBowl X at the House of Blues in Boston, MA on October 27th and 28th and the preceding shows on October 25th and 26th at Higher Ground in Burlington, VT have been rescheduled to April 26th and 27th, 2024 and April 24th and 25th, 2024, respectively.
“Unfortunately it is impossible to pull off the interactive acrobatics required without our beloved Kris Myers, even with our incredible special guest drummers,” the band lamented, adding, “If you cannot make these shows, refunds will be made available at your respective points of purchase.”
Read the full statements from Kris Myers and Umphrey’s McGee below, and for more information, visit the band’s website.
This year has been an incredible journey as we commemorate our 25th year celebration as a successful touring act, and it goes without saying that I am extremely proud of our efforts. Personally, I have grown physically, intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and socially throughout the winding road that is music and touring. The result has been learning the values of self-discipline, self-confidence, the development of team spirit, and humility. And most importantly I have developed a special love for the greatest fans any band can hope to have.
On this note, I have recently had to make an extremely difficult decision after an MRI result that revealed significant wear and tear on my left shoulder rotator cuff. Based on the best medical advice, I will be undergoing full rotator cuff repair surgery to prevent any permanent damage and prepare for many more years to come behind the drums. Unfortunately, I will be recovering for the rest of the year resulting in my absence from further shows in 2023. My bandmates and I have the utmost confidence and assurance that this is the best solution considering the long-term commitment we have to our fans, and I am extremely thankful for that.
I am grateful that I am receiving the love and support needed to navigate through these challenging times. I can’t imagine being on the sideline away from my bandmates, the UM team and all of you for the fall tour. I appreciate your kindness and understanding as I recover. I assure you I will be back next year, stronger and healthier than ever. I love and appreciate you all and please take comfort in knowing that everything will be okay and I’ll be playing again soon with my favorite band. And look out, ‘cause when I come back . . . my drums will take an epic historic beating like nobody has ever seen before!
Kris Myers
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