photo: Andrew Blackstein

Umphrey’s McGee guitarist Jake Cinninger first joined the group in 2000, three years after the band’s formation. He soon became a core member of the collective both as a key songwriter and guitarist. However, the group has just announced that he will be stepping away on a permanent basis. Earlier this year the group revealed that he would not appear on the band’s 14-stop West Coast run, which began on March 10, due to personal reasons.

Umphrey’s McGee’s official statement reads:

Over the past few months, we’ve been supporting our brother Jake as he navigates a necessary leave of absence. Today, Jake informed us that he has made the incredibly difficult decision to begin a new chapter in his life and step away from Umphrey’s McGee.

While we are deeply saddened to see him go, we are eternally grateful for everything he has brought to this band over the years. His musical voice, creativity, and passion have helped shape Umphrey’s McGee since the early days, and the memories we’ve made together—both on and off the stage—will stay with us forever.

We know this news will be emotional for many of you, and it is for us as well. We hope you’ll join us in thanking Jake for all that he has given to this band, our music, and this incredible community. We wish him nothing but happiness and success.

As we look ahead, we remain fully dedicated to honoring the music we’ve all built together. Thank you for your endless grace, love, and support for both us and Jake during this transition. We’ll see you out on the road as we continue writing the next chapter together.

Much Love,

Umphrey’s McGee