While Umphrey’s McGee lighting designer Jefferson Waful originally planned to retire from touring at the end of 2019, ongoing back problems have caused him to cut his time with the band shorter than predicted.

“While I had originally hoped to finish out the year with a big symbolic finale in Denver, I need to listen to my body. When I was 28, this lifestyle was a dream. At 44, it becomes more challenging. The good news is my recent back issues are all fixable,” he wrote via Twitter on Thursday morning. “… I didn’t quite know it at the time, but the Wilmington show was my last with Umphrey’s McGee. Honestly, how do you follow Ocean Billy>Release>Ocean Billy>Hollywood Nights?”

Before working with UM, Waful managed ’90s jamband Uncle Sammy, worked as an editor at Relix and Jambands.com and designed lights for moe. Waful also recently spoke at the Relix Live Music Conference.

“I’m excited to be a music fan again. And I’m excited for a new chapter; one that has not yet been completely written. Foresight is 2020. Thank you. I love you all.”

For more information about Umphrey’s McGee – including tour dates – click here.

Watch Waful’s LD commentary on “Der Bluten Kat” below: