Photo Credit: Erik Kabik

On Saturday, March 23, Umphrey’s McGee paid homage to psych-rock history with an appearance from Pink Floyd saxophonist Scott Page for a cover of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” at their show at Los Angeles’ The Bellwether. Along with a selection of live staples, the band also dipped into newer releases, making for a well-rounded, rocking show, including an appearance from Andy Frasco and his U.N. drummer Andee Avila. 

Umphrey’s McGee kicked off its set with “You Got The Wrong Guy,” a hard-hitting cut which, though written earlier in the band’s career, only made it onto a recorded track in 2021. Next, the band launched into “Pure Saturation,” off of 2022’s Asking For a Friend. They rounded out the first set with a slew of trademark originals, including a transition from “Wappy Sprayberry” into “Miss Tinkle’s Overture,” the beloved “Plunger” and a closer of “Hajimemashite.”

The band transitioned boldly into the second set with new song “Staircase,” which was released as a single in 2023, followed by fan favorite “Pay the Snucka.” Next, the band soared into a 22-minute cover of Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” with Scott Page lending his saxophone (and iconic mullet) to the performance; Page joined Pink Floyd on tour for the first time in 1987 on their A Momentary Lapse of Reason tour. UM have covered the Floyd classic a total of 49 times, but never before with Page. Andy Frasco & the U.N. drummer Andee “Beats” Avila also joined the rock ensemble onstage for the number. Frasco was also in attendance, and came out at one point in the set to say hello. After returning to their discography with 2022’s “Small Strides” and the timeless “Bridgeless,” UM closed out the night with an encore of “Floorless.”

Next up, Umphrey’s McGee will trek to the EPIC Event Center in Green Bay, Wis. on April 10. The band’s live dates will continue across the United States throughout the spring and summer, featuring dual nights at Minneapolis’ First Avenue on April 12 and 13, Burlington, Vt.’s Higher Ground on April 24 and 25 and a hotly anticipated appearance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colo. on June 15, with support from Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country and Cory Wong. For more tour information, visit umphreys.com.

Read on for the complete setlist from Umphrey’s McGee’s March 23 performance.

Umphrey’s McGee
The Bellwether— Los Angeles
March 23, 2024

Set I: You Got the Wrong Guy > Pure Saturation > Half Delayed, The Crooked One > Professor Wormbog, Wappy Sprayberry > Miss Tinkle’s Overture, Plunger > Hajimemashite
Set II: Staircase > Pay the Snucka, Shine On You Crazy Diamond*&, Small Strides, Bridgeless  
Encore: The Floor 

Notes:
* Pink Floyd cover
& w/ Scott Page on saxophone and Andee Avila on percussion