Drumming News
In the wake of longtime drummer Kris Myers’ unexpected departure after a 22-year tenure, Umphrey’s McGee has announced the two drummers who will share duties behind the kit for the remainder of 2025.
The band resumes its Cruising Altitude Tour on May 22nd with a two-night stand at The Windjammer in Isle of Palms, SC, featuring Scotty Zwang (SunSquabi, Ghost Light) on drums. Zwang will also perform on May 24th in Wilmington, NC, and May 25th in High Point, NC.
On May 29th, Duane Trucks of Widespread Panic will step in for a three-show Florida run: Orlando (May 29), Miami Beach (May 31), and St. Petersburg (June 1). After that, Zwang will return to the band and remain the touring drummer through the end of 2025.
The announcement comes just days after Myers’ surprise decision to step down. In a heartfelt message posted Tuesday, he said, “After long talks and deep consideration, I have made the difficult decision to resign as the drummer of Umphrey’s McGee… I look forward to what’s next and am gearing up for great things to come.”
Myers joined UM in 2002, replacing founding drummer Mike Mirro, and went on to shape the band’s rhythmic identity across over a dozen studio albums and thousands of shows. His final performance with the band was at Daze Between New Orleans in late April, closing with a powerful “JaJunk” that marked the end of an era.
Both Zwang and Trucks are familiar faces to Umphrey’s fans, having filled in during Myers’ four-month medical leave in 2023. That stint also saw appearances from drummers including Ben Atkind (Goose), Jeremy Salken (Big Gigantic), and Jason Bonham.
“Playing with Duane is always an honor,” the band wrote in a social media post. “And our time connecting with Scotty last fall uncovered something special—an intangible spark we’re excited to explore further. We’re energized by what’s to come and can’t wait to share the journey with you.”
Despite the change, Umphrey’s McGee emphasized that “all shows will go on as planned,” with a full summer of touring ahead, including festival appearances at Northlands and Great South Bay.
Read the full statements from Kris Myers and Umphrey’s McGee, and find upcoming tour dates at umphreys.com/tour.
