Jake Cinninger Thanks Fans & Bandmates In Statement On Umphrey’s McGee Exit

Jake Cinninger addressed his departure from Umphrey’s McGee in a statement posted on Instagram one day after the band announced he was stepping away from the group. The guitarist called it “one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make.”

Cinninger also expressed his gratitude to the band’s fans, crew and his longtime bandmates for supporting him throughout his tenure. “I want to let everyone know how much you mean to me,” Cinninger wrote. “I am utterly grateful for all the amazing 27 years of music, travel and fan support.”

The guitarist wished “the best in the future” to his Umphrey’s McGee bandmates and crew before explaining that “the time to move forward in my life and musical journey has come.” While Cinninger did not reveal any specific plans, he said he is looking ahead with optimism.

“I am extremely excited for the future with goals and new inspiration ahead,” Cinninger added. “Staying positive and focused is giving me hope for the next chapter. I cannot wait to see you in the future with the spirit of music by our side.”

Umphrey’s McGee announced Cinninger’s departure on Tuesday after the guitarist informed the band he had decided to “begin a new chapter in his life and step away from Umphrey’s McGee.” The Niles, Michigan native had been on a leave of absence for personal reasons since the band’s February 26 performance at Suwannee Amp Jam #2 in Live Oak, Florida. Cinninger joined Umphrey’s McGee in 2000 and helped define the band’s sound over the past quarter century as a guitarist, songwriter and vocalist.

Read Jake Cinninger’s full statement below:

“It is the time in my life to step away from my tenure in Umphrey’s McGee, which has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make. I want to let everyone know how much you mean to me. I am utterly grateful for all the amazing 27 years of music, travel and fan support.

“Best in the future to my Umphrey’s band mates and crew. The time to move forward in my life and musical journey has come. I am extremely excited for the future with goals and new inspiration ahead. Staying positive and focused is giving me hope for the next chapter. I cannot wait to see you in the future with the spirit of music by our side. Thanks to everyone.

— Jake Cinninger”

Umphrey’s McGee previously said it remains committed to “honoring the music we’ve all built together” as it moves into the next phase of the band. The group is carrying on a five-piece for now with co-founding members guitarist Brendan Bayliss, bassist Ryan Stasik and keyboardist Joel Cummins joined by longtime percussionist Andy Farag and recently recruited drummer Scotty Zwang.

Jake Cinninger currently has two gigs on the books. The guitarist will perform as part of the Willie Waldman Project on July 24 in Kokomo, Indiana and on July 25 at the Moon Dance Music Festival in Deerbrook, Wisconsin.