Umphrey’s McGee Finishes ‘Bright Lights, Big City’ From 2016 In New Orleans

Umphrey’s McGee returned to The Joy Theater in New Orleans on Thursday night for the first time since April 14, 2016. The band’s 2016 show ended early after an attendee pulled a fire alarm during the “Bright Lights, Big City” encore which led to the power being cut. UM finally finished “Bright Lights, Big City,” over two years later, as part of last night’s first set.

The sextet dusted off the instrumental intro “Goonville” for the first time since August 24, 2017 to open Thursday’s show. Next came a straight-forward “Educated Guess” and a sequence of “It Doesn’t Matter,” “Crucial Taunt” and jam vehicle “Ringo.” UM then performed it’s you tracks “Xmas At Wartime” and “In The Black” before the aforementioned conclusion of “Bright Lights, Big City.” The group essentially picked up from where they left off in 2016 though this time without the Lettuce horns. Oldie “Phil’s Farm” brought the frame to a close.

Umphrey’s kicked off last night’s second set with an extended “JaJunk.” As the final notes of “JaJunk” rang out, the six-piece began a gorgeous rendition of the Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.” Guitarist Brendan Bayliss handled vocals on the White Album gem. One of the evening’s improvisational highlights came next in the form of a “Remind Me” that spanned over 17 minutes. Bayliss then led it’s not us track “Whistle Kids.” From there, UM delivered a “Cut Off” featuring teases of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven,” Blue Oyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac.

Thursday’s second set concluded with a pairing of classics “Prowler” and “Pay The Snucka.” For the encore, the sextet served up their first cover of The Who’s “Eminence Front” since December 30, 2017. Tonight, Umphrey’s McGee continues their tour in Austin. A webcast is available via TourGigs.

Check out a few fan-shot videos from last night’s show:

[Educated Guess | Captured by just0r]

[Dear Prudence | Captured by Jack Bosma]

In other UM news, a few clips from backstage at last weekend’s Lockn’ Festival featuring the band rehearsing with drummer Jason Bonham surfaced. The first finds the ensemble working out the end of “Whole Lotta Love”:

Another includes a discussion of “Dancing Days” done Metallica style:

Setlist (via All Things Umphrey’s)

Set One: Goonville > Educated Guess, It Doesn’t Matter > Crucial Taunt > Ringo, Xmas at Wartime > In The Black, Bright Lights, Big City[1] > Phil’s Farm

Set Two: JaJunk > Dear Prudence, Remind Me, Whistle Kids, Cut Off[2] > Prowler > Pay the Snucka

Encore: Eminence Front

• [1] ending; completing the 04.14.2016 version
• [2] with Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin), (Don’t Fear) The Reaper (Blue Oyster Cult), and Rhiannon (Fleetwood Mac) teases