Umphrey’s McGee Announces Jefferson Waful Retirement Update

Umphrey’s McGee lighting designer Jefferson Waful has retired from touring. The longtime member of the band’s crew was slated to end his tenure with the band at the end of the year, but a health issue forced his immediate retirement.

Waful missed Umphrey’s McGee’s shows last weekend due to an injured back. In a series of tweets sent today, Waful addressed the need to focus on his health. His final show with the band occurred on August 18 Greenfield Lake Amphitheater in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Former Umphrey’s McGee lighting crew chief Elliott Little will fill in for Waful while UM finds a permanent replacement. Read the messages from Waful and Umphrey’s McGee below:

The original timetable for Jefferson Waful’s departure from the road was slated at year’s end, but life has a tendency to unfold while you’re busy making other plans. With eternal gratitude for the 11 year’s of incredible illumination, Jefferson’s tenure as Lighting Director has officially come to a close. Former UM Lighting Crew Chief Elliott Little is filling in as we continue to explore options for UM Lights 3.0. We wish Jefferson the best on his next chapter and look forward to new lights at the end of the tunnel soon.

Listen to Waful’s appearance on The JamBase Podcast below: