Umphrey’s McGee Brings Back Original Rarity ‘Liberty Echo’ For 1st Time Since 2020

Umphrey’s McGee’s Cruising Altitude 2025 Tour touched down last night at McNear’s Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, California. The band’s rarely played original song, “Liberty Echo,” was unshelved after an absence from UM setlists since 2020.

Debuted in April 2012 at UMBowl III, “Liberty Echo” was based on a jam the band played in 2007. Thursday’s appearance as the second set opener was just the 19th time “Liberty Echo” has been performed by UM. The band’s last attempt occurred on 324 shows prior, on September 3, 2020.

The bust out was followed by setlist staple “All In Time.” UM then turned in another jammed-out version of “Concessions,” which made its debut at last April’s UMBowl X. Fellow UMBowl X debut, Dire Straits’ “Sultans Of Swing,” was Thursday’s encore, marking just the third time its been played by UM. Set two also included a cover of Mark Ronson’s “Daffodils,” which was busted out earlier this year and has been played under 20 times as well.

“Cut The Cable” trailed the Ronson cover and led into “Escape Goat.” Umphrey’s returned to “All In Time,” completing it and the second set in unison.

Earlier in the evening, substantial improvisation in the first set came from “Ocean Billy,” “Miss Tinkle’s Overture” and “Hurt Bird Bath” providing an abundance of exploration. “In The Black,” “Fenced In” and “New Wings” were also part of the set one mix.

Umphrey’s McGee’s Cruising Altitude Tour run through California continues tonight (Thursday, March 20) at Ace of Spades in Sacramento. Listen to official audio of last night’s concert in Petaluma and view photos of the band at McNear’s Mystic Theatre below:

Photos by Susan Weiand

Setlist (via All Things UM)

Set One: In The Black, Miss Tinkle’s Overture, Fenced In > New Wings, Hurt Bird Bath, Ocean Billy

Set Two: Liberty Echo > All In Time > Concessions, Daffodils, Cut the Cable, Escape Goat > All In Time

Encore: Sultans of Swing

Notes:

• last Liberty Echo 2020-09-03 (324 shows)