Watch Umphrey’s McGee Pull Off Extended ‘Puppet String’ With Duane Trucks In Athens

Umphrey’s McGee continues to roll out official video from the band’s recent three-night stand at Athens’ Georgia Theatre featuring Widespread Panic drummer Duane Trucks. The latest clip documents the powerful version of “Puppet String” that was played during the final show of the run.

Duane Trucks was the first and latest drummer to hold down Kris Myers‘ spot while the UM drummer recovers from shoulder surgery. Trucks’ initial run with Umphrey’s came in August and included a sold-out show celebrating JamBase's 25th Anniversary in Pembroke, Massachusetts. He returned to the spot at the Georgia Theatre between November 30 and December 2.

The +17-minute “Puppet String” Umphrey’s McGee laid down in Athens, Georgia was thrown down ahead of a rare cover of Tenacious D’s “Kielbasa” to end the first set on December 2. UM would go on to nod to the location and drummer by debuting a take on Widespread Panic's “Pleas” to start the evening’s encore.

Sung by guitarist Brendan Bayliss, “Puppet String” has been a staple of Umphrey’s live repertoire since its debut at the 2011 Summer Camp Music Festival. A studio version was featured on the band’s 2014 record Similar Skin.

Duane Trucks was powerful force behind the drums during his time with Umphrey’s McGee. The Athens “Puppet String” was no exception as he provided a freight train beat and nailed all the changes. UM went heavy for the first movement of the jam and then guitarist Jake Cinninger guided the group through a “bounceback” segment that included a tease of Led Zeppelin’s “Heartbreaker.” A drums/bass duet from Trucks and Ryan Stasik laid the groundwork for the return to the conclusion of the song proper.

See pro-shot video of Umphrey’s McGee’s “Puppet String” performance from December 2, 2023 below:

Umphrey’s McGee ends 2023 in their hometown of Chicago with a three-night New Year’s Run at The Riviera Theatre. Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Rory Dolan (lespecial) and Ben Atkind (Goose) will trade drumming duties from December 29 through New Year’s Eve.

Setlist (via All Things Umphreys)

Set One: Attachments[1] > Bad Friday[1], Hiccup[1] > Wappy Sprayberry[1] > Puppet String[1], Kielbasa[1]

Set Two: Miss Tinkle’s Overture[1], Booth Love[1], Bridgeless[1] > Pay the Snucka[1], Escape Goat[1] > The Girl Is Mine[1] > Jane Says[1] > The Girl Is Mine[1], Cemetery Walk II[1]

Encore: Pleas[2] > Bridgeless[1]

• [1] with Duane Trucks on drums
• [2] debut, Widespread Panic; with Duane Trucks on drums