Watch Umphrey’s McGee Debut Horn-Driven ‘Young Americans’ Cover With Ben Atkind & Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret

Umphrey’s McGee rolled out pro-shot video of their premiere performance of David Bowie‘s 1975 hit “Young Americans.” The cover was played with former Goose drummer Ben Atkind behind the kit and the Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret horns during UM’s recent New Year's Eve 2023 show at The Riviera Theatre in Chicago.

Penned by Bowie, “Young Americans” was originally released as the title track to his ninth studio album. The song found the British musician embracing the Philadelphia soul sound and utilizing David Sanborn to deliver a memorable saxophone solo.

Umphrey’s McGee debuted “Young Americans” after opening the second set on December 31 with original “Staircase.” Atkind was on drums for most of the three-set show. UM drummer Kris Myers returned following the “Auld Lang Syne” that rang in 2024 to reunite with his bandmates for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery last summer. Myers stayed out over the remainder of the third set and for the evening’s encore.

Mad Dog’s Filthy Little Secret horns, led by Michael “Mad Dog” Mavridoglou, are a staple of Umphrey’s McGee New Year’s Eve concerts. The four-piece horn section closed out “Young Americans” by marching off the stage. UM guitarist Brendan Bayliss handled lead vocals on the David Bowie cover.

Check out Umphrey’s McGee’s “Young Americans” performance below:

Umphrey’s McGee kicks off their winter tour tonight at The Fillmore Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kris Myers will be back in the fold full-time.