After 26 years of pushing progressive rock, improvisation, and fearless musicianship into uncharted territory, guitarist Jake Cinninger has officially stepped away from Umphrey’s McGee. For a generation of fans who watched the band evolve, the news feels like the closing of a remarkable era.

Cinninger joined the South Bend-based band in 2000 and quickly became one of its defining creative forces. His unmistakable guitar work and songwriting helped shape classics like “40’s Theme,” “Booth Love,” “Glory,” “Wizard Burial Ground,” “Dump City,” and countless other staples that served as launch pads for the band’s nightly improvisational adventures. His final performance with Umphrey’s came on February 15, 2026, at Washington, D.C.’s 9:30 Club before taking a leave of absence later that month for personal reasons.

In announcing the news, the band reflected on Cinninger’s immeasurable impact:

“While we are deeply saddened to see him go, we are eternally grateful for everything he has brought to this band over the years. His musical voice, creativity, and passion have helped shape Umphrey’s McGee since the early days, and the memories we’ve made together—both on and off the stage—will stay with us forever.

We know this news will be emotional for many of you, and it is for us as well. We hope you’ll join us in thanking Jake for all that he has given to this band, our music, and this incredible community. We wish him nothing but happiness and success.

As we look ahead, we remain fully dedicated to honoring the music we’ve all built together. Thank you for your endless grace, love, and support for both us and Jake during this transition. We’ll see you out on the road as we continue writing the next chapter together.”

The announcement comes just over a year after longtime drummer Kris Myers exited the band, making Cinninger’s departure the second major lineup shift in recent memory. Yet, as every jam fan knows, the music is always evolving. For Umphrey’s McGee, the road rolls on with summer tour dates ahead alongside moe. For more info on the current tour: https://www.umphreys.com/tour/