Some bands might have taken the easy route and pulled together a greatest-hits compilation album to mark their 20th anniversary. Not Umphrey's McGee.
UM brought out not just one new album, but two in 2018 - with just four months between them.
"It's Not Us," the band's 11th full-length album, was released Jan. 12, 2018.
"We called the record 'It's Not Us,' because it's really not about us," said Joel Cummins in an interview at that time. "This is for the fans."
"It represents the band, because it basically runs the gamut from prog rock to dance," Brendan Bayliss said. "We've mastered our ADD here. The record really shows that."
If you go
› What: Umphrey’s McGee› Where: The Signal, 1810 Chestnut St.› When: 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22› Admission: $32.50› For more info: https://www.thesignaltn.com/e/umphrey-s-mcgee-65826511869/
Then, in May 2018, the band released its follow-up "It's You."
Fans will hear music from both when Umphrey's McGee stops in The Signal on The Couch Tour Thursday night, Aug. 22.
Brendan Bayliss (guitar, vocals), Jake Cinninger (guitar, vocals), Joel Cummins (keyboards, piano, vocals), Andy Farag (percussion), Kris Myers (drums, vocals) and Ryan Stasik (bass) have built a loyal fan base through endless touring - an estimated 100-plus nights a year.
The band's amassed more than 15 million video views, played dozens of live webcasts each year and sold more than 5 million tracks.
Here are five things to know about the Chicago-based jam band before Thursday night:
» They performed at the first Bonnaroo in 2002, where they sold more CDs than any other act on the bill.
» Umphrey's McGee was the first group to launch its own single artist streaming service with UMLive.net, which housed recordings of every gig since 2005. The service is now on Nugs.net, which is used by Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen and other artists.
» In addition to backstage encounters and ski trips with their most die-hard fans, Umphrey's McGee began the groundbreaking Headphones & Snowcones program, which gave fans access to professional headphones and a soundboard-quality mix at shows.
» In 2010, the band debuted UMBowl, an interactive concert in four quarters, each with a different theme. Ticket purchasers are allowed to vote on the set list in real-time and text suggestions for improvisation themes.
» The band's name is based on Humphrey Magee, the cousin of lead singer and guitar player Bayliss.