Gov't Mule

During breaks in the Allman Brothers Band’s touring and recording schedules, Warren Haynes and Allen Woody of the band, and Matt Abts of Dickey Betts, formed Gov’t Mule. Aiming to combine to be a psychedelic power trio of a similar ilk to The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream, Haynes on guitar and vocals, Woody on bass and Abts on drums, Gov’t Mule released their self-titled debut in 1995.

The album was produced by Michael Barbiero and was followed by the live album “Live from Roseland Ballroom”, which highlights the band’s keen improvisation and jam style of performing. The follow-up studio album “Dose” released in 1998 was also produced by Barbiero, and exposed a number of the band’s influences including Neil Young, Traffic and Pearl Jam. The release was also followed by the first of two concert albums entitled “Live… with a Little Help from Our Friends”.

Following the release of their third album “Life Before Insanity” (2000), Allen Woody was found dead in New York City, U.S. The band went on a tribute tour titled “Smile at Half Mast Tour” alongside Ben Harper and released two tribute albums “Deep End, Volume 1” and “Deep End, Volume 2” using Woody’s favourite bass players, including Flea of Red Hot Chilli Peppers and John Entwistle of The Who.

Gov’t Mule’s first studio album since Woody’s death “Déjà Voodoo” featured Woody’s replacement Andy Hess and keyboardist Danny Louis, and despite the loss of the power trio, it was seen as Haynes’ best vocal performance. On top of their album releases Gov’t Mule were a regular on many North American festivals including Bonnaroo, Wakarusa and New Orleans Jazzfest, with Haynes playing a number of solo shows in his Warren Haynes Band.

The band has continued to release studio albums every few years including 2006’s “High & Mighty” which reached No. 3 in the Billboard Indie chart, 2009’s “By a Thread” and 2013’s “Shout!”, which has been their highest charting album reaching No. 32 in the Billboard 200, and features a bonus disc with guest vocalists including Toots Hibbert and Elvis Costello.