Gov T Mule

Gov’t Mule formed in 1994, founded by guitarist and vocalist Warren Haynes and bassist Allen Woody during a break from their work with The Allman Brothers Band. They were joined by drummer Matt Abts, with whom Haynes had previously collaborated in the Dickey Betts Band. The trio quickly garnered recognition for their distinct sound, which blended rock, blues, jazz, and funk, establishing them in the American rock ‘n’ roll landscape. Their debut album, “Gov’t Mule”, was released in 1995, followed by “Dose” in 1998 and “Life Before Insanity” in 2000.

A significant turning point for the band occurred with the unexpected death of Allen Woody in August 2000. Following this, Haynes and Abts honored Woody’s legacy by collaborating with numerous acclaimed bassists for “The Deep End, Volume 1” (2001) and “The Deep End, Volume 2” (2002). These projects featured contributions from notable musicians such as Jack Bruce, John Entwistle, Les Claypool, and Flea. The subsequent live offering, “The Deepest End, Live in Concert” (2003), achieved RIAA Gold Certification. The band solidified its lineup with the addition of Andy Hess on bass and Danny Louis on keyboards, releasing “Deja Voodoo” in 2004 and “High & Mighty” in 2006.

In 2008, Jorgen Carlsson took over on bass, contributing to the 2009 album “By a Thread”, which cemented the current lineup for a period. The band continued to release studio albums, including “Shout!” in 2013, which featured collaborations with artists like Ben Harper, Elvis Costello, and Steve Winwood. Gov’t Mule has consistently toured extensively, becoming a regular act at major music festivals. Their commitment to their unique sound and live performances has also led to several archival releases gaining chart success, with their catalog accumulating substantial streaming and download figures.