Southern rock jam band Gov’t Mule brought their Dark Side of the Mule tour to Stage AE. Formed in 1992 as a spinoff of the Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule has become a staple in the jam band community with their is an amalgamation of rock, blues, funk, and Southern rock.

The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation as the audience eagerly awaited the arrival of Gov’t Mule on stage. As the lights dimmed and the cheering intensified, Warren Haynes finally strolled on stage to a roar of cheers, accompanied by bassist Kevin Scott, drummer Matt Abts, and keyboardist Danny Louis. The crowd erupted with excitement, knowing they were about to embark on a musical journey like no other.

With their years of experience and seasoned musicianship, Gov’t Mule immediately commanded the stage with an opening set that featured a curated selection of their entire discography, with their classic hits over the last almost three decades flowing into a few tracks from their newest album Peace… Like a River which released last month.  Bluesy ballads were mixed in with some heavier rock jams, keeping the set fresh and the crowd grooving along. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, and each member played their role with precision, contributing to the cohesive and powerful sound that Gov’t Mule is known for.

But this was just the beginning. As the initial set came to an end, there was a sense of anticipation and excitement in the air. The crowd knew that the feature set, Dark Side of the Mule, was about to begin, and the prospect of hearing Pink Floyd’s timeless music reimagined by Gov’t Mule was enthralling. As the name suggests, the set was comprised entirely of Pink Floyd covers.

The moment the first notes filled the air, it was clear that this tribute was something extraordinary. Gov’t Mule skillfully retained the essence of Pink Floyd’s original while infusing their own unique style into the music. Warren Haynes’ vocals perfectly captured the ethereal and haunting quality of the songs, transporting the audience to another dimension.

As the set progressed, seamlessly flowing from one track to the next, the crowd was immersed in a mesmerizing audio-visual experience. The stage was adorned with captivating visuals, enhancing the mood of each song ten-fold. The band’s musicianship was on full display during extended jams, with Warren Haynes’ guitar solos reaching breathtaking heights, as if paying homage to David Gilmour himself.

As with most Gov’t Mule shows, special guests were invited to jam with the band. Machan Taylor and Sophia Ramos brought incredible background vocals, while Jackie Greene jumped between guitar and keys, and as a special treat, the incredible Ron Holloway wooed the crowd with his irresistable sax. These additions added so much depth to the music, and the entire crowd was enchanted.

As the night drew to a close, the show only got more spectacular, as full laser light displays synced with the music became much more prominent against the night sky. It was a truly stunning spectacle, with all the colours of the rainbow! But, all good things must end, and with one final song the band bid farwell, leaving the still-captivated crowd basking in the afterglow of the epic Dark Side of the Mule set.

Gov’t Mule’s Dark Side of the Mule show was nothing short of a transcendent musical experience. The band’s ability to infuse their own magic into Pink Floyd’s masterpiece was a testament to their prowess as musicians. The fusion of Gov’t Mule’s classic hits alongside their tribute to Pink Floyd created a night that will be etched in the memories of all fortunate enough to witness it. If the opportunity arises to catch this extraordinary concert, it is an absolute must-see for any music enthusiast.

July 25, 2023