On December 30th, Gov’t Mule returned to New York City’s Beacon Theater to close out the year. Unlike in 2024, the upper deck was sold as seats rather than left empty. That’s a good sign, since these shows aren’t for everyone, but will hopefully continue. Q104.3’s Ken Dashow suggested as much when he came out to introduce the band and alluded to the shows as an annual family vacation. The band immediately came out and opened with “After The Storm,” from their most recent album, Peace…Like A River. After that, it was a bunch of old school Mule, to the audience’s delight.

Starting with “Rocking Horse,” from their 1994 debut, the band tore things up. “Temporary Saint,” from the same album, followed. It was at this point that the show started to feel like the family reunion that Dashow mentioned. “Banks of the Deep End” and “Painted Silver Light” were also welcome favorites. Kevin Scott continues to shine on bass and wears a T-shirt bearing the late Allen Woody’s image beneath his denim vest, evoking Pat Harrington on One Day At A Time (minus the pack of cigarettes tucked in the sleeve). Matt Abts has been unable to tour since the summer due to what he calls normal drummer wear and tear. Pearl Jam’s Matt Cameron is the most recent example of that condition being no joke. Terrance Higgins, who started with the Warren Haynes Band, continues to fill Abts’ chair. 

“Slackjaw Jezebel” showcased Haynes and Scott’s chemistry and led to the set’s thematic portion. The 2021 Apple TV documentary “1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything” has been the inspiration for these shows. A beautiful version of Bill Withers’ “Hope She’ll Be Happier” led into Traffic’s “Low Spark of High Heeled Boys.” The latter has been a staple of the Mule’s catalog for years, but met the 1971 qualifications. The band played it in all its spooky glory as Haynes created some wicked tones with his guitar. “Mr. Man,” from 2004’s Deja Voodoo, closed out a strong set that left the crowd amped and wondering what was next.

“Railroad Boy,” another traditional song the Mule has made their own over the years, opened the set. “Peace I Need,” off the newest album, followed, and then Haynes announced the first special guest of the evening. Oz Noy came on to play on “Birth of the Mule.” Haynes joked that Noy has been called onto the stage for many December 30ths, though last year it was on “Devil Likes It Slow.” Even though the song calls for a jazzy solo, Noy summoned up some fiery licks from down below for this one. The reggae swing of “Time to Confess” with just the band led to Jackie Greene’s entrance on Pink Floyd’s “Fearless.” Like “Low Spark,” this one has been in the repertoire for a while but was also recorded in 1971. The New York crowd loved it, and “I’m Eighteen” from Alice Cooper followed. The song was the first special New Year’s cover performed by the Mule in 200,2 and it was just as awesome on this night.

Greene left the stage for a sweet version of Rod Stewart’s cover of “Reason to Believe,” which the band had never played before. “When the Levee Breaks,” made famous by Led Zeppelin, followed. Jacke Greene sang and played harmonica on the song, providing his best Rock God Robert Plant impression. It was a fantastic version and led into Al Green’s “I’m A Ram,” which has been a part of the band’s catalog for ages. But it was recorded in 1971, so it was thematically accurate for the evening and was a great finish.

For the encore, the band delivered Little Feat’s “Willin’” and Jethro Tull’s “Locomotive Breath.” From sweet to raging, the two songs complemented each other perfectly and closed out another strong night at the Beacon, thanks to the unmistakable and unlimited Gov’t Mule.

Gov’t Mule Setlist Beacon Theatre, New York, NY, USA, New Year's Run 2025