Drummer Matt Abts To Sit Out Gov’t Mule’s Back In The Saddle Tour

Gov’t Mule will be without founding drummer Matt Abts when they return to the road later this week for their Back In The Saddle Tour. Abts will miss the trek to “attend to some lingering injuries from years behind the kit,” according to a letter he posted on the band’s social media channels.

Warren Haynes Band drummer Terence Higgins will hold down the drum seat in Abts’ absence. Higgins was behind the kit for the band’s Amp Jam #1 sets in March and for a series of July dates.

“As the Mule gears up to launch the Back In The Saddle Tour, I wanted to let all of our fans know I’ve made the tour but necessary decision to stay home and attend to some lingering injuries from years behind the kit,” Abts began his note.

“I’m okay – and will be fine! I just need some time at home to rest and recover. I look forward to being back on the road soon,” the drummer continued.

“Our friend Terence Higgins will be sitting in on this run, so you are in the great hands,” concluded the message from Matt Abts.

Higgins will join Gov’t Mule guitarist Warren Haynes, bassist Kevin Scott and multi-instrumentalist Danny Louis in kicking off the Back In The Saddle Tour this Wednesday, August 27 at Milwaukee’s Aurora Pavilion. The first leg runs through September 12, with a second leg spanning October 10 through November 1.

Scroll below for a full list of Gov’t Mule Back In The Saddle Tour dates.