Bassist Jorgen Carlsson Departs Gov’t Mule, Kevin Scott Aboard For Summer Tour

After 15 years Gov’t Mule is parting ways with bassist Jorgen Carlsson. The band has tapped first call Atlanta bassist Kevin Scott to hold down the bottom end on their summer tour, which starts tomorrow, Friday, June 9 in Jacksonville, Oregon.

“We do want to let you know that our friend Kevin Scott will be joining us on bass this summer,” wrote Gov’t Mule in announcing the news on social feeds. “We thank Jorgen Carlsson for all his incredible work, including on [forthcoming studio album] ‘Peace…Like A River,’ and wish him the best. Some of you may have seen Kevin with us last year when he stepped in for a few shows, so you know he’ll do a great job out there with us.”

As mentioned, Kevin Scott filled-in for Jorgen at a few shows last summer after Carlsson tested positive for COVID-19. Scott’s illustrious resume includes touring with Wayne Krantz, Jimmy Herring and Col. Bruce Hampton. Kevin is a fixture of the Atlanta music scene.

Guitarist Warren Haynes, drummer Matt Abts and bassist Allen Woody formed Gov’t Mule in 1994 as a power trio. Woody tragically died in 2000. Mule spent the next few years performing and recording with a variety of bassists before settling on Andy Hess in 2003 and adding multi-instrumentalist Danny Louis to the lineup. Hess left the fold in 2008 at which point Jorgen Carlsson joined the band.

“We were faced with the daunting task of replacing a one-of-a-kind musician, which I’m sure was intimidating for Andy, who did a wonderful job and brought his own personality into the music,” Haynes stated when Gov’t Mule announced Carlsson would replace Hess.

“Jorgen’s style is somewhere between Woody’s and Andy’s. He brings some of Woody’s aggressive spirit back although he is very much his own man,” added Haynes. Warren Haynes, Danny Louis and Matt Abts spent six months rehearsing, jamming and hanging out with Jorgen before officially tapping Carlsson as their third bassist.

Today’s announcement only notes Scott is aboard for the band’s extensive summer tour. No word yet on what the future holds for Gov’t Mule beyond the soon-to-begin trek. View a complete list of tour dates and the full note from the band below.