Guests A Plenty For Gov’t Mule At The Beacon

The Beacon Theatre has become home base for Gov’t Mule’s New Year’s celebration and you can always count on Warren Haynes and Co. to fill the performances with guest spots. Last night’s first of two Mule shows that bring 2013 to a close was no exception as the band welcomed many guests including Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and Conan O’Brien band leader Jimmy Vivino.

Gov’t Mule focused on originals in the first set, opening with the first-ever performance of Shout! track “Done Got Wise” into the band’s eponymous song. The guest parade started early in the second set when keyboardist Jeff Young of Steely Dan fame helped out on the Dan’s “Don’t Take Me Alive,” which Mule debuted earlier this year. Next up was “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” featuring Vivino and Letterman saxophonist Aaron Heick, who also stuck around for “Slackjaw Jezebel.” A drums segment saw famed rock drummer Carmine Appice of Vanilla Fudge spell Matt Abts. Appice hung out for a take on “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” that also saw contributions from Young and Vivino. Abts returned to the kit for “Steppin’ Lightly.” Vintage Trouble opened last night’s show with the band’s Nallie Colt helping out on “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” towards the end of the second set and Ty Taylor lending a hand on the “Bring On The Music” set closer. Doors guitarist Robby Krieger previewed tonight’s action during a three-song encore of “The Changeling,” “Cars Hiss By My Window” and “Five To One.”

Watch fan-shot video of Mule’s “Done Got Wise” debut:

Set One: Done Got Wise (debut) > Mule, Which Way Do We Run, Larger Than Life, Captured, No Need To Suffer, Wandering Child, Inside Outside Woman Blues, Lay Your Burden Down

Set Two: Child Of The Earth, Don’t Take Me Alive with Jeff Young, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood with Jimmy Vivino & Aaron Heick, Slackjaw Jezebel > with Aaron Heick, Drums > Carmine Appice Drums > without Matt Abts, You Keep Me Hangin’ On with Jeff Young, Jimmy Vivino & Carmine Appice; Without Matt Abts, Steppin’ Lightly > with American Woman Tease, Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man with Nallie Colt, Bring On The Music with Ty Taylor

Encore with Robby Krieger: The Changeling, Cars Hiss By My Window, Five To One