Gov't Mule is a southern rock band formed in 1994 as an Allman Brothers Band side project, but has taken on a life of its own. Like many jam bands, Gov't Mule does not get a lot of radio airplay but is popular because of its constant touring. Many popular rock musicians claim Gov't Mule as their favorite band including James Hetfield of Metallica, and Henry Rollins of Black Flag and Rollins Band.
When the Allman Brothers Band reformed in 1989 in response to the popularity of the Dreams box set, Warren Haynes was added on lead guitar and Allen Woody was added on bass. The two shared a love for '60s power trios, like Cream, Jimi Hendrix Experience, and James Gang. With no bands making similar music in the 90s, Haynes, Woody, and former Dickey Betts drummer Matt Abts came together as Gov't Mule during Allman Brothers' breaks. They released their debut CD Gov't Mule in 1995. It was followed by Live At Roseland Ballroom.
When it became apparent that the Allman Brothers weren't planning on recording any new material, Haynes and Woody left to concentrate full-time on Gov't Mule in 1997. Dose, the studio follow up to their first studio effort, was released in early 1998.. They were joined by members of the Allman Brothers, the Black Crowes, and Parliament/ Funkadelic for their 1997 New Year's Eve concert. This was released in both a two and four CD version as Live ... With A Little Help From Our Friends. The band exposed some of their roots with covers of Neil Young, Free, Traffic, Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, and Mongo Santamaria (via John Coltrane).
