Gov’t Mule’s current members are Warren Haynes (guitar, lead vocals), Matt Abts (drums), Danny Louis (keyboards, guitar, trumpet) and Kevin Scott (bass). Former members are bassists Allen Woody, Andy Hess and Jorgen Carlsson, which makes seven official members in the band’s history.
Gov’t Mule (pronounced “Government Mule”) is an American Southern rock and jam band from Atlanta, Georgia. Haynes and Woody, both in the Allman Brothers Band at the time, formed it in 1994 with drummer Matt Abts, whom Haynes knew from the Dickey Betts Band. The debut album, Gov’t Mule, came out in 1995. Below is every member, with roles and years as the band’s history records them.
Current Members of Gov’t Mule
Warren Haynes – Guitar, Lead Vocals (1994–present)
Haynes is the founder, singer and lead guitarist, and the only constant along with Abts. When the Allman Brothers Band reformed in 1989 he joined them as lead guitarist and vocalist. From 2001 he split his time between the Allmans and Gov’t Mule until the Allman Brothers disbanded for the final time in 2014. He also hosts the Annual Christmas Jam in Asheville, North Carolina.
Matt Abts – Drums, Percussion, Vocals (1994–present)
Abts is the founding drummer. He had played with Haynes in the Dickey Betts Band before the two started Gov’t Mule with Woody, and he is one of the two members, with Haynes, who have been in every lineup.
Danny Louis – Keyboards, Guitar, Trumpet, Vocals (2002–present)
Louis was one of several keyboardists who toured with the band in support of the Deep End recordings, alongside players such as Chuck Leavell, Page McConnell and Rob Barraco. He was then named a permanent member, and his first studio album with the band was Déjà Voodoo in September 2004.
Kevin Scott – Bass (2023–present)
Scott toured with the band in 2022–2023 and replaced Jorgen Carlsson, who announced his departure days before the release of Peace… Like a River in 2023.
Former Members of Gov’t Mule
Allen Woody – Bass, Mandolin, Vocals (1994–2000)
Woody was a founding member and the bassist on the band’s first records, including Life Before Insanity (February 2000). He was found dead in New York City on August 26, 2000. On September 21, 2000, the “One for Woody” benefit concert was held, with the Allman Brothers, the Black Crowes and Phil Lesh and Friends among the performers.
Andy Hess – Bass (2003–2008)
Hess, formerly of the Black Crowes, was one of many bassists who filled in after Woody’s death and was made a permanent member along with Louis. He played on Déjà Voodoo, High & Mighty (2006) and Mighty High (2007). His departure was announced on September 15, 2008.
Jorgen Carlsson – Bass (2008–2023)
Carlsson replaced Hess after rehearsing with the band for six months. He was the band’s longest-serving bassist, playing on By a Thread (2009), Shout! (2013) and Revolution Come… Revolution Go (2017), and he left in 2023.
The Deep End Guest Bassists (2000–2003)
Between Woody’s death and Hess joining, Gov’t Mule had no official bassist. Haynes and Abts recorded the tribute albums The Deep End, Volume 1 (2001) and Volume 2 (2002) with a different bassist on each track, including Jack Bruce, John Entwistle, Mike Watt, Les Claypool, Flea, Chris Squire and Stefan Lessard. On tour, the bass chair rotated among players such as Dave Schools, Oteil Burbridge, Victor Wooten, George Porter Jr., Jason Newsted and Greg Rzab. None of them were official members.
Gov’t Mule Lineup Timeline
| Years | Lineup |
|---|---|
| 1994–2000 | Haynes, Woody, Abts (power trio) |
| 2000–2003 | Haynes, Abts, with guest bassists and keyboardists |
| 2003–2008 | Haynes, Abts, Louis, Hess |
| 2008–2023 | Haynes, Abts, Louis, Carlsson |
| 2023–present | Haynes, Abts, Louis, Scott |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who founded Gov’t Mule? Warren Haynes, Allen Woody and Matt Abts, in 1994.
- Who are the original members of Gov’t Mule? The same three: Haynes on guitar and vocals, Woody on bass and Abts on drums.
- Who plays bass in Gov’t Mule now? Kevin Scott, who replaced Jorgen Carlsson in 2023.
- Is Gov’t Mule connected to the Allman Brothers Band? Yes. It began as a side project of Haynes and Woody while both were in the Allman Brothers Band. Fans of the sound may also like Blackberry Smoke and Tedeschi Trucks Band.
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