Gov’t Mule and Darkish Facet of the Mule at Purple Rocks 8-7-23 ~ Live performance Images Journal

Michael Yanko

Rock Legends Photographers

Purple Rocks was on my bucket record for a few years. In early July I obtained an electronic mail from Gov’t Mule stating that they have been going to be taking part in there on 8-7-23 doing their Darkish Facet of the Mule efficiency. I assumed this is perhaps the proper alternative to cross this one off my record. After doing some research I discovered that not solely was Jason Bonham opening the present together with his Led Zeppeling Night, Joe Bonamassa was taking part in there the night time earlier than. The choice was made, and quarter-hour later I had flights, automobile rental, and a resort all booked. I used to be very excited to cross this one off my record and luxuriate in 2 nights of wonderful music. I had seen Gov’t Mule a number of instances earlier than, however I had heard that the DSOTM reveals are spectacular. I used to be very excited for this 2 nice days of music.

In contrast to the earlier wet night time the climate was excellent. Particular visitor Jason Bonham and his Led Zeppelin Night opened the present with a tremendous tribute to Zeppelin. This was the proper band to preface the wonderful efficiency we have been all about to expertise. 

Assembly Mule bassist Kevin Scott and DSOTM guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Jackie Greene earlier than the present was an added bonus. 

After a brief tools change out from the Bonham set, Mule got here out to roaring applause. Warren Haynes would not discuss quite a bit throughout his reveals, however he warmly greeted the group and the band jumped proper into their opening tune, “Similar As It Ever Was” from Peace Like a River…, their newest launch.

Mule’s six tune opening set continued with “Time To Confess,” “After The Storm,” “Unring The Bell,” and “Infinite Parade,” wrapping up with “Made My Peace,” additionally off the brand new document.

Becoming a member of Mule members Warren Haynes (guitar, vocals), Matt Abts (drums, vocals), Kevin Scott (Bass), and Danny Louis (Keyboards) for the Darkish Facet of the Mule set have been: Jackie Greene (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Ron Holloway (sax), and Sophia Ramos and Machan Taylor on backing vocals.

The DSOTM set consisted of Pink Floyd favorites in addition to some deeper cuts. It opened with “Shine On You Loopy Diamond” adopted by “Have A Cigar” with Abts on lead vocals. They adopted up with the hit “Welcome To The Machine,” then “Communicate To Me,” “Breathe,” “The Nice Gig In The Sky,” “Cash,” “Us And Them,” “Any Color You Like,” “One Of These Days,” “Fearless,” and “Echoes.” I used to be amazed at how correct these songs have been performed, and but Haynes added some customized touches. At one level to introduce Ron Holloway, Haynes really sang his identify as a part of the tune. The band did 2 nice encores! First they returned to play “Comfortably Numb” to the group’s delight. They briefly left the stage however the crowd was hungry for extra, so that they got here again out for a rousing cowl of “Want You Have been Right here.” 

I anticipated nothing lower than a tremendous mild present for the DSOTM set, and the band didn’t disappoint.