REVIEW: Gov’t Mule Kick Off A NYE Run With A 1971-Themed Show
12/28 @ Proctors Theatre, Schenectady
All photos by Maggie Aulman
“If it were any other band, I probably would have stayed home on what might be the worst driving conditions of the entire winter, but missing Gov’t Mule, especially a New Year’s Eve show, was not an option.”
Every year, Gov’t Mule plays a thematic New Year’s Eve show at the Beacon theatre in NY. This year, the band kicked off what’s become a three-night tradition at Proctors with a celebration of the music of 1971.
If it were any other band, I probably would have stayed home on what might be the worst driving conditions of the entire winter, but missing Gov’t Mule, especially a New Year’s Eve show, was not an option.
“We’re really excited that our opening night in the New York area is here in Schenectady tonight,” Warren Haynes said to the audience before officially introducing the 1971 theme.
The Mule highlighted their range with jazzy “Devil Likes it Slow” and dubified “Unring the Bell,” as well as fan favorites like “Mule,” “Thorzine Shuffle,” and “Bad Little Doggie.”
“We made a pact amongst ourselves that any covers we play over the next three shows are all going to be from 1971,” Haynes said before playing “Neighbor Neighbor” from ZZ Top’s First Album. This was the first time Gov’t Mule had ever played this song live.
The Mule then went right into “Shake Our Way Out” from their most recent album, Peace… Like A River, which happens to feature ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons on the recording. Other 1971 covers included “Feel Like Breaking Up Somebody’s Home” by Ann Peebles and “Street Corner Talking” by Savoy Brown, which the band recorded on Heavy Load Blues.
Current Cure guitarist, former David Bowie guitarist and Troy resident, Reeves Gabrels made a surprise guest appearance for the encore, joining the band for three 1971 covers: “Is it My Body” by Alice Cooper, “I Don’t Need No Doctor” by Humble Pie, and “Stay With Me” by Faces. Haynes tastefully twisted the lyrics in “Stay With Me” adding “I hear you’re a Slackjaw Jezebel” instead of Rod Stewart’s “mean old Jezebel,” a nod to Gov’t Mule’s own “Slackjaw Jezebel” from Déjà Voodoo.
I drove 20mph in a 55mph on the way home, but seeing this show made every white-knuckle mile worth it. If you’re reading this before seeing the Mule at the Beacon on the 30th or 31st I’m very jealous and happy for you to be a part of this special New Year’s run, hear more 1971 songs (some of the best rock songs ever written), and witness some of the best live renditions these songs have ever seen.
