Government Mule performs Aerosmith tribute at The Met and additional songs

eatures long-standing keyboardist, trombonist, and guitarist Danny Louis, newcomer Kevin Scott on bass, with Terrence Higgins stepping in for Matt Abts on drums, ventured into various musical genres and tempos while drawing from its extensive collection of tracks, spanning from the anthemic “Mule” from their debut self-titled album in 1995 to “The River Only Flows One Way” from their most recent album “Peace Like a River” released in 2023. “Blind Man,” enriched with Scott’s resonant bass reminiscent of founding member Allen Woody and Haynes’ guitar complementing Louis’s Hammond organ, captivated the audience with its punchy essence. The setlist’s essential piece, “Sco-Mule,” an instrumental, allowed Scott to showcase his talents with a solo performance, while Haynes added chugging riffs to uplift the ambiance.

The homage to Aerosmith was evident as Gov’t Mule titled the tour “Back in the Saddle,” integrating the Boston band’s iconic winged logo as a backdrop for the second act. Bandannas draped over the microphone stands paid tribute to Aerosmith’s frontman, Steven Tyler. Haynes, being well-versed in Aerosmith’s catalog, delivered an impressive vocal performance, arguably surpassing an anticipated guest appearance by Corey Glover of Living Colour. Venturing into early Aerosmith tracks, Gov’t Mule began the tribute with “Make It” and “Walkin’ the Dog” from the band’s debut album, flawlessly capturing the essence of the band’s early sound. The deep cut “Lord of the Thighs” showcased a more musically adventurous side of Aerosmith, as Haynes skillfully executed a solo with digital delay, an uncommon effect in his repertoire. Paying homage to the late Philly radio DJ Pierre Robert, the band dived into the powerful “Same Old Song and Dance” followed by the relatively obscure “Seasons of Winter,” reflecting Aerosmith’s take on Led Zeppelin-esque mysticism.

Glover’s presence was felt during performances of “Back in the Saddle,” “Last Child,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Dream On,” and “Walk This Way.” Despite a slightly shaky start, Glover eventually found his stride during the epic rendition of “Dream On,” flawlessly emulating Tyler’s signature high notes with precision. Haynes took the reins once more for “Mama Kin,” leading the band towards the climax of the Aerosmith tribute with the encore performance of “The Train Kept A-Rollin’.”

Warren Haynes’ ability to seamlessly transition between paying homage to Aerosmith and showcasing Gov’t Mule’s own musical prowess was a testament to the band’s versatility and skill. The two-night “Mule-O-Ween” run at The Met in Philadelphia not only solidified Gov’t Mule’s place in the music world but also paid a heartfelt tribute to the iconic sound of Aerosmith, leaving the audience enthralled and eager for more.