Warren Haynes, a rock guitar legend in his own right, has carved out a niche as a teacher of sorts, educating the masses about their musical heritage with star-studded tributes to iconic artists like Jerry Garcia and The Band. When he’s not leading diverse and talented groups of musicians in special performances or, of course, fronting Gov’t Mule, Warren is frequently known to drop by and lend his searing southern rock sound to artists across the musical spectrum. In honor of his 62nd birthday today, we’re taking a look back at a few of our favorite Warren sit-ins.
“Forgot About Dre” – The Revivalists ft. Warren Haynes – Brooklyn Bowl – 11/16/12
On November 16, 2012, in the “pre-David Shaw afro” days, The Revivalists welcomed Warren Haynes to the stage of NYC’s Brooklyn Bowl. However, instead of playing a southern blues-rock tune like one might expect, they asked the jam-band legend if he would join in for a rendition of Dr. Dre‘s 2001 hit single featuring Eminem, “Forgot About Dre.” The result was truly outstanding and is the perfect example of the unique live music collaborations that we live to see. According to those involved, the Haynes sit-in was so unexpectedly last minute that the song was pitched a mere five minutes before he walked onto the stage for the encore performance. Watch Rob Ingraham rap, Warren slay, and Dave crowd-dive into a sea of screaming people.
[Video: The Revivalists]
“The Thrill Is Gone” – Soulive ft. Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks – Brooklyn Bowl – 3/8/13
It used to be that every March, the Allman Brothers Band would play a string of shows throughout the month at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. This was the same month during which Brooklyn Bowl would host Soulive for their annual “Bowlive” concert series, which always promised an array of special guests that would play deep hours into the night over two weekends. If you were lucky, you got to attend both. One of our favorite moments from when those run collided is when both Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks strolled into the Brooklyn Bowl after their Beacon gig with the Allmans at half past midnight to play a classic B.B. King tune with fellow jammers Eric Krasno, Neal Evans, and Alan Evans. Thankfully, we have a video of the performance, so we can relive the magic whenever we want.
[Video: Barry2theB]
“Misty Mountain Hop” (Led Zeppelin) – Phish ft. Warren Haynes – Shoreline Amphitheatre – 9/16/99
As Phish steamrolled through a powerful fall tour in 1999, the band stopped at the famed Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA for an unforgettable performance. The show was highlighted by a number of exciting moments, including a bust out of Allen Toussaint’s “On Your Way Down” for the first recorded time in over one thousand shows! However, the most exciting liner note from this Shoreline throwdown was the encore, as Phish played the Led Zeppelin classic “Misty Mountain Hop” for only the second time ever with help from, you guessed it, Mr. Warren Haynes. The sit-in marked Haynes’ second appearance with Phish and his first since December of 1995. The exchange between Anastasio and Haynes is some true rock energy, as they shred the Led Zeppelin IV track with panache. Fortunately, we can listen to the whole show streaming below (encore starts at 03:01:00).
[Audio: fromtheaquarium]
“Scarlet Begonias” > “Fire On The Mountain” (Grateful Dead) – Daze Between Band ft. Warren Haynes – One Eyed Jacks – 5/3/17
In 2017, the Daze Between Band—led by Eric Krasno (Soulive/Lettuce) and featuring Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Company), Duane Trucks (Widespread Panic), Danny Louis (Gov’t Mule), Scott Metzger (Joe Russo’s Almost Dead), Ike Stubblefield, Lyle Divinsky (The Motet), Nate Werth (Snarky Puppy), Rashawn Ross (Dave Matthews Band), and Deshaun D’Vibes Alexander (Eric Krasno Band, Marcus King Band)—formed for a higher purpose than simply helping give music fans something to do in the lull the two weekends of the massive annual New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival. Originally, Krasno had planned for the musical direction to honor the memory of the late Butch Trucks, who died early in the year.
However, with the passing of the legendary Col. Bruce Hampton just days prior, the show found its emotional impetus significantly magnified. This brought surprise guests Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers Band) and Jeff Sipe (Aquarium Rescue Unit) to the show with heavy hearts, but ready for some serious spiritual musical healing. After rumors circulating for much of the night, Haynes surprised the audience, first leading the all-star crew through a monumental 30-minute “Scarlett Begonias” that flowed beautifully into its natural partner in crime, “Fire On The Mountain.” Check it out below.
[Video: Live For Live Music]
Honorable Mention: “Soulshine” – Hanson ft. Warren Haynes
When we posted a joke article about Warren Haynes leading a tribute to boy band Hanson for April Fool’s Day in 2017, we had no idea that he had actually played with the Hanson brothers before—ridiculous, we know. But still worth a watch just for kicks. Check out Hanson playing “Soulshine” with Warren Haynes in Jamaica in January of 2013.
[Video: steff56822]
Happy Birthday, Warren! We can’t wait to see who you hop in with next!