Longtime Gov’t Mule drummer Matt Abts has announced that he will be sitting out the band’s upcoming Back in the Saddle Tour to give his body time to recover from years of drumming-related wear and tear.
“As the Mule gears up to launch the Back in the Saddle Tour, I wanted to let all of our fans know I’ve made the tough but necessary decision to stay home and attend to some lingering injuries from years behind the kit,” Abts wrote in a heartfelt message to fans.
He went on to assure followers of the band, “I’m okay – and will be fine! I just need some time at home to rest and recover,” adding, “I look forward to being back on the road soon.” Read the full statement below.
Abts co-founded Gov’t Mule in 1994 alongside Warren Haynes after they played together in the Dickey Betts Band. His powerhouse drumming has been a defining element of the band’s sound for more than three decades.
Filling in for Abts on the upcoming run will be Terence Higgins, who has been touring with Warren Haynes Band after playing on the group’s recent album, Million Voices Whisper. The tour coincides with the 30th anniversary of Gov’t Mule’s self-titled debut LP and includes a mix of festival plays, headlining shows, and co-headline dates with Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Gov’t Mule also recently confirmed the lineup for its annual Island Exodus destination festival in Trelawny, Jamaica, which includes John Scofield, moe., Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, and more. Click below for a full list of tour dates and head here to purchase tickets.
