While they may not be able to take the stage as usual this New Year’s Eve, Gov’t Mule has delivered the next best thing with the surprise release of Live At The Beacon Theatre. The new live album, available only on streaming services, chronicles the band’s 2017 New Year’s Eve show at the iconic New York venue.
This marathon performance featured 31 individual songs including a cover-heavy second set that featured a bevy of special guests. The evening of 12/31/17 saw Gov’t Mule share the stage with Jackie Greene as well as Shawn Pelton, The Chronic Horns, The Better Half Singers, and Jimmy Vivino as they brought their annual New Year’s Eve residency—and 2017 as a whole—to a close.
After running through a concise setlist of originals in set one, the Warren Haynes-led blues outfit opened up the second frame to special guests and choice covers, beginning with an appropriate take on Steely Dan‘s “Daddy Don’t Live In That New York City No More”. From there, the ever-expanding ensemble took on celebrated hits from Dr. John, James Brown, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, The Clash, Van Morrison, and many more. The evening was then capped off with an extensive encore that featured nods to the Allman Brothers Band with “Melissa” and “Mountain Jam”.
Haynes said of the recording,
While there’s nothing like being in a room with all of you, we wanted to release a series of live recordings to share some of that live electricity that we all miss so much. This show is timely and unique, and seems like a good way to kick off the series. This album was recorded at the Beacon Theatre on New Year’s Eve 2017 and you’ll even hear balloons popping following ‘The Revolution Will Not Be Televised’ as the celebrations began. We look forward to being able to eventually resume our annual tradition of ringing in a new year with you at Beacon Theatre, but until then we hope you enjoy these live recordings.
This live album is the first in a series of digital-only live releases the band plans to share going forward. Stream Live At The Beacon Theatre from Gov’t Mule below or through your preferred streaming service here.
Gov’t Mule – Live At The Beacon Theatre (New York City, 12/31/2017)