Gov’t Mule continued westward this past weekend with a surprise guest and and surprise opener in San Diego. What was predictable at this point, but oh so anticipated was the encore covers with Charlie Starr.

The Mule opened with an unlikely cover of Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker” that was spacey and a little brooding at times. Warren didn’t waste anytime upping the tempo though.

While there were plenty of originals in the set, the Mule played covers of the Beatles, Freddie BB & Albert King,.Beatles, Grateful Dead, Little Feat and teases of Allman Brothers Band, Prince and The Police. Wow.

All-star drummer Steven “Steve” Ferrone who is currently the drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, came out midway through the set to sit in on a few tunes including “Pack It Up”, “The Thrill is Gone” and “Feel Like Breaking Up Somebody’s Home.”

After a monster set, Charlie Starr and Blackberry Smoke bassist Richard Turner came out for gorgeous covers of Grateful Dead’s “Loser” and of Little Feat’s “Spanish Moon.” Steve Ferrone came back out for the “Spanish Moon.” I’ve always loved the way Warren played “Loser.” What a treat!

The Mule seems to be gaining strength with every show they play. This one was incredible!

The stream starts at the encore, but I highly recommend rewinding and starting from the beginning! Thanks to ikepgh for the top-notch recording.

One Set:
The Joker
Rocking Horse
Stoop So Low
Forsaken Savior
Devil Likes It Slow
Whisper In Your Soul
Time To Confess
Pack It Up with Steve Ferrone; without Matt Abts
The Thrill Is Gone with Steve Ferrone; without Matt Abts
Feel Like Breaking Up Somebody’s Home with Steve Ferrone; without Matt Abts
Birth Of The Mule
Funny Little Tragedy with Message In A Bottle & The Bed’s Too Big Without You lyrics
I’ll Be The One with Blue Sky tease
When Doves Cry
Beautifully Broken
When Doves Cry
Beautifully Broken
She Said, She Said
Tomorrow Never Knows

Encore:
Loser with Charlie Starr & Richard Turner; without Jorgen Carlsson
Spanish Moon with Charlie Starr, Paul Jackson & Steve Ferrone; without Matt Abts

Thanks to Heath Robson for the great photo!