Gov’t Mule - The Fillmore - 11/21/08

I arrived in line at 10:00AM. The doors opened at 7:00PM. That’s right, I spent 9 hours in line, and had a great time. I came prepared with books, music, several lawn/camping chairs, coffee, food and cigs. Before anyone else arrived in line, Mr. Brian Farmer stopped by and I got a chance to chat with him for quite a while, as he didn’t seem to be a in a rush to go anywhere. That in itself was very, very fun. He told me stories from the recent tour, the teasing and overall great time they’d had with Back Door Slam, and I managed to talk him into taking a picture or three with me (not hard to talk him into). He’s such a down to earth guy with a great self-depreciating sense of humor (which I can relate to).

The next person to arrive was Bill, a fellow I had not previously had the pleasure of meeting. Bill is the very definition of a free-spirit, and I had a great time hanging out with him. Tho I quit quite a while ago, he was more than willing to share his medication with me, as he’s a 215‘er. I passed on his frequent offers, but the generosity was more than appreciated. I think he was single handedly responsible for 1/2 of the smoke in the Fillmore.

Next in line was Kari, who is now someone I’m thrilled to consider a friend too. Then out of the blue, Julie-Mule and her husband Richard showed up. That was absolutely one of the best surprises of the weekend. I had no idea she was coming, and when I saw her walking up to the line a huge grin broke out across my face.

More folks arrived as it came closer to doors-opening time, and though I can’t remember all the names, I think it’s safe to say everyone had a good time. I had made it hugely clear to everyone that I was holding spots for two people, Leigh and Hiyori (aka Hot Mess), and there were no complaints.

Flash forward to inside the Fillmore. We all got our spots on the rail so everyone was happy. I’d purchased the Back Door Slam CD in anticipation of seeing them live, but the disc just doesn’t do them justice (tho it is quite good). Live, they are a force to be reckoned with. You’re going to be hearing a lot about Davy in the not too distant future.

After the break, Mule appear on stage. The opening Trane > Eternity’s Breath > St. Stephen Jam was exactly as you’d expect, fantastic. This was my first show with Jorgen Carlsson, and right from the beginning it was clear they did a super job in replacing the great Andy Hess. When I walked out for a cig between sets, I still couldn’t believe everything I’d just heard. Dear Prudence w/ Davy to close the set was probably the highlight for me.

To start off the second set with War Pigs - as a trio - got the crowd right back into it, loudly. This was my first time seeing them play War Pigs live, and it was every bit as great as I’d hoped. As soon as War Pigs ended, Danny rejoined the group and they proceeded to blow everyone away with a 17+ minute version of The Doors When The Music’s Over.

Skipping ahead a few songs (that don’t deserve to be skipped - How Many More Years was by far the best version I’ve heard them play) - Jeff Coffin of the Flecktones joins the Mule on stage for a mellow’ish but great version of All Along The Watchtower. His solo’s were amazing and he fit in as though he’d be playing with them for years. Rather than ending the night with just one encore, they brought out Eric McFadden and played the very best version of Goin’ Out West that I’ve ever had the pleasure to be in person to see/hear live. Up until that night I’m not sure you could have convinced me that a sax had any place in a song like Goin’ Out West. You can now.

I suppose the one and only negative thing I could say about the entire night, was that Hallelujah was on the setlist, but Watchtower was played instead. Not a huge deal, but I know a number of folks in attendance (obviously myself included) who would have been over the moon to have Warren play that one. But with a show like this one, I’m not going to dwell on any negative.

More pictures in this flickr set. All of the MP3s in this post were created from elwoodblues lossless recording on etree, which I would strongly suggest you download ASAP. Or, purchase the MuleTracks recording of this show.