Gov’t Mule’s Matt Abts to Sit Out Back in the Saddle Tour

Matt Abts, photo by Stuart Levine

Matt Abts, the revered drummer for Gov’t Mule, has announced a temporary touring hiatus. The legendary southern jam quartet helmed by Warren Haynes will embark on its Back in the Saddle Tour without the founding percussionist, who will take a short spell away from the spotlight to prioritize his recovery from performance-related injuries.

“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 message posted to Gov’t Mule’s social channels. “I’m okay – and will be fine! I just need some time at home to rest and recover. I look forward to being back on the road soon.”

Abts established Gov’t Mule with Allman Brothers Band alum Allen Woody and his Dickey Betts Band collaborator Haynes back in 1994. He’s held his prestigious set behind the kit without interruption for more than three decades, while occasionally pursuing his own side ventures, including several projects with the late Dickey Betts Band keyboardist Johnny Neel.

Gov’t Mule’s Back in the Saddle Tour will commence on Wednesday, Aug. 27, and continue with 24 further stops across the country through Oct. 28. They’ll find able accompaniment in Terence Higgins, the current Warren Haynes Band drummer who has filled in for Abts for previous last-minute absences in March and July. Find tickets and more information on the band’s live itinerary at mule.net. And read Abts’ full statement below.