Blues-rock titan Warren Haynes is heading again to Music Metropolis along with his band Gov’t Mule—and this time, he’s bringing some severe firepower with him.
The Grammy Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitar legend, and producer will take the stage at The Pinnacle on Wednesday, April 22 for a extremely anticipated co-headlining present with Larkin Poe. The pairing appears like a pure match, mixing Haynes’ signature Southern-infused blues-rock with the sisters’ trendy, gritty tackle the style.
The present comes on the heels of a prolific stretch for Haynes. After releasing Peace…Like A River, he returned in 2024 with Million Voices Whisper, his first solo album in almost a decade—a strong, soulful blues-rock assertion. He adopted that up with The Whisper Classes in 2025, a stripped-down companion venture that highlights his expressive vocals, masterful guitar work, and deeply rooted storytelling. Each releases, out through Fantasy Data, have been produced by Haynes and have longtime The Allman Brothers Band bandmate Derek Vans.
Forward of his return to Nashville, Haynes caught up with Nashville.com to speak touring, guitars, collaborations, and his deep connection to Music Metropolis and I’ve to let you know it was a bucket record interview for me. It’s good to see your hero can be a very nice man.
You and Larkin Poe really feel like an ideal pairing—how did this tour come collectively?
“We’ve recognized one another for some time now. I believe the primary time we performed collectively was on the Outlaw Music Pageant Tour. We run in a whole lot of the identical circles and have a whole lot of mutual associates. What they’re doing simply felt prefer it made sense. There’s sufficient crossover between the bands and audiences, however they’re additionally very completely different—and I believe that’s a plus.”
You’ve at all times received a number of initiatives going. How do you juggle all of it?
“I undoubtedly have a whole lot of assist, however having the chance to do all these various things is what drives me. I’d most likely go nuts if I used to be doing the identical factor on a regular basis. I’ve at all times beloved several types of music, and having the ability to specific that in numerous methods is fairly superb. I don’t take it as a right.”
You appear to play Nashville usually. What’s your connection to town?
“I really lived in Nashville from 1984 to 1990, and I nonetheless have tons of associates there. There’s at all times been a robust musical reference to the audiences. That connection between the band and the group is what makes exhibits particular, and we’ve had so many nice ones in Nashville—it retains us coming again.”
You’ve performed iconic venues just like the Ryman—what are you anticipating from The Pinnacle?
“I’m actually trying ahead to it. It’ll be my first time there, and I’ve heard nice issues. Nashville crowds are at all times respectful and actually pay attention, which makes an enormous distinction.”
That is Gibson’s hometown—what’s your go-to guitar as of late?
“The one I’m most cautious with is my 1959 Les Paul—I’ll use it within the studio or near house. I additionally love my 1961 ES-335, and Gibson made a signature mannequin based mostly on that. However the one I play most on stage is my first signature Les Paul—that’s the one I’m most comfy with. I additionally play Firebirds and 335s relying on the tune. I’m undoubtedly a Gibson man.”
Sounds such as you’ve constructed fairly the gathering over time.
“Yeah, I didn’t suppose I’d turn into a collector, however I assume it simply type of occurred over time.”
Early in your profession, you toured with David Allan Coe. What was that have like?
“That was my first touring gig—I used to be about 19 or 20. I didn’t know a lot about his music or way of life, I simply dove in. It was a wild journey—baptism by fireplace. However he launched me to Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts, which finally led to me becoming a member of their band, and later the Allman Brothers. So all of it type of got here full circle.”
You’ve collaborated with so many legends—any dream collaborations nonetheless in your record?
“I’ve been extremely lucky to play with so many individuals I grew up listening to. However there are nonetheless a couple of on the record. I’d say Paul McCartney would most likely be on the prime.”
With a profession spanning many years, numerous collaborations, and an ever-evolving catalog of music, Haynes continues to push ahead—by no means content material to face nonetheless. And when he hits the stage at The Pinnacle on April 22, Nashville followers can count on nothing lower than the very best in blues, soul, and Southern rock. Gov’t Mule is: Haynes [guitar,vocals], Matt Abts [drums], Danny Louis [keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals], and Kevin Scott [bass]. See you at The Pinnacle.
–Jerry Holthouse
