Gov't Mule's show on Halloween 2008 at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts has since become a legendary one among the group's many fans. The
Mule's first set that night was what one might expect from this hard-rocking outfit led by guitarist
Warren Haynes, and included a powerful instrumental version of
the Grateful Dead's "St. Stephen," but it was the second set, the portion issued here, that placed this concert as a thing apart. Opening with
Pink Floyd's "Brighter Days," the band put its spin on several
Floyd classics, including "Shine on You Crazy Diamond," "Time," "Money," "Comfortably Numb," and "Wish You Were Here," among others, and while no attempt was made to faithfully imitate the
Floyd versions,
Haynes still skillfully echoed
David Gilmour's elegant and graceful guitar style, while drummer
Matt Abts turned "Have a Cigar" in a delightfully funky direction. The band finished off the second set with encore versions of "A Million Miles from Yesterday" and "Blind Man in the Dark," neither of which is included in this release. ~ Steve Leggett