i went and was very disappointed. Mule was my favorite band, but no more.
Last year, saw them in Seattle. Poor show there, but I figured the poor turnout got them down. I figured the Beacon would provide some inspiration Guess not .

I hope someone disagrees with me. Guy sitting next to me is a huge fan -- from Canada. He left early.

Having not been there and only basing my thoughts by the set list . For me that's a bad show . The only plus from the show is that they didn't play Soulshine .
Good Morning Little Schoolgirl and Thorazine Shuffle are played too often in my opinion .
I would like to have seen them do The Letter , which I think Warren does very well , Hot Legs and Stay with Me .
I think Warren is the master of covering other songs .

So what about the show was disappointing? Looks like a decent setlist and I would have loved to see Simon Kirke play on the Free songs. Did the band play poorly? Just curious what was so bad?

i went and was very disappointed. Mule was my favorite band, but no more.
Last year, saw them in Seattle. Poor show there, but I figured the poor turnout got them down. I figured the Beacon would provide some inspiration Guess not .

I hope someone disagrees with me. Guy sitting next to me is a huge fan -- from Canada. He left early.

This review shocks the hell out of me. I've seen the Mule maybe a dozen times and the only weak one I can think of was one of the first ones maybe ten years ago, and even that one wasn't BAD, it's just that I thought the setlist was weak. They've knocked my socks off every single time since. Was this a ScoMule show? I assume that it was not. I have tickets to see that on 2/20 in Oakland.

I wouldn't call it a bad show but it was lacking in something. The start of the 2nd set was pretty intense. like the old mule but over all they didn't knock me out. I'm used to leaving the beacon after a mule show just blown away. Last night was a good time just seemed a little off.

No real hint at the AC/DC theme. In years past, the night before they usually tease the theme or do some warm up tunes for NYE but not last night. I thin they went with Joe Cocker and the Ian Mclaglan ( faces) tunes instead.

Upper balcony totally empty. The Mule doesn't draw like they used to. I was at a bar beforehand meeting old friends, alot who in years past wouldn't miss the 12/30 show but all for one reason or another weren't going. Seems like just more of the same from the Mule but not sure I'd want to see them take a radical turn either into something more trendy

I'm thinking they're just in weird spot before they go ScoMule for while...

2 Guest drummers. My brother kept saying he thought Matt was sick or something. He sounded like himself to me.

Non musical note. NYPD really is letting things slide. There used to always be a few cos out front after a beacon show. I saw nitrous tanks going right outside the front door. Never saw that before. Doesn't bother me just an observation.

Agreed with all here - the show wasn't terrible or anything, I just found myself frequently bored during the show. Last mule show I saw was probably 5-6 years ago, and they rocked. Seems like they're just playing a lot of stuff that sounds all the same or something, but there were only a few songs last night that seemed to stand out to me...and they were the covers, which were pretty great.

Probably check out another mule show in 4-5 years, unfortunately

BEACON THEATRE
NEW YORK, NY
December 30, 2014
Guests: Machan Taylor, Mini Carlsson, Simon Kirke, Carmine Appice

SET ONE

1 World Boss >
2 Whisper In Your Soul
3 Stoop So Low (Outro 2)
4 Forsaken Savior >
5 Stratus
6 The Joker
7 Bird On A Wire > with The Better Half Singers (Machan Taylor& Mini Carlsson)
8 The Letter with The Better Half Singers (Machan Taylor& Mini Carlsson)

SET TWO

1 Done Got Wise
2 Broke Down On The Brazos >
3 Tributary Jam
4 Mr. Big with Simon Kirke & without Matt Abts
5 The Hunter > with Simon Kirke & without Matt Abts
6 Good Morning Little Schoolgirl > with Simon Kirke & without Matt Abts
7 The Hunter with Simon Kirke & without Matt Abts
8 Gameface with Birdland & Mountain Jam Teases
9 Thorazine Shuffle >
10 Funny Little Tragedy > with Message In A Bottle lyrics
11 Thorazine Shuffle Reprise
ENCORE

1 Hot Legs with Carmine Appice & without Matt Abts; First Time Played
2 Stay With Me with Carmine Appice & without Matt Abts

i thought first act was very slow except for Joe Cocker at the end.

Second set was fast paced and exciting in my opinion. Was very strange to me that there were 2 guest drummers and Matt sat out most of the 2nd set except for Thorazine Shuffle.

I was in front balcony where there were plenty of empty seats and upper balcony was almost empty. I did not go down into loge or orchestra to see if they were full.

No search or security going in at all.

I enjoyed the show, Band sounded tight and Warren's voice was in great form. Set list was so so but for me second set was great.

Enjoy tonight for anyone attending

Hmmm...Mule going way of ABB in later years? ...merch sucked too...

Thanks for the reviews. I have never seen the Mule live so I am guessing I would not have found it boring but can understand the perspective of those who have seen the band many times. I love Warren's playing so that would be the highlight for me.

Got great seats for the Boston Orpheum ScoMule show but I am surprised it is selling so slow as lBoston is usually a strong market for the Mule. Lower level seat are still available and the balcony is empty so far.

They are such a great band and where else can you see such a good show for $50?

Sign of the times in the music industry I guess.

Did any one else see Warren wincing in discomfort when changing guitars?...or was that frustration with his new guitar tech?

No offense intended to Matt Abst, but my highlights were the tunes when the guest drummers were whacking away on his kit.

I had a wonderful time with the peeps around me...everyone dancing and grooving.

Have fun to those who are going tonight!

i went and was very disappointed. Mule was my favorite band, but no more.
Last year, saw them in Seattle. Poor show there, but I figured the poor turnout got them down. I figured the Beacon would provide some inspiration Guess not .

I hope someone disagrees with me. Guy sitting next to me is a huge fan -- from Canada. He left early.

Why was the show so bad? Was it the songs played like too many covers, the playing by the band themselves, or something else?

Mule is playing here in Philadelphia/Upper Darby; but I'm not going to either show since I have to save money. I'm also not a huge AC/DC fan and they're probably going to play some AC/DC since they did tonight on NYE, and the Philadelphia shows are the next shows after NYE. I'm not into AC/DC so I didn't go to the NYE show.

I've seen mule more than a few times and at least I got to see them when Allen Woody was still alive, and I saw them play the entire dose album in 2003.

This is the setlist they played tonight.

Set 1:
No Reward
Scared to Live
Banks of the Deep End
Painted Silver Light
Captured
Fool's Moon
(>)
Politician
(Cream cover) (> Fool's Moon)
Time to Confess
Railroad Boy
Lay Your Burden Down
Kind of Bird
Bring on the Music
Set 2:
Highway to Hell
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Let There Be Rock
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Sin City
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Shoot to Thrill
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Girls Got Rhythm
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Ride On
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Night Prowler
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
T.N.T
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Back in Black
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Hells Bells
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
You Shook Me All Night Long
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Problem Child
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Beating Around the Bush
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Whole Lotta Rosie
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)
Encore:
It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)
(AC/DC cover) (with Myles Kennedy)

[Edited on 1/1/2015 by The_Newt]

First times in many years that I did not attend any of the Mule shows at the Beacon Theatre. In my case, it was due to going to a couple of others shows this week (Deer Tick at Brooklyn Bowl and Television at Irving Plaza) and going to see ScoMule at the Ryman in March. I have a couple of thoughts on this. One is that as much as I enjoy Warren, he is spread out too thin. You can literally see him once a week if you want and I think it hurts the markability of the Mule. Another factor is that lately the covers outshine the original songs live. Lastly, I think his core audience is getting older and that they go to less shows.

Next year the Mule should stick to doing just one show at the Beacon unless they have a strong opening act.

One is that as much as I enjoy Warren, he is spread out too thin. You can literally see him once a week if you want and I think it hurts the markability of the Mule.

I wonder if people felt the same way about Coltrane or Miles? I find that sentiment a little strange. I've heard it expressed by a lot of folks and am not picking on Agerst... I just wonder what the hell is a musician supposed to do other than make music?

First times in many years that I did not attend any of the Mule shows at the Beacon Theatre. In my case, it was due to going to a couple of others shows this week (Deer Tick at Brooklyn Bowl and Television at Irving Plaza) and going to see ScoMule at the Ryman in March. I have a couple of thoughts on this. One is that as much as I enjoy Warren, he is spread out too thin. You can literally see him once a week if you want and I think it hurts the markability of the Mule. Another factor is that lately the covers outshine the original songs live. Lastly, I think his core audience is getting older and that they go to less shows.

Next year the Mule should stick to doing just one show at the Beacon unless they have a strong opening act.

You sure can't see Warren once a week here in Boston so don't understand where you are coming from. If you think it hurts his performances you might have a point but I doubt it has anything to do with over exposure especially when you consider their concert cost about $50 which is reasonable for the show they put on.

JMO but the Mule is a cult band and the fan base is older and aging which most likely has to do with show attendance.

The one thing I would agree with on the 12-30 show was the guitar tech Warren clearly missing Brian as a big Mule fan the thing about them is that you never know what songs you get at any show thats what keeps it interesting for me I've seen them many times never disappointed The Joker was outstanding with get up stand up tease.Hot Legs also was awesome.Nice crowd of fans.Warren Rocks Happy New year to all

Any reviews of the show? How was the AC/DC set?

Here are some videos. Some good quality some not so much

Hells Bells

Long Way to the Top (Encore)

Highway to Hell

Lay Your Burden Down

12/31 at The Beacon was GREAT! The first set of Mule was one of the best most cohesive non-stop fun sets I have had at a Mule show. Kind of Bird was a whole new approach and was top notch, creative musicianship! The AC/DC set was LOUD (about 108db according to my iPhone which = a freight train) but very enjoyable for me and you could see Warren enjoyed playing a hard rock set and of course he wowed. We walked out somewhere around 2:00ish smiling after another fun NYE with The Mule.

[Edited on 1/1/2015 by mikesolo]

LOUD?????

I could tell from the videos on youtube.

Not the usual Mule stage set up.

A solid wall of Marhalls.

I bet they all went to 11.

Heh heh.

They were actually handing out earplugs to first couple rows before the second set which I, foolishly, didn't use. Loved the set tho, thought they sounded great, if not a little rough around the edges but that just added to the fun in my opinion.

Ron - they were definitely on 11!

Went to both ny shows. Had a blast. Love the Mule. Can't wait for March.

I downloaded the 12-31 show last night. It's awesome. Really digging the AC/DC material. Especially Night Prowler.

I really felt Warren should have donned Angus' school boy outft. As far as diminishing crowds perhaps Myles Kennedy could convince Slash to put the Mule on a double bill tour. Personally I feel the Mule needs to go back to it's hard rock roots.

I downloaded the 12-31 show last night. It's awesome. Really digging the AC/DC material. Especially Night Prowler.

Could agree more the show is awesome and being a big Myles/Slash band fan I loved hearing Myles sing. He is also a kick ass guitar player and love the fact that Warren gave him a chance to solo a little.

Really high energy show. Anyone know if it they video taped it?

I really felt Warren should have donned Angus' school boy outft. As far as diminishing crowds perhaps Myles Kennedy could convince Slash to put the Mule on a double bill tour. Personally I feel the Mule needs to go back to it's hard rock roots.

That would be cool though I heard a rumor of a Mule/ Primus co-tour. Do need to grab the NYE show.

I really felt Warren should have donned Angus' school boy outft. As far as diminishing crowds perhaps Myles Kennedy could convince Slash to put the Mule on a double bill tour. Personally I feel the Mule needs to go back to it's hard rock roots.

That would be cool though I heard a rumor of a Mule/ Primus co-tour. Do need to grab the NYE show.

I would enjoy that provided Mule still got at least 2 hours. My favorite thing about a Mule show is getting almost 3 hours of awesomeness. Pro us is alright, but Mule they aren't. Would be nice to hear the Deep End tracks with Les as he's the only one that can do them.

I was at the 12/30 show. I would not say it's in the top ten of Mule shows I have been at but I would not say it was anything but total excellence that you get from the Mule each and every time. While I like Shout I think the first set suffered from ALL the Shout material. A few more classics would have been nice. The second set was much better and very exciting. I particularly enjoyed the two Rod Steward encores. Of course Stay With Me has been done many times but I have never heard Hot Legs before.

As for attendance issues, the Beacon is pretty expensive, even for the Mule. That might be making a difference. And perhaps the Mule is not picking up new fans as they did over the previous 20 years. That's something for the management to take a look at.

I agree. 12/30 first set was a bit of snoozer and I was wondering what was up with the Mule.

Silly me. I watched the webcast from Philly and was blown away. Great show !

Looking forward to where ScoMule and more free schedule takes them...