The last two songs of his set were Into the Mystic (the Van Morrison tune) and then Soulshine. I wasn't there to hear it - but he likely played Into the Mystic - told the story about it (possibly about trying to get Dickie to let him play it with the ABB when they were in the ABB together) - and then after the story launched into Soulshine.

I wasn't there to hear the story - but I think that's a pretty good guess. In any event - Warren wrote Soulshine - no affiliation with Van Morrison. Though Soulshine was first actually recorded by Warren's friend Larry McCray.

To add a little to it, the Allmans recorded it before there was ever a commercial release by Mule. And Gregg sang it, not Warren. Larry McCray has been singing it for years. In fact some of the folks here heard the song live three times in one night in Chicago. We saw Mule first at a theater then went to a club where Larry was playing. He did it twice. Fun, long night!

Hey Folks,

I was so pleased by that story of Warren's at last year's Peach that I felt compelled to write this response (my first post, although I've been reading this forum for years).

I had always enjoyed when the ABB added covers to their repertoire that had some historical connection to the band but I was a puzzled by what, if anything beyond it being a great song, connected "Into The Mystic" to the ABB. At last summer's Peach I got my answer.

Warren explained that one day he was with Dickey when they heard "Into The Mystic" - I don't recall if it was on the radio or if Warren was noodling, but hearing it prompted Dickey to recall that it was Bill Graham's favourite song. Dickey then got inspired and suggested that the ABB give it a shot.

Warren's explanation wasn't quite apologetic, but it seemed to hint at an acknowledgment (and perhaps a feeling of some ABB fans) that "Into The Mystic" didn't necessarily fit the ABB. As a tribute to Bill Graham (who the band appreciated for many reasons), Dickey Betts felt it was appropriate and Warren didn't argue - or at least he never said that he did.

Moments like this one make me grateful for the Peach. Hope that helps.

Here is my understanding:
Originally, Rocking Horse, with Gregg on lead vocals, was recorded for Where It All Begins.

The band for some reason wanted to record one more song to replace Rocking Horse, but Dickey had left the session. Warren had Soulshine and suggested it (this would have been around the exact time that Larry McCray's release of the song occurred). They recorded Soulshine without Dickey but left space for him the in the call/response guitar solos after the final vocals (everything before that is just Warren on guitar...I think!).

Great song. Wish the original ABB version had used the duet and harmony (during the chorus) that they incorporated later. Plus, the gospel sounding keys that Chuck Leavell later added in Mule versions would have been really cool too. Definitely a song that lifted spirits and became a sing along at latter era ABB shows.

Plus, it's one of Lee's all-time favorites (he would have been in heaven if they had released both Rocking Horse & Soulshine on Where It All Begins).

Love Soulshine & Warren, but always wondered how this tune fit in the story.

That's interesting. I've never heard "Light Shine" before.

Here is my understanding:
Originally, Rocking Horse, with Gregg on lead vocals, was recorded for Where It All Begins.

The band for some reason wanted to record one more song to replace Rocking Horse, but Dickey had left the session. Warren had Soulshine and suggested it (this would have been around the exact time that Larry McCray's release of the song occurred). They recorded Soulshine without Dickey but left space for him the in the call/response guitar solos after the final vocals (everything before that is just Warren on guitar...I think!).

Great song. Wish the original ABB version had used the duet and harmony (during the chorus) that they incorporated later. Plus, the gospel sounding keys that Chuck Leavell later added in Mule versions would have been really cool too. Definitely a song that lifted spirits and became a sing along at latter era ABB shows.

Plus, it's one of Lee's all-time favorites (he would have been in heaven if they had released both Rocking Horse & Soulshine on Where It All Begins).

Tim, I thought we were friends. 😛

I have a few bad stories that stick out about both songs. In 2003 a handful of us went to Rockford, IL to see them. There was a rather large drunk woman groping me for a bit and they went into Rocking Horse. I left to use the restroom. This was at a fairground so you could hear everything everywhere so I couldn't escape.

Came back from the portapotty thing and she's still there and they are still playing that f+cking song. I looked down the row to the left and Sang is standing there laughing his ass off. I was with Brofan and I think he wanted to kill the woman.

Hands down the worst ABB show I have ever seen. I was so distraught by the whole experience that I gave away my Instant Live. It was that bad.

The second one was in 2006. A bunch of us went to Niagara Falls. They went went into Rocking Horse so of course I left. I came back and Cujo was waiting by the door to get in and he says you won't believe this but thwy are playing Soulshine. I thought he was kidding. Went inside and they were. Played them them back to back.

It was like someone had it out for me. 😉

[Edited on 11/2/2016 by Lee]

Hmmm ... Badger there is a distinct similarity; however, I'd say they are two distinct compositions. Warren's lyrics have a deeper meaning for me. Also "Soulshine" is a lot older composition than the ABB. I believe there is a YouTube of Warren performing it with David Allen Coe. Warren evidently wore his influences more clearly on his sleeve as a young man. Didn't we all?