Renowned quartet GOV'T MULE — led by Grammy Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitar legend, and producer Warren Haynes — has been forced to postpone its previously announced spring 2022 U.S. tour after Haynes fractured his scapula while on vacation in Costa Rica. The month-long trek in support of GOV'T MULE's critically acclaimed, chart-topping blues album "Heavy Load Blues" was scheduled to kick off on April 6 in Syracuse, New York and end on April 30 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Earlier today (Wednesday, March 30), Haynes released the following statement via social media: "Hi everyone, "While on vacation in Costa Rica with my family this past weekend, I slipped on a wet surface and landed very hard on my shoulder. Upon arriving back to the States and seeing a specialist, it's been confirmed that I fractured my scapula. Unfortunately, this means that GOV'T MULE's Spring Tour, which was set to begin next Wednesday, must be postponed. "I'm truly heartbroken and so very sorry that this happened. I don't think anyone was more excited to get back out on the road than I was. "We're working to reschedule these tour dates and will have updates as soon as possible. The doctors are confident that my shoulder will be healed in time for MULE to hit the road this summer, as planned. "Thank you for understanding and see you all very soon! "With love, Warren Haynes". "Heavy Load Blues" (Fantasy Records), GOV'T MULE's first-ever blues album, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart upon its November 2021 release, marking the band's third album to enter the Billboard charts at the top spot in their storied career. "Heavy Load Blues" also peaked on the Amazon Best Sellers in Blues chart and Music Connect's Blues Albums chart, among many other charting positions. The 13-track album, produced by Haynes alongside engineer and co-producer John Paterno (Elvis Costello, Michael Landau, Bonnie Raitt, Robbie Williams, LOS LOBOS), encompasses an even mix of Haynes's originals, such as "Heavy Load", and revered covers, including their rendition of the Tom Waits classic "Make It Rain", a groovy arrangement of the Junior Wells standard "Snatch It Back And Hold It" and more originally made famous by the likes of Howlin' Wolf, Elmore James, Ann Peebles, Bobby "Blue" Bland and THE ANIMALS. A deluxe edition featuring additional studio and live tracks, including another Haynes original and covers originally by SAVOY BROWN, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, Otis Rush and more, is also available now. Though technically considered a studio album, "Heavy Load Blues" was recorded live in the studio at The Power Station New England on analog tape, utilizing vintage guitars, amps and other equipment to capture an authentic sound. GOV'T MULE — Haynes, Matt Abts (drums), Danny Louis (keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals) and Jorgen Carlsson (bass) — returned to the stage in January for their first shows of 2022 at Island Exodus 12, the band's annual destination "concert-cation" event at Jewel Paradise Cove Resort in Jamaica. The five-day extravaganza (January 16-20) saw MULE perform three full shows along with performances from DAWES, THE WAR AND TREATY and Ron Holloway for a truly memorable experience. Photo credit: Jay Sansone
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