The Other launched just over a year ago to document how New York’s cannabis market develops and where it intersects with culture, music, and community. So, when the opportunity came together to work with Gov’t Mule for their annual New Year’s run at the Beacon Theatre, the fit was obvious.
As the exclusive cannabis promotional partner for both shows—December 30 and 31—we’re producing a very special commemorative program magazine, available at the upcoming Beacon shows and distributed throughout dispensaries across NYC, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island with exceptional editorial content for both our fans and the bands. A true collectible.
The Band
For 30 years, Gov’t Mule has represented the kind of organic, honest approach to music that aligns with what we’ve always tried to do with The Other. They’re not chasing trends or manufacturing authenticity. They show up, play three-hour sets, and build something real with their audience. Same philosophy we bring to cannabis journalism.
Gov’t Mule is led by visionary GRAMMY Award-winning artist, guitar legend, songwriter and producer Warren Haynes – a cornerstone of the American music landscape. The enduring, globally revered GRAMMY-nominated group has showcased its intelligence and breadth over the course of 20+ studio and live albums, more than 2500 performances, and millions of album and track sales. Gov’t Mule – Haynes [guitar, vocals], Matt Abts [drums], Danny Louis [keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals], and Kevin Scott [bass] – has become a human encyclopedia of great American music while adding to that canon with their signature sound. The band’s flexible interplay in the studio and on stage makes them a true living, breathing ensemble and Haynes is lauded as one of the most formidable guitarists and vocalists of the modern era as well as a prolific songwriter and producer.
The Beacon
Haynes has played the Beacon Theatre more than any other musician – taking the stage with Gov’t Mule, Allman Brothers Band, Phil Lesh and Friends, Warren Haynes Band, Love Rocks and various special guest appearances. Performing close to 300 times on that beloved stage, “The Beacon is just a fantastic place to play,” says Haynes. “We always wind up having great shows there.”
Built in 1929 as a movie palace, The Beacon became a rock hall in the 1970s when bands like the Grateful Dead discovered its acoustics. Those acoustics were originally designed for live orchestras accompanying silent films, perfect for the extended improvisations that define jam bands. The Allman Brothers Band played more than 230 shows there before their final performance in 2014. The New York Times has called it, “the Carnegie Hall of rock rooms.”
Since 2002, the Beacon has been the home for Gov’t Mule’s annual New Year’s tradition, with the only exceptions being 2008, when the venue was under renovation and the band played the Hammerstein Ballroom on West 34th Street, and 2020 due to Covid.
What We’re Building
The Other sits down with Haynes for an interview about cannabis, creativity, what makes these New Year’s shows special year after year, and more. We’ll be including exclusive context about where music and cannabis culture intersect, not because we’re forcing that connection, but because it’s already there.
We’re printing 15,000 copies of the commemorative program, so everyone who attends either show gets one. We’ll also be distributing the rest throughout dispensaries across the region.
Our subscribers will get special access with content previews, a special offer on tickets to the December 30 and 31 shows and contests to enter to win tickets, access to soundcheck access on December 30, and more!
This Year’s Theme
Aside from just gathering the Mule community to ring in a new year together, their New Year’s Eve shows have featured a themed set to make the evening extra special. This year is no different as Warren and the band will be honoring the music of 1971, which Haynes has shared as “arguably the greatest year in rock music history.”
Songs are not revealed in advance and they’re not saying which legendary albums they’ll feature music from but that’s part of the mystique. You show up not knowing if you’ll hear At Fillmore East front to back, deep cuts from Led Zeppelin IV, the Stones’ Sticky Fingers, or some combination they’ve been working on for months. Haynes was 11 years old in 1971, soaking up everything his older brothers played. Now he gets to revisit that music with one of the best bands on the road.
The shows each night will feature two, full energy sets and fantastic song selections, plus a midnight countdown and more on New Years Eve.
Why We’re Doing This Now
New York’s cannabis market is still finding its footing. Legal dispensaries are open, cultivators are working through inventory challenges, and consumers are figuring out what they want from this regulated market. Live music roared back post-pandemic stronger than anyone expected.
The synergy between The Other and Gov’t Mule works because we’re not some corporation trying to capitalize on counterculture. We’re two independents who share values and want to create something people can use.
These two nights at the Beacon are New Year’s celebrations that honor where jam band culture and cannabis culture have always intersected—in the music, in the community, in the understanding that some experiences matter more when they’re shared.
Mule’s first live show was in 1994 with their self-titled debut album released in 1995. Maybe you’ve followed the Mule from the beginning and know a lot about the amazing history. Maybe you just recently discovered the band or Haynes’ superior guitar work. Maybe you’re a longtime cannabis advocate or someone just beginning to explore what the plant offers. Either way — we look forward to celebrating with you and the band at the Beacon at the end of 2025 to ring in the new year and sharing a very special collectable program magazine as the band continues their annual New Year’s tradition at the Beacon, making more history.
How to Get Involved
The Other subscribers can find exclusive content, contest details, and ticket information at TheOtherMagazines.com/mule. We’ll be releasing a special ticket offer in our upcoming newsletter for readers soon—watch your inbox.
When you get to the Beacon, find The Other team. We’ll have a table at both shows. Stop by, grab a program guide, say hello.
See you there.
—Peter Shafran
Founder & Publisher, The Other Magazine
This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy and voice by The Other’s editorial team.
Gov’t Mule at Beacon Theatre
December 30–31, 2025
Beacon Theatre, NYC
Tickets: GOV’T MULE NYE
The Other Magazine is the exclusive cannabis promotional partner for Gov’t Mule’s New Year’s Run 2025.
