Prepare for a long, memorable night when Warren Haynes Band performs Wednesday, July 24, at The Clyde Theatre. 

It’s an “Evening With” concert featuring the veteran singer-songwriter-guitarist and his backing unit. Count on Haynes to touch on each era of his long career.

All in on Allman brothers

Haynes, 64, is known for his work with Govt. Mule, The Allman Brothers Band, and The Dead, among other recording artists.

“We’re going to draw from all sorts of material,” Haynes said. “I’ll play songs from my solo records and so much more. You know I can’t ignore the Govt. Mule and Allman Brothers songs.”

Count on Haynes to toss in some covers. 

“It’s going to be a great mix of things,” Haynes said while calling from his home in West Chester, New York. “It’s been so much fun playing such a variety of material.”

The setlist will be different with each show. 

“I always like to mix things up,” he said. “It’s great to have so much to draw from. It’s been quite a career.”

Haynes loves paying tribute to The Allman Brothers, who had such an impact on his life. 

“I’ll always have a soft spot for the Allmans since they gave me the biggest break of my career,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

Haynes was tabbed by Dickey Betts to perform backing vocals on his 1988 album, Pattern Disruptive. Betts invited Haynes to become part of his band a year later. When The Allman Brothers Band reunited, Betts recruited Haynes to be part of the group.

“That was a huge opportunity,” Haynes said. “I owe so much to Dickey Betts. He was an incredible musician and an even better person.”

Betts passed away at 80 in April, and Haynes took it hard. 

“Dickey no longer being here is a huge loss,” Haynes said. “I’ve known Dickey since 1981 and played with his band before joining The Allman Brothers Band. I was a huge Allman Brothers fan when I was growing up and I got to meet them through Dickey. That set me on this path where I’m fortunate enough to do what I love. I’ve been on this incredible journey that I appreciate.”

Good times keep rolling

Haynes has accomplished a great deal during his varied career, including co-writing “Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House” for Garth Brooks, which was one of the country icon’s hits on his massive 1990 album No Fences. 

Haynes also made his mark as a recording artist with Govt. Mule, as a guitar hero with the Allmans, and has played live with Dave Matthews Band and Tedeschi Trucks Band. He has recorded with such legends as Dolly Parton, Peter Frampton, and even William Shatner. 

So what is left for Haynes to accomplish?

“There is still more to do,” Haynes said. “I’m proud of what I’ve done, but there is some cool things I’d like to accomplish. 

“I’m so glad that Govt. Mule finally made a blues album. It was so cool that album (2021’s Heavy Load Blues) was nominated for a Grammy (for Best Traditional Blues Album). But we still haven’t done our jazz album. 

“Right now, I’m writing and creating new music. I’m excited about the future.”

The future is a gig at The Clyde. 

“I love playing at the Clyde,” Haynes said. “What impresses me is that it’s always a rockin’ crowd. We always play to such a great audience in Fort Wayne, but I don’t know why. I’ve played all over the world, and Fort Wayne is amazing. I’m just so glad I ended up on this path in which I became a musician.”

‘Beyond my wildest dreams’

Growing up in Asheville, North Carolina, Haynes became hooked on music when he was 7 years old. 

“That’s when I first started singing,” he said. “What I mostly sang was soul music. I used to sing James Brown songs. James was my first musical hero.”

However, by the time he was 11, Haynes’ musical taste shifted. 

“Rock music just spoke to me,” Haynes said. “I became interested in the guitar, and I just couldn’t put it down. 

“You know how some kids just pick up an instrument and get bored with it and leave it behind? That wasn’t the way it was with me and the guitar. I was always fascinated by it. That led me to forming a band when I was 14 years old.”

By the time he was 17, Haynes was on tour. 

“It’s a life that just always appealed to me,” he said. “There is nothing like getting on stage or creating and recording music. It’s paid off.”

Haynes has won a pair of Grammy Awards, played in front of 350,000 at Woodstock ’94, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Allman Brothers in 1995.

“There are so many highlights in my career,” Haynes said. “All that I’ve experienced is beyond my wildest dreams.”

Not finished

But it all goes back to writing songs, which is what Haynes has always been passionate about since he became a touring musician.

“I love to write, and I write the majority of the songs (for Govt. Mule and solo project),” Haynes said. “Some of the songs are collaborations. I enjoy the whole songwriting process. I think back to what Gregg Allman used to say, which is, ‘There are as many ways to write a song as there are songs.’ 

“I like to write at home when we’re off the road. But I’m often on the road, and I’ve learned how to make myself write when I’m away from home as well. I’ve learned how to write on a tour bus, which is a good thing since I spend countless hours on that bus.”

Haynes has always been an open-minded musician who devours many different styles of music. He believes being a sponge to eclectic music helped him find himself, and he advises young musicians to be receptive to many genres. 

“I tell anyone who wants to be a musician that they should listen to as many different types of music as possible,” Haynes said. “That’s the way you find yourself as a musician. It worked for me. I started out listening to soul and then blues, jazz, and rock music, and then folk music. All of what I consumed turned me into the musician I am today.”

Haynes is armed for more as a musician. Some amazing music has been crafted over recent years by seniors. Such icons as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Neil Young, along with a number of other elder rockers are creating compelling, fascinating music into their twilight years. 

“It’s true,” Haynes said. “When I was growing up, rock was a young man’s game, but things have changed, and I’m so glad since I have so much more to say and contribute as a musician.”