Hess--who is among the players who have recorded and performed with original members Warren Haynes (guitar) and Matt Abts (drums) since Woody died in August of 2000--has also performed with The Black Crowes, Joan Osborne, Freedy Johnston and others, and has logged session work with artists such as David Byrne and Tina Turner.

"It's a real honor and privilege to play with Gov't Mule," Hess said in a statement. "Allen's are some big shoes to fill, but I am going to try to put my own stamp on it. I am very excited about being a part of the band."

Hess will join Haynes, Abts and keyboardist Danny Louis during Gov't Mule's fall tour, which kicks off in mid-October and follows Oct. 7 release of a new CD and DVD titled "The Deepest End." Recorded on May 3 at New Orleans' Saenger Theater, "The Deepest End" captures a six-hour performance given as a tribute to Woody, during which Haynes and Abts teamed with a host of guest bassists, including Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne), Les Claypool (Primus), Mike Gordon (Phish) and others.

In addition to its fall headlining dates--which will feature support from New Earth Mud, former Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson's new outfit--Gov't Mule is also scheduled to open for Widespread Panic in Austin, TX, on Oct. 3, and will share the stage with Phil Lesh & Friends during a three-night stand at Denver's Fillmore Auditorium Nov. 14-16. A Nov. 1 performance at New Orleans' Voodoo Music Experience festival is planned as well.

Gov't Mule has already nailed down its New Year's Eve plans; the group will hold a three-night stand at New York City's Beacon Theatre Dec. 29-31. Tickets are already on sale.