After mulling over the band’s future following the sudden death of bassist Allen Woody last August, bandmates Warren Haynes and Matt Abts have decided to soldier on for a tour with some help from their friends.

Bassist Dave Schools of Widespread Panic joins the Mule for a 10-city run, and they’ll hook up with keyboardist Chuck Leavell – who has gained fame as the “sixth Rolling Stone” – for two dates.

The tour rolls out March 29 in Raleigh, N.C., and hits clubs and theatres in cities throughout the South including Nashville, Birmingham, Charleston, Gainesville and New Orleans.

Haynes and Abts put Gov’t Mule on hold after the death of Woody, but they certainly have kept busy.

They’ve been in the studio recording tracks for a future tribute album with many of Woody’s favorite bass players, according to Capricorn Records.

Some of the guests who have offered to perform on the disc include Les Claypool, Phil Lesh, Jack Casady, Chris Squire, Bootsy Collins, and Schools.

Abts and Haynes are keeping their road legs limber, too. Abts just wrapped up a tour with Blue Floyd and Haynes has been touring with Phil Lesh & Friends.

Haynes is currently preparing for the Allman Brothers Band‘s annual stint March 15 – 24 at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.