Beck Makes Surprise Stage Appearance at Newport Festival

The Newport Folk Festival has often hosted surprise performances, such as Joni Mitchell’s first real concert in more than 20 years in 2022. The tradition continued this year, when Beck On July 26, he played an unannounced afternoon set with a full band on the Quad Stage. His “time slot” on the bill was filled with a “To Be Announced” and his set featured a setlist that paid homage to the event’s musical roots.

Having recently embarked on a tour backed by a huge orchestra, which Beck left at home for the occasion, the “Odelay” artist opened, appropriately, with a cover of “Maggie’s Farm” by Bob Dylan, whose decision to “go electric” at the Newport Festival in 1965 remains one of the most significant moments in rock history.

From there he performed material by roots legends such as Fred Neil (“The Other Side of This Life”), Jimmie Rodgers (“Waiting for a Train”) and Blind Willie Johnson (“God Moves on the Water”), as well as traditional favorites such as “John Hardy” and “Stag’ Lee.”

Beck then concluded the 10-song set with his “The Golden Age,” “Lost Cause,” “One Foot in the Grave,” and “Loser.” Beck’s symphonic performances continue.

During this edition of the Newport Folk Festival, Hozier welcomed Mavis Staples, Joan Baez, Allison Russell, Nathaniel Rateliff and the members of the Lumineers for a cover of the Band’s “The Weight” during his set.

Many of these musicians then remained on stage for a closing rendition of Baez’s “We Shall Overcome.”

Beck’s Newport Festival Setlist

Maggie’s Farm (Bob Dylan cover)
The Other Side of This Life (Fred Neil cover)
John Hardy (traditional)
Waiting for a Train (Jimmie Rodgers cover)
Stag’ Lee (traditional)
God Moves on the Water (Blind Willie Johnson cover)
The Golden Age
Lost Cause
One Foot in the Grave
Loser