Jack Antonoff's Epic Newport Superjam Unites Legends Hayley Williams and Rufus Wainwright for Unforgettable Performance

Jack Antonoff's Epic Newport Superjam Unites Legends Hayley Williams and Rufus Wainwright for Unforgettable Performance

Jack Antonoff’s Newport Superjam Unites Hayley Williams and Rufus Wainwright in a Historic Festival Moment

At the 2025 Newport Folk Festival, Jack Antonoff led a Bleachers set that became a superjam. He brought together famed acts. Hayley Williams from Paramore and Rufus Wainwright joined him. Artists from folk, rock, and alternative styles played side by side. The stage showed Newport’s changing musical scene in one unified moment.

Hayley Williams’ Surprise Debut of “Mirtazapine”

Hayley Williams sang her new track “Mirtazapine” live. She had shared the song before only on radio. This time, she revealed its raw ’90s edge. She used no studio effects. Antonoff played his acoustic guitar by her side. The simple live sound matched the festival feel well. Soon after, she and Antonoff sang a duet of Modern English’s “Melt with You.” Their close collaboration honored music in the purest form.

A Night Filled With Musical Collaborations

Antonoff’s set hosted many surprise guests. Rufus Wainwright performed with the band. Together, they played Bleachers’ “45” and Bob Dylan’s “Not Dark Yet.” The Dylan nod reminded fans of Newport’s deep folk roots. Rufus showed clear gratitude for the tribute.
Other artists such as Maren Morris, Jeff Tweedy, Waxahatchee, Dan Reeder, and Weyes Blood also took the stage. They played covers and original songs. Their work blurred lines between folk, rock, and indie pop. The set diverged from Bleachers’ usual style, yet it embraced genre fluidity and the spirit of artist camaraderie.

Newport Folk Festival’s Evolving Legacy

Antonoff wove different acts into one smooth performance. The festival grew from a traditional folk event to one that celebrates diverse music. Hayley Williams became a bridge between alternative and folk fans. This change announces openness to new sounds and creative ideas.
The 2025 Newport Folk Festival will live on for its bold mix of legends. It showed that artists like Williams and Wainwright can push music boundaries while still honoring the past. For all fans, the night was proof that music can unite genres and generations.


Source: Coverage of Jack Antonoff’s Newport Folk Festival performance featuring Hayley Williams and Rufus Wainwright

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