The 65th Newport Folk Festival kicked off Frinday, and along with performances by Adrianne Lenker, Wednesday, MUNA, and more, festival-goers were treated to a surprise set by Beck.

Taking the Quad Stage in the afternoon alongside a full band, Beck delivered a short set consisting mostly of covers of classic American songs paying tribute to the festival’s musical roots, including renditions of Jimmie Rodgers’ “Waiting for a Train,” Blind Willie Johnson’s “God Moves on the Water,” and the traditionals “John Hardy” and “Stagger Lee.” He also played a few ‘60s era songs, including Fred Neil’s “The Other Side of This Life” and, in a classic Newport move, Bob Dylan’s “Maggie’s Farm.”

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Closing out the performance, Beck played a handful of his own songs, including “The Golden Age,” “One Foot in the Grave,” and the set-closer, “Loser.” Check out videos of the performance below.

Beck was recently featured on the latest Orville Peck single, “Death Valley High,” which debuted earlier this month. Up next, he’ll finish up his 2024 orchestral tour with two dates in New York City on July 29th and 30th, followed by a few festival appearances in September, including the inaugural South Star Music Festival. Grab tickets to Beck’s upcoming shows here.

Beck 2024 Newport Folk Festival Setlist:
Maggie’s Farm (Bob Dylan cover)
The Other Side of This Life (Fred Neil cover)
John Hardy
Waiting for a Train (Jimmie Rodgers cover)
Stagger Lee
God Moves on the Water (Blind Willie Johnson cover)
The Golden Age
Lost Cause
One Foot in the Grave
Loser

Beck covered Bob Dylan’s “Maggie’s Farm” during a surprise set at Newport Folk Fest on Friday pic.twitter.com/gsliN7LDeP

— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) July 27, 2024