The Newport Folk Festival became the site of a truly collaborative musical celebration this week as Hayley Williams took to the Fort Stage for a special, star-studded performance. The Paramore frontwoman, billing the set as 'Hayley Williams & Friends', curated an afternoon of unique duets and live debuts that highlighted her versatility and deep connections within the indie and alternative music scenes.
The setlist was a masterclass in musical camaraderie. Williams opened the show with 'Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party' and 'Kill Me' before inviting Wednesday singer Karly Hartzman to the stage for a powerful rendition of 'Mirtazapine'. The momentum continued as she welcomed a diverse array of artists, including This Is Lorelei, Joy Oladokun, and Liam Benzvi, to perform alongside her.
A Showcase of Collaborative Spirit
One of the most anticipated moments of the festival occurred when Jenny Lewis joined Williams for a performance of 'Silver Lining'. The collaborative energy remained high throughout the set, with Kelsey Lu providing instrumental and vocal support on several tracks, including the live debut of 'Leave It Alone' and a special performance of 'Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris' alongside Lucy Dacus.
The set also featured a surprise appearance from Remi Wolf, who used the platform to debut a new track titled 'Twiggy Little Butt'. As the show neared its conclusion, Williams reunited with her longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff. The pair delivered an acoustic cover of the Bleachers track 'I Wanna Get Better' and performed 'Good Ol’ Days' together, much to the delight of the Newport crowd.
A Communal Finale
To close out the performance, Williams invited many of the day's guests back to the stage for a mass, communal rendition of Bill Withers’ classic 'Lean On Me'. The moment served as a fitting end to a set that prioritized connection and shared artistry over individual spectacle.
Williams, who recently completed a successful run of UK and European tour dates, continues to demonstrate her ability to balance intimate, raw performances with large-scale festival energy. With her third solo album, 'Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party', still resonating with fans, this Newport appearance further cements her status as one of the most dynamic performers in modern music.