Adam Kissick for NPR

51 years ago, Bob Dylan freaked out attendees at the Newport Folk Festival by plugging in and playing an electric guitar. And while Ryan Adams busting out covers of Slayer and Sabbath at the same festival over the weekend isn’t quite the same, his unorthodox covers rivaled those of Rob Scallon’s wacky banjo covers or Steve ‘N’ Seagulls bluegrass takes of Maiden and Dio songs.

During the Newport Folk Festival this past weekend, Adams performed a few metal covers from Slayer and Black Sabbath in a much more accessible, bluegrass style for an unsuspecting crowd who just wanted to enjoy some folk music. Adams was joined by the Infamous Stringdusters and Nicki Bluhm to play Black Sabbath’s “The Wizard” and Slayer’s “South of Heaven.” On top of that, he also improvised a song around the phrase “Frightened and Rabid” as a nod to the band Frightened Rabbit playing on the next stage.

Check out the recordings of the live performance below or take a listen to the full show courtesy of the NPR.

Black Sabbath – The Wizard

Slayer – South of Heaven

Full Show:

Alix Vallecillo

Black Metal enthusiast from Los Angeles who thought was a good idea to grab a camera and shoot underground shows for the hell of it. Pseudo-writer with little to no expectations of ever winning a Pulitzer but totally down to write about your unknown band if it's good to my ears. I enjoy long walks on the beach, deep conversation, holding hands and attending Satanic music shows every now and then.

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