NEWPORT, RI | Newport Folk Festival’s final day feels like a victory lap, a closing chapter where the boundaries between artists dissolve completely. The 2026 festival finale proved no exception, delivering a balance of blistering political anthems, lush pop-country, and an all-star curtain call that will echo in Fort Adams history.
Tom Morello packed the Quad Stage tent to absolute capacity for an explosive, politically charged acoustic-and-electric set. He brought his teenage son, Roman Morello, on stage to shred guitar on a high-energy performance of the Rage Against the Machine classic “Killing in the Name.”
Rousing the crowd with rebellious riffs and singalong anthems, Morello brought a punk-rock urgency that reminded everyone of folk music’s long history as the music of protest.
“I make anti-racist songs for anti-racists,” said Morello. “I make anti-fascist songs for anti-fascists. And I make anti-Nazi songs for anti-Nazis. On his new song, “‘Date Night’ is really a ‘which side are you on?’ song. If any of that offends you, do the math. Oh, and Roman Morello wrote the killer riff in this tune.”
Meanwhile, Irish sensation CMAT brought country-pop flair and theatrical wit to the Fort Stage, showcasing cuts from Euro Country. The highlight came when she invited Brandi Carlile out for a joy-filled duet of “I’d Want U,” sparking one of the biggest crowd roars of the afternoon. “Do you like me?” CMAT cheekily asked, receiving a wave of applause and cheers. “Well, that’s good!”
