Some Electric Mayhem broke out on Saturday at Newport Folk Festival where Goose welcomed Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem drummer and beloved Muppet Animal so sit in on, what else, “Animal”.
In the winddown of Goose’s single-set performance at Newport Folk—the band’s second in as many years—keyboardist Peter Anspach opened up the floor to requests. As a hail of song choices rained down on the band, a well-placed posterboard onstage fell down to reveal Animal perched on a drum riser on top of Goose’s drum riser. The vocabulary-challenged puppet’s choice was obvious, “Animal”.
Related: ‘The Muppets Mayhem’ Is A Delightful Rock & Roll Fable For All Ages [Videos/Review]
As the surreal moment unfolded onstage, the band members periodically all looked over to bask in the fact they were playing with an actual Muppet. Even stoic bassist Trevor Weekz cracked a smile, while guitarist Rick Mitarotonda was forced to look ahead and focus on the task at hand as he sang, “You’re an animal / It’s phenomenal.” Throughout the song, Animal could be heard in the back tossing out some well-timed “yeah”s as if he had Jon Fishman‘s sample pad. Following a healthy jam, even Animal let out a “Goooose” along with the crowd as they cheered the band offstage.
Of course, this isn’t the first live-action Muppet crossover at Newport Folk Festival. Back in 2019, Kermit The Frog and Jim James melted hearts in Rhode Island and beyond with their duet of “Rainbow Connection” during the banjo-picking frog’s set at the family-friendly festival. Maybe next year, Animal will come out with Trent Reznor for Nine Inch Nails‘ “Closer”.
Watch The Muppets‘ Animal sit in with Goose on “Animal” at Newport Folk Festival.
Goose, Animal – “Animal” [Pro-Shot] – 7/29/23