Hayseed Dixie

Hayseed Dixie are the irreverent pioneers of “rockgrass,” blending the fire of hard rock with the soul of Appalachian bluegrass—a sound that has won them a devoted following across the UK.Formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2000, Hayseed Dixie burst onto the scene with A Hillbilly Tribute to AC/DC, a rollicking collection of bluegrass reimaginings of rock anthems. Their name itself is a playful twist on “AC/DC,” and their mission has always been to celebrate the joy of music by breaking down the walls between genres. With frontman John Wheeler (aka Barley Scotch) leading the charge, the band quickly carved out their own niche, coining the term “rockgrass” to describe their fusion of banjos, fiddles, and mandolins with the energy of stadium rock.UK audiences have been central to Hayseed Dixie’s story. From storming the main stage at Glastonbury in 2005 to founding their own Scottish festival, Loopallu, in Ullapool that same year, the band’s connection with British fans runs deep. Their live shows are legendary—equal parts barn dance and rock gig—where classics from AC/DC, KISS, and Aerosmith are reborn with Appalachian swagger. They’ve also released a string of albums that mix covers with satirical originals, proving they’re more than just a novelty act. For UK country fans, Hayseed Dixie embody the spirit of musical rebellion while staying rooted in the storytelling traditions of bluegrass.Hayseed Dixie’s latest release, the 2025 EP Grassphemy, sees the band tearing into Ozzy Osbourne classics with their trademark “rockgrass” swagger—proof that they’re still pushing boundaries while delighting UK audiences.Today, with members like Hippy Joe Hymas (himself born in the UK) adding local flavour, Hayseed Dixie continue to tour extensively, bringing their infectious energy to festivals and venues across Britain. Their music is a reminder that country and bluegrass are living, evolving traditions—capable of embracing humour, grit, and the sheer joy of performance. Whether you’re a lifelong country fan or a rock devotee dipping your toes into Americana, Hayseed Dixie offer a bridge between worlds, inviting everyone to raise a glass and join the party.