Joe Russo's Almost Dead Covers Woody Guthrie's 'All You Fascists' In Washington D. C.

Joe Russo's Almost Dead (JRAD) brought their 2025 tour to a close with a memorable show at The Anthem in Washington D.C. this past Saturday. During the concert, the band surprised the crowd by debuting a cover of Woody Guthrie’s iconic protest song, "All You Fascists." Performing this tune in the heart of the nation's capital added a strong layer of significance, given the song’s historical roots as a powerful anti-fascist anthem first recorded by Guthrie during World War II. Woody Guthrie’s "You Fascists Are Bound to Lose" was originally recorded in 1944 on a radio broadcast alongside blues legend Sonny Terry and folk icon Pete Seeger. Guthrie, often regarded as one of the founding figures of modern protest music, famously etched the phrase "This Machine Kills Fascists" on his guitar, symbolizing his commitment to music as a tool for political resistance. This heritage is still resonant today, and JRAD’s rendition pays homage to that spirit while adding their own rocking twist. The band's version of "All You Fascists" drew clear inspiration from the late-1990s collaboration between English folk-punk musician Billy Bragg and American rock band Wilco. Their Mermaid Avenue project brought Guthrie’s previously unpublished lyrics to a new generation through updated rock and folk arrangements. JRAD’s take, led by guitarist Scott Metzger, echoed the energy and drive of the Bragg/Wilco recording, making it both a tribute and a fresh interpretation. This debut cover emerged seamlessly from another song, "Cats Under The Stars," and was followed up by a rendition of Merle Haggard’s "Mama Tried," connecting Guthrie’s legacy with another Oklahoma-born music legend. The show itself was packed with other Grateful Dead classics, including the opener "Loser," "Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodleloo," "Estimated Prophet," and the politically charged "Throwing Stones." JRAD also played "Silvio," a collaboration between Bob Dylan and Robert Hunter, and closed the night with Bruce Springsteen’s anthemic "Born To Run." Fans were treated not only to a setlist rich in Americana and folk-rock traditions but also to a performance that felt deeply rooted in musical activism. JRAD’s choice to perform "All You Fascists" in Washington D.C. speaks volumes about the lasting power of Guthrie’s message and how music continues to serve as a medium for political commentary. The concert was a fitting finale for the band’s 2025 tour, blending historical protest anthems with contemporary rock energy. Overall, JRAD’s 2025 finale was a compelling reminder of the enduring relationship between music and social movements. It captured the essence of protest music’s evolution, linking the struggles of the past with the present moment through thoughtful song choices and spirited performances. For one night in the nation’s capital, Woody Guthrie’s words rang out loud and clear, carried forward by a band that knows how to honor tradition while making it their own.