Bob Dylan Joins Mumford and Sons and the Avett Brothers at the Grammys

Bob Dylan joined the members of two rising-star bands in his genre on the Grammy stage, growling through a rousing hootenanny version of 'Maggie's Farm.'

Mumford and Sons and the Avett Brothers performed prior to Dylan's introduction, though before the last curtain opened to reveal Dylan it was already clear who the centerpiece of the shared set was.

Mumford and Sons kicked off the segment with 'The Cave,' literally shaking the stage the only way a small folk band could -- with lots of foot-stomping and a three-piece brass section blowing jubilant orchestral harmonies. The Avetts followed with the sparse 'Head Full of Doubt, Road Full of Promise,' sharing a stage designed to resemble a honky tonk.

When Dylan appeared and launched into 'Maggie's Farm,' the members of Mumford and Sons and Avett Brothers surrounded him with every instrument they could find, including banjos, guitars and accordions. Dylan, who was hardly audible at times, was nearly drowned out by the younger voices and chorus of instruments surrounding him.

The mix was likely due to simple exuberance: Following the performance, which ended with Dylan kingly directing traffic with a few harmonica blows and a small wave of his hand, the band members hovered behind him with their mouths open, like some young kids jamming in a basement who had just been interrupted by their idol walking in and asking if he could join in on a song.

Mumford and Sons, the Avett Brothers and Bob Dylan at the Grammys

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