When two of alternative music’s most influential figures share a stage, how will their creative chemistry translate to live performance? Jack Antonoff and Hayley Williams are set to headline Rolling Stone’s 2025 Musicians on Musicians event on October 23 at New York’s historic Beacon Theatre, promising an evening of unprecedented musical collaboration and intimate conversation.
The pair, who recently stunned audiences at Newport Folk Festival 2025 with their duet of Modern English’s “Melt with You,” will reunite to showcase Antonoff’s band Bleachers alongside Williams’ distinctive vocal talents. Their Newport performance also featured Williams’ premiere of her new track “Mirtazapine,” signaling her evolving musical direction that blends alternative rock with experimental elements.
This latest iteration of Rolling Stone’s acclaimed series, established in 2019, continues the publication’s tradition of pairing musical innovators for unique conversations and performances. Previous years have featured legendary pairings including Paul McCartney with Taylor Swift and Elton John with Lana Del Rey, cementing the event’s reputation for fostering meaningful artist-to-artist dialogues.
Saturday Night Live’s James Austin Johnson will moderate the event, which also features emerging artists Role Model and María Zardoya of The Marías. The format combines live performances with onstage conversations, allowing musicians to share the stories behind their songs and creative influences in the intimate setting of the Beacon Theatre.
Antonoff, known for bridging indie rock with mainstream pop sensibilities through his extensive production work, brings his reputation for cross-genre collaboration to the event. The acclaimed producer’s Newport Folk Festival set featured an impressive lineup of guest appearances including Maren Morris and Jeff Tweedy, showcasing his talent for bringing diverse artists together. Williams, making her Musicians on Musicians debut, represents the continuing evolution of alternative music with her post-Paramore solo work. Sound designers at the event will create immersive layered atmospheres that enhance the emotional impact of each performance.
Tickets will be available through presale and public on-sale dates announced in early September 2025. The Beacon Theatre, accessible via Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue between West 74th and 75th Streets, will implement digital ticketing and standard security protocols. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for the thorough soundcheck that ensures optimal acoustic quality throughout the venue.
Attendees with accessibility needs can contact Madison Square Garden’s Accessibility Services Department for accommodations. The venue features Sphere Immersive Sound technology that ensures consistent audio levels throughout every seat in the theater. As the most anticipated musical event of 2025, this collaboration promises to unite alternative and mainstream music communities through performance and conversation.
