Hayseed Dixie is an American musical ensemble credited with the creation of "rockgrass," a genre characterized by the performance of hard rock and heavy metal songs using traditional bluegrass instrumentation.
The group was formed in 2000 in Nashville, Tennessee, by John Wheeler, who frequently performs under the stage name Barley Scotch. The band's debut album, A Hillbilly Tribute to AC/DC (2001), consisted of bluegrass reinterpretations of songs originally recorded by the Australian rock band AC/DC. The album achieved commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart.
Hayseed Dixie's musical arrangements typically feature traditional instruments such as the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, acoustic guitar, and double bass. While their initial recognition stemmed from AC/DC covers, the band expanded its repertoire to include reinterpretations of various artists—including Kiss, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin—as well as original compositions.
The band has maintained a consistent recording and international touring schedule, establishing a significant following in the United Kingdom and Europe. Despite multiple changes in the supporting lineup over two decades, John Wheeler has remained the group's primary songwriter, producer, and lead vocalist. As of 2023, the band has released over 15 studio albums and several EPs.
