A quick disclaimer to start: Wilco is my favorite band. I mean, I’m shocked they’re not everyone’s favorite band because they’re, you know, the best. Ever. So, as you might’ve already deduced, there will be absolutely nothing objective about this recap. I’m in too deep. My love is too strong. And, as previously mentioned, they’re the best.
The recently celebrated 20th anniversary of Wilco has been somewhat of an event for the band’s enthusiasts. First it was the release of a rarities box set (Alpha Mike Foxtrot) and an essentials album (What’s Your 20?). Then it was the announcement of their “Winterlude,” a six-night residency in Chicago, the city that they call home, over the course of eight nights. The shows, performed at The Riviera Theatre, sold out nearly immediately and for good reason. They’re amazing live. No, seriously. Even if I wasn’t a fan I’m pretty sure I’d be able to recognize Wilco’s live appeal. Their talent is literally dazzling. It’s f**king jaw-dropping.
Over their Winterlude, Wilco played 180 songs (30 each night) with few repeats. Every night had its distinguishing moments, but all offered a perfectly Wilco-esque ebb and flow. Their genre-defying catalog holds within it a lifetime of emotions and all of the shows possessed their fair share of confessional, introspective, philosophical ponderings, blended among foot-thumping sing-a-longs and straight-up jam-outs. Watching a Wilco show is kind of like taking a journey through the highs and lows of the human psyche: there’s joy, there’s tumult, and there’s a lot more than just joy and tumult. It’s powerful. And if you don’t believe me, take five minutes to watch them perform “via Chicago” (which happened to be the very first song they played at The Riv on Night 1).
The culmination of their 20-year journey as a band came—at least for the audience—on the final night of their six-night run. I think much of that is due to the fact that their set list was dictated not by what they thought the audience wanted to hear, but by what they wanted to play. “These are the songs that we felt like playing again and that the people that work with us felt like hearing us play again,” Jeff Tweedy said seven songs into the evening.
Ultimately, in playing for each other, Wilco managed to honor their collective musical legacy, as well as their individual range as musicians. Between the deep cuts (treasures to hear live for Wilco loyalists) and the slew of technically demanding tracks, their sheer mastery was apparent.
I mean, is there a better guitarist than Nels Cline? I can’t think of one. I also can’t think of a more innovative, impressive drummer than Glenn Kotche. And what about the attention to production quality that Pat Sansone has brought to Wilco? Or Mikael Jorgensen’s sound manipulations? And where would Wilco be without John Stirratt? Jeff Tweedy’s “brother,” as he referred to him on stage. And then there’s Tweedy, of course. One of the greatest lyricists and frontmen of all time. The contribution of former members of Wilco hasn’t been forgotten either: “I’d also like to say thanks to Max, Bob, Jay, Ken, Leroy,” Tweedy said before the final song of the Winterlude. “They all helped us get here. We miss ’em and we love ’em.”
All in all, the Winterlude was a worthy celebration of a band that has proven its relevance and pushed boundaries time and time again. Happy 20th, Wilco. And cheers to 20 more (or 40…60…).
Openers, MARROW
