One of many reasons Jeff Tweedy’s Salt Lake City show is nearly sold out: his reputation precedes him.
The Wilco frontman has a lot of songs he can play. The books he’s written prove he has stories to tell. And he’s hilarious. You get the feeling that, no matter what he attaches himself to lately, he’s enjoying himself. He’ll be flying solo on Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024, at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. And while we can expect that this performance will be a far quieter affair than we’re used to when Wilco visits, that is perfectly OK.
There will be strumming in place of meandering solos. Musical poetry subbing for rock anthems. Idle musing stage banter. Listening. Appreciating. Vibing.
Because, hell yes, Jeff Tweedy has earned the right to do whatever he wants. Who else has a band that has earned its audience without ever landing a radio hit? Who else was dropped by his label after recording a record, then brought back by a smaller label within that label, before leaving to start his own? Who else has his own on-again, off-again music festival, handpicking his favorite acts?
If it’s not obvious by now, I don’t just like Wilco. I love Wilco. I love each member of the band like a weird estranged family member I’ll never get rid of. The only lyrics I’ve ever wanted to tattoo on my body come from one of their songs. As further bona fides, I once flew to the Catskills and slept in a forest, just so I could see them play a couple of gigs in the mud and rain. Will I ever tire of all Jeff and/or his band does? Clearly. No.
Once a serendipitous string of events led me backstage after a Wilco show at Red Rocks in Denver. As we walked around with wide eyes and pretended like we belonged (when we so didn’t) we noticed the whole band was milling around. The whole band, that is, except for Jeff.
Wednesday night’s show will be the exact opposite experience … and it’ll be glorious.
- Who: Jeff Tweedy (sans-Wilco)
- Where: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center
- When: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
- Tickets and info: thestateroompresents.com
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