Wilco x2
A month or two ago I realized our planned drive from Napa to Florida lined up perfectly with Wilco’s gulf coast tour schedule.
Wilco in Jackson
Sadly new superfan Julie wasn’t with me. She joined me a year earlier in Tallahassee for an amazing show, our second time seeing opening act Waxahatchee (she’s a wee fan of them too).
Wilco show poster for Jackson
I tried to give away the extra tickets via the Wilco subreddit but the first night in Jackson I had no takers. And a front row seat at that! After a tasty and unhealthy southern meal on the north side of town I parked downtown for an evening with Wilco.
John takes the helm
The “evening with…” designation means no opening act and two full sets plus an encore of Wilco. Three hours and a chance to roam their vast back catalog. The Jackson show was amazing, including a rare chance to see John Stirratt take the guitar and lead vocals for “It’s Just That Simple” from debut album A.M. from over 30 years ago. If you’ve been reading this blog since I started it over 20 years ago you’ve known for a while that my Wilco love goes way back. John was not yet with predecessor band Uncle Tupelo when I would see them at Cicero’s basement bar near Wash U in St. Louis, joining for the much lauded Anodyne.
Wilco in Mobile
The Mobile show was the next night, and my hope was a divergent setlist similar to what I might see in a Chicago residence or festival. I was a bit disappointed as the Jackson and Mobile set lists were more alike than different. In hindsight it makes sense: Jeff’s been on a “solo” tour with his family band all winter (Julie and I saw Jeff in Phoenix) and they (1) haven’t been hanging out producing a new album and (2) didn’t have time to do that much different than their last tour.
Chris and Eddie outside the Saenger theater
I did find Wilco buddy Eddie who reached out to me before the show to snag the extra ticket. He bought dinner for me at a beer garden next to the theater and we shared our love for the band and history seeing them (and similar acts). Thank you Eddie!
