Wilco, Chicago native band, performs at the Chicago Theatre

Thousands of Wilco fans walked into The Chicago Theatre on February 22, 2017 ready to treat their ears and eyes to a beautiful night full of incredible music and stage scenery. Wilco, the Chicago native band, was happy to return to their home turf for their Winterlude Concert Tour and perform their first of three shows during their time in Chicago.

Wilco is an alternative American, Americana Rock band that started back in 1994 with Jeff Tweedy (lead vocalist and guitarist) and John Stirratt (bassist). Wilco now also consists of band members Glen Kotche (drums and percussion—he also performs at Notre Dame almost every year with Third Coast Percussion), Mikael Jorgensen (Sound Manipulation), Nels Cline (Lead guitar and living legend), and Pat Sansone (Keyboard, backing vocals). From their origins in the ’90s, Wilco began to gain attention from their 2002 album, Yankee Foxtrot Hotel. It was then that famous music magazines and music critics stated that Wilco’s music had the ability to touch many eras and genres. In 2004, Wilco won two Grammys for their album A Ghost is Born. In 2015, they released Star Wars and in 2016, Schmilco.

Wilco’s fans vary greatly in age, taste, and demographic. One just has to go to their concerts to see that. This past Wednesday, Wilco had young kids, teens, college students, parents, and grandparents at their concert singing along and buying Wilco merchandise. The concert was relaxed yet electrifying, perfect for all ages. While The Chicago Theatre was completely sold out (about a 4,000 person capacity), every person sat down in their red velvet chairs and was able to fully appreciate the music for what it was—instead of being trampled on while dancing in the mosh pit, trying to get close to the band.

The set opened up with “If I Ever Was a Child” from their newest album, Schmilco. The band played a fair mix of their new and old songs that had people constantly engaged and singing along. Perhaps the star of the night was lead guitarist Nels Cline. In 2011, Rolling Stone magazine named him one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He proved his title by shredding his solos to perfection during songs like “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” and “Heavy Metal Drummer.” However, drummer Glen Kotche did not hide away from the spotlight with his altering wrist angles and abrupt and innovative ways of changing how he played his drumming sticks. He is known as the band’s “sonic nucleus.” At random moments, Kotche would burst out into a spontaneous drum solo, which received much-deserved standing ovations.

One of their most arguably well-performed songs was fan favorite, “Impossible Germany.” It is a taut and beautiful song that evokes the feeling of being in a dream within a dream while calling out to a loved one.

The set for Wilco’s two-hour show was a gentle yet jarring forest scene, which varied with lighting throughout the night. The outdoor forest look has depth and extensive detail on the shadowed trees and bushes. It made one feel as if the band were truly releasing their musical genius out for the entire world to hear and become a part of, right there in a magical hipster forest.

Overall, the Wilco concert was well worth the purchase of tickets 3 months in advance and the trek to Chicago from South Bend.

Rover Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Want to learn more about Wilco? Check out Sam Jones’ documentary, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco (2002).

The Rover’s Top Wilco Songs (in no particular order):

Impossible Germany

Jesus, etc.

If I Ever Was a Child

California Stars

You and I

Either Way

Sky Blue Sky

Normal American Kids

Solitaire

Crystal Avila is a senior studying Film and TV. She is extremely grateful that Jasmin Avila and Bernie Floeder took her to see Wilco at The Chicago Theatre on her 23rd birthday. If you want a music suggestion or want to share your newfound love for Wilco with her, please email her at cavila3@nd.edu.