fineartoflife Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 What do you guys think about Wilco's live performances, are they better in smaller venues or just as good in larger? I only ask because I know some bands are miles better in smaller venues, though i assume Wilco is great in both. When the Chicago residency tickets sold out so fast, i really wished they would have played at the united center or something, but maybe that sacrifices a lot? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
uncool2pillow Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I've only seen 1 or 2 arena shows in the past 15 years. I really got put off by them when I saw Neil Young & Crazy Horse back in '91 or '92 at the Target Center in the Twin Cities. I was so far away that the sound and the sight was out of sync. When I moved closer, it didn't help much. I don't know if Wilco would even sell out an arena in Chicago just because a lot of their fans wouldn't like the arena experience. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Party @ the Moontower Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 One thing I love about Wilco is the smaller venues. In Tulsa this past winter I was standing almost on stage with JT. We could not help but make eye contact.The stage was not elevated much at all. And with Nells last week I was actually talking to him..as was everyone else.Good times! Austin City Limits Festival...not so fun. Wilco way to far away and full. I had to watch them on a screen. Just like my last U2 concert. Luckily I paid a worker some cash to get down on the floor. Even then I had to watch them on a screen.I can do that @ home. That's why I will never pay 100's of dollars to go see U2 again. I'm saving my $ for Wilco instead.Just hope they stay with the smaller venues most of the time. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
So Long Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I've never been too far away from Wilco. So, I'd say smaller venues are the best. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fineartoflife Posted July 24, 2008 Author Share Posted July 24, 2008 Yeah, I saw John Mayer at summerfest, and though I had a great time, it was really hard to get into it being in the back rows, to get that connection Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Three dollars and 63 cents Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I don't think I've ever seen Wilco in a venue that holds more than 2,000 people. I'm pretty sure the Wilmington show will be the smallest, not counting places where I've seen Nels. I hope Tanglewood is the biggest place where I see them. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wilco Worshipper Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Last June I saw Wilco at Pines Theater (small ampitheatre) in Northampton MA and then the Bank of America Pavilion (much larger arena) in Boston a few days later. The one thing I found myself most often saying when comparing the two shows is that...Wilco played TO THE VENUE that they were in. Pines was much quieter and more of a folky experience, with the exception of the standout performance of Spiders (Kidsmoke). While the BofA Pavilion felt much more like a rock show. Personally, I prefer the small venue all for selfish reasons. Imho, however, I think the guys do a bang-up job no matter WHERE they are Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gobias Industries Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Small venues. Seeing them at the Mershon Auditorium the previous year was a godsend, it's not a very large theatre so it worked out splendidly. I suppose being in the second row helped a bit... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Three dollars and 63 cents Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I was just talking about that version of Spiders the other day and how freaking awesome it was, especially since so many people were throwing glow sticks around. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lamradio Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 A lot of it has to do with the sound quality. Most of the venue's they play are smaller theaters, and they were intentionally built for music/acoustics. When I saw Wilco at Ovens in Charlotte, the sound quality was the best I have ever heard at any concert and it had to do with the theater design. I'm sure they sounded amazing at the Ryman in Nashville. I've never seen them at an arena, but I've seen plenty of other arena shows and the sound was always very echoey and distorted. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
IRememberDBoon Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Thats why I went to Tipitinas in March. Ended up on the first row too! charlottesville pavillion is pretty big and they kill it there! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mfwahl Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I think it's more how they use it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LouieB Posted July 26, 2008 Share Posted July 26, 2008 I have to say the Millenium Park gig las summer had a bit of a weird vibe. Playing to 10,000 people outdoors in their hometown had to be a bit of a trip even for a seasoned band like Wilco. LouieB Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alastor The Great Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Small venue. I went to the Wilco show in Grand Junction, CO and it was in a small amphitheater. It was just SPECTACULAR. Not one person sat down during the show, and everyone just locked together when they sung. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JessieOK Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 One thing I love about Wilco is the smaller venues. In Tulsa this past winter I was standing almost on stage with JT. We could not help but make eye contact.The stage was not elevated much at all. And with Nells last week I was actually talking to him..as was everyone else.Good times! I must have been right next to you...I was smashed against the railing, of my own doing of course, staring Jeff and Pat in the face. So me, I vote for small venues. I've been to plenty of large venue shows, and when Pearl Jam tours again, undoubtedly, I'll suck it up and go see them at Ford center or whatever enormous arena they play, but it's not my preference. There's just some bands that you have to see and that might be the only way. A Pearl Jam show in Cain's would be pretty cool though... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
froggie Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 i've seen them in big and small and they great always. i think it depends on the crowd Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Party @ the Moontower Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 I wish Wilco would play smaller venues..like in my backyard. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HungryHippo Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 i prefer Wilco in smaller venues such as auditoriums. there's something really intimate about that setting not only regarding the band and music, but fellow concert goers as well. it feels like being stuck in one big ball of love for a couple of hours. and i do not mean this in a dirty way, lol. that feeling easily dissipates during outdoor gigs. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The High Heat Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I wish Wilco would play smaller venues..like in my backyard.Man, you stole my line.I'd settle for solo Tweedy at the local college auditorium, especially if the drummer tags along. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LouieB Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Man, you stole my line.I'd settle for solo Tweedy at the local college auditorium, especially if the drummer tags along.You can actually see "the drummer " if you are refering to Glenn Kotche the current drummer (or are you speaking of Ken Coomer the former drummer..not sure), in small venues fairly often. I was practically sitting inside his drum kit the other day at a loft show. LouieB Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The High Heat Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 You can actually see "the drummer " if you are refering to Glenn Kotche the current drummer (or are you speaking of Ken Coomer the former drummer..not sure), in small venues fairly often. I was practically sitting inside his drum kit the other day at a loft show. LouieBI'm not one for bringing back former members. Coomer, a great rock drummer, would not be a better compliment to accoustic Tweedy than Kotche, a great musician. I know Kotche does small venue tours. I wanted to go a couple years back when he came to Chapel Hill with Bang-a-Can, but I couldn't work out the logistics of getting off work, driving two hours and making the show on time; so I didn't go. It's hard to get anything but country bands to come to eastern NC. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
remphish1 Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 As anyone will tell you size does matter. For Wilco's show at Mccarren Pool in Brooklyn (6,000 person venue) I was in the first 3 rows...I remember I had to go to the bathroom which was a mile away. Coming back from the bathroom I realize all you heard was crowds talking, people not paying attention and a weak sound(more so the venues fault). My view is the larger the venue the more casual fans you have. What seems to be the case when the show is in NYC people go to the show just to be seen and don't care about the shows as much as the general expiernce. To expierence Wilco in a larger venue it really, really helps being close. I definatley enjoy Wilco in smaller venues but will still see them every chance I can get larger or small. I just will try and get as close as possible in the larger venues. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
motorhome Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Small is better by far. Outside/Ampitheater - sound is never that great but it's outside and it's summer...still good. Theatre settings are best. Saw some great shows at the Fillmore type size but the BEST was in a KC bar with about 50 people. EXCELLENT. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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