bböp Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Well, I'm sure plenty of folks will have insights to share about this one so I'll just do the basics for now... The Bowl is a pretty iconic venue, of course, and it was as pleasant a night weather-wise as one could ask for. That said, I'll take two nights (or even one) at a smaller venue any day. Don't get me wrong. The show was absolutely fine and the band played well and played just about everything an average fan would want to hear. But whether it was the decibel limitations, the wide range of people that make up a Bowl audience or the sheer vastness of the place — not to mention coming at the end of two solid weeks of touring — it just seemed like the show lacked that extra oomph that takes some performances to the next level. Jeff didn't have a whole lot to say, relatively speaking, but did do a fair bit of expressing gratitude. He thanked Joanna Newsom for opening the show and said what she does is "hard." He also mentioned that it was the fourth show the band had played in LA this year and thanked people for coming back. He asked if anyone had been at the Bowl in 2003 the only other time they played there; when a smattering of people yelled that they had, he said, "No you weren't," and then asked, "Who did we open for?" People replied, "R.E.M.," and he responded, "OK, I believe you." And Jeff basically implied that this show was, more or less, the end of domestic touring for The Whole Love (save for a stray show in December). He collectively thanked all the people who helped with the record and the touring behind it, saying it would take too long to name them all but that the band loved them like family. Awww... Wilco went on about 8:05 and finished at 10:15. Here was the complete setlist, as played (didn't get a look at a printed setlist tonight, so I don't know if there were any changes): Dawned On MeWar On WarI MightSunken Treasure (Jeff on acoustic; no harmonica)Spiders (Kidsmoke) (acoustic arrangement)Impossible GermanyBorn AloneI Am Trying To Break Your Heart>Art Of AlmostMisunderstoodJesus, etc.Handshake DrugsWhole LoveHate It HereBox Full Of LettersI'm Always In LoveHummingbirdA Shot in the Arm------------------------------Ashes Of American Flags ($6.98)California StarsWalkenHeavy Metal DrummerI'm The Man Who Loves You-------------------------------Hoodoo Voodoo (w/ bass/guitar/keyboard tech Josh on cowbell)>Outtasite (Outta Mind) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cre618 Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Great show. More full than I expected for the Hollywood Bowl on a Sunday during Carmageddon. I wish there were more nuggets in the setlist, but for a standard set, this threesome: I Am Trying To Break Your Heart>Art Of AlmostMisunderstood Was about as good as a Wilco show gets, to me. Great crowd for LA. Lots of people singing along down front. I'm not a big fan of the Hollywood Bowl for concerts, but Wilco did it about as good as anybody I've seen there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mc1620 Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Before Jesus, etc. Jeff said something about the Hollywood bowl having a lot of sing alongs. He then said something about this being sing along with Wilco. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kasedougCA Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 This was my favorite stretch of the show too. Great show. More full than I expected for the Hollywood Bowl on a Sunday during Carmageddon. I wish there were more nuggets in the setlist, but for a standard set, this threesome: I Am Trying To Break Your Heart>Art Of AlmostMisunderstood Was about as good as a Wilco show gets, to me. Great crowd for LA. Lots of people singing along down front. I'm not a big fan of the Hollywood Bowl for concerts, but Wilco did it about as good as anybody I've seen there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lifegoesoff Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I was hoping to see the live debut of Sunloathe, but yet again, no dice. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OOO Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 The sound was pretty lackluster in my neck of the woods for the first part of the show, and it seemed like someone was fiddling with levels for a good chunk of time, but having not seen the boys in a couple years, I had a blast, especially since we were allowed to bring in our own food/drinks. I would have loved a smaller venue, but it was a grand night. I counted 33 nothings. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
linclink Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I was hoping to see the live debut of Sunloathe, but yet again, no dice.I gotta say I'm sort of stunned to not see that yet either...I guess it's time to start requesting the shit out of that song for next year at Mass MoCA!!!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Brickwright Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 My first time seeing them, but it felt so familiar from all the live footage I've watched. I was over in section M, and heard some of the problems with the sound at the start, too. Different ranges in the overall highs/high mids kept sweeping in and out while they were trying to fix it. The band didn't seem to be interrupted by it, though. And yes, the album-opener trilogy was the best part of the show. I was hoping for Bull Black Nova or some more stuff from Ghost (still, three songs isn't bad) but for a first show it really covered all the bases. It seems like they did most of the live favorites. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Johnny Meltone Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Of the 3 SoCal shows I saw on this tour I'd have to rate Santa Barbara as the best, but the bowl show was terrific. The sound was as good as I've heard at any shed concert (althogh the mix was shaky the first 5 -10 minutes.) One thing I did find distracting was the video screens that pretty much focused on Jeff, Nels, and Glen only - even when the other guys were ripping it up. There were a few instances where Pat was soloing and the cameras were on Nels. No big deal really, just kinda distracting. Loved the album version of Sunken Treasure, but missed any WTA (the forgotten album.) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
benjamin Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Sweet show. So happy to get 'Sunken Treasure' and the toned down rework of Spiders (Kidsmoke). Sat in section K. My only complaint was that I had drunken newb super fans behind me that screamed (not sang) incorrect lyrics to half the songs. It made it difficult to hear. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
EatMorePez Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Here's a couple of reviews. LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-wilco-joanna-newsom-hollywood-bowl-20121001,0,4547847.story LA Weekly: http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2012/10/wilco_joanna_newsom_-_hollywoo.php Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Muzzle of Dan Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I had a blast at this show. I know that they playing a lot of "the hits" and not many nuggets, but I really didn't expect a lot of off the wall choices for a show in front of 18,000 people (many of whom, were obviously not diehard Wilco fans). It was a treat getting both Sunken Treasure and Ashes at this show. (I had been requesting both repeatedly) It was my first time seeing any full band version of Sunken Treasure and I'm really glad they played the Being There version. I think this version just rocks so much harder with everyone involved. Ashes was quite spectacular as well. Nels was really on point in that end jam. I felt like there was a lot of space in his playing on this tune that isn't always there - a lot of versions I've heard of this (live recordings and when I saw it before in Aspen/Snowmass 2011), he just goes balls out for most of the jam (which is awesome in it's own way) but there was a great build into the heavy part of the jam where he really did go for it. I was sitting in the Garden Boxes, which remained mostly stale and siting for a lot of the show. Some older rich guys behind me kept yelling at me to sit down and even resorted to throwing water at my girlfriend. At one point they said - "Sit down, we can't see!" I turned to them and quaintly replied - "I'm really sure that one skinny guy standing is blocking your whole view of the stage. Dude - it's a fucking rock concert, have some fun. I paid just as much as you to sit here and I have as much of a right to stand as you do to sit." I spent most of the evening up and rocking out - obliging to sit at quieter moments earlier on in the show. I received many a high five from people dancing down the aisle to get to the Pool/Pit area throughout the night, which made me glad that my energy was appreciated by someone. And actually by the end of the night, everyone around us made it to their feet and wound up dancing their butts off just like me and my girlfriend. As mentioned - IATTBYH/Art Of Almost/Misunderstood was a great run of songs. I'm always happy to hear IATTBYH - it's just such a great song and the energy of it live kills every time. The transition section of Art of Almost seemed a to linger a bit more and felt looser/spontaneous overall than the previous times I had seen it earlier this year, which was pretty cool. Misunderstood is always a welcome set list staple for me. This was a great energetic version of it - my girlfriend counted 32 nothings. Black Moon was originally on the printed set list after Handshake Drugs, but was audibled out. The entire second encore was not on the set list, added spontaneously since they still had some extra time before the 10:15 curfew. Hoodoo and Outtasite were both seriously smokin'. Great way to end the show. Handshake Drugs is always great to get live - even if it is kind of a staple. It's just so good. That bass line just rocks my face off every time. I'm The Man That Loves You was originally supposed to close the show on the printed set list. It was really loose and rocking last night. I don't recall seeing a version of this song that I liked so much at previous shows. Impossible Germany and Shot In The Arm are two songs that just get better and better each time I see them live. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sonnyfeeling Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Official attendance was 12,260 or so, according to the sign at the exit (I forgot that the Bowl did that!)... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Shug Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I was sitting in the Garden Boxes, which remained mostly stale and siting for a lot of the show. Some older rich guys behind me kept yelling at me to sit down and even resorted to throwing water at my girlfriend. At one point they said - "Sit down, we can't see!" I turned to them and quaintly replied - "I'm really sure that one skinny guy standing is blocking your whole view of the stage. Dude - it's a fucking rock concert, have some fun. I paid just as much as you to sit here and I have as much of a right to stand as you do to sit." I spent most of the evening up and rocking out - obliging to sit at quieter moments earlier on in the show. I received many a high five from people dancing down the aisle to get to the Pool/Pit area throughout the night, which made me glad that my energy was appreciated by someone. And actually by the end of the night, everyone around us made it to their feet and wound up dancing their butts off just like me and my girlfriend. Thanks to everyone for the reviews, I appreciate them all as well. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has trouble with jerks who think they can tell you to sit down at rock concerts. The most recent case, for me, was the worst. At a recent Tedeschi Trucks concert, we stood as the band took the stage and before the guitars were even strapped on, the people behind us were hassling us to sit down. I told them the same thing you told those folks (probably a lot less politely) and as they amped up their hassling and the whole thing escalated, I ended up with a glass of wine thrown at me. I definitely contributed to the escalation as I've lost my patience over the years with this kind of behavior, so I take responsibility for that. Its so bad that there are some venues I just won't go to anymore. Glad it didn't get that out of hand for you, Dan. Glad you guys got a good Ashes Of American Flags, too. I requested it for Tucson, to no avail. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cre618 Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Oh yes, Ashes was a big highlight for me, too. Something about The Bowl and YHF works. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Muzzle of Dan Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Oh yes, Ashes was a big highlight for me, too. Something about The Bowl and YHF works. I was really happy with the amount of YHF in the show last night. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Albert Tatlock Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 "Those people look like ants down there" This is pretty uneventful other than satisfying my curiosity as to what the Bowl looked like with Wilco there, however the few seconds after about 1:35 or so made me smile and made me think it worth posting ... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Albert Tatlock Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Wilco go all ELO-ish More here. http://livemusicblog.com/2012/10/01/photos-wilco-hollywood-bowl-los-angeles-ca-93012/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Deanmarr Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Grand show last nite. I was lucky enough to have pool circle seats. The sound was great where we were sitting. I thought it was a spectacular show last nite. Sunken Treasure and Ashes were awesome. I got to see all 4 LA shows thos year here is my rankings. 1. Hollywood bowl. Inspired show great setlist historic venue2. Palladuim. Had low expectations from prior experiences at venue. Boy was I wrong. Most rockin Wilco show i have seen3. Los Angeles Theater. Beautiful Venue. Poor seats4. Wiltern. The Wiltern sucks bad sound. Crammed in like sardines. Tweedy in bad mood. Poor setlist Quote Link to post Share on other sites
awatt Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I've seen all these songs played countless times but there is no doubt the setting added a completely new dimension. The moon, the cool air, the stars, the lights, the smoke, etc. Fantastic show all the way through--including but not limited to Spiders, Sunken Treasure, Box Full of Letters, Always in Love, and that transition from IATTBYH to AOA. Biggest disappointment without question was the Elllllllll Laaaaaaaay crowd. Sitting the whole freaking time, which is never the case in the South.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jw harding Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 What a treat. Best of the 3 shows I saw this year, other 2 being San Diego and LA Theatre. Thought this show had better pacing, allowing the momentum to build throughout. No big surprises setlist wise, but I guess that means they just played all their best songs. The venue, and seats up close, certainly added something to it. Close enough to see the band well, but take in all the lights in the big shell. Things got pretty psychedelic a few times there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sandy in SFCA Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I had essentially the same experience as most of those posting here. I was in the terrace boxes, which was farther back then I usually prefer as I like to sing, dance, etc. I went to the box office before the show to see if I could upgrade to the pool section and they initially said yes I could; however, when they saw that I got the tickets from frontgate they said they could only do exchanges on tickets purchased from their box office. They actually tried to do it for about 5 minutes before giving up. Oh well.I thought the band was great but the crowd not so much. I love hearing Sunken Treasure and last night's version was probably the best of the three I heard this week. IATTBYH, Ashes of American Flags and Misunderstood were probably my other favorites of the night. Everybody in the terrace boxes sat for almost the entire show. I went with the consensus for as long as I could but once first encore started my group and a few others who had sat unwillingly for too long got up to dance. The people directly behind us actually left abruptly and seemed pretty annoyed but we did it their way for the vast majority of the show and I was concerned that deep vein thrombosis might set in.While there were no surprises, I thought it was a fantastic show. We were two boxes behind and to the right of the soundboard so the mix was perfect. We had a great view from where we were and were able to fully appreciate the staging and lights. I have wanted to see a show at The Hollywood Bowl since I had the Beatles live album from there when I was 8 years old. I'm glad I got to see my favorite band there but don't feel like I need to go there again. I prefer the small venues with a GA floor and seated balcony. That just works better for me.So now the question is, what do I do until Solid Sound? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
linclink Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I had essentially the same experience as most of those posting here. I was in the terrace boxes, which was farther back then I usually prefer as I like to sing, dance, etc. I went to the box office before the show to see if I could upgrade to the pool section and they initially said yes I could; however, when they saw that I got the tickets from frontgate they said they could only do exchanges on tickets purchased from their box office. They actually tried to do it for about 5 minutes before giving up. Oh well.I thought the band was great but the crowd not so much. I love hearing Sunken Treasure and last night's version was probably the best of the three I heard this week. IATTBYH, Ashes of American Flags and Misunderstood were probably my other favorites of the night. Everybody in the terrace boxes sat for almost the entire show. I went with the consensus for as long as I could but once first encore started my group and a few others who had sat unwillingly for too long got up to dance. The people directly behind us actually left abruptly and seemed pretty annoyed but we did it their way for the vast majority of the show and I was concerned that deep vein thrombosis might set in.While there were no surprises, I thought it was a fantastic show. We were two boxes behind and to the right of the soundboard so the mix was perfect. We had a great view from where we were and were able to fully appreciate the staging and lights. I have wanted to see a show at The Hollywood Bowl since I had the Beatles live album from there when I was 8 years old. I'm glad I got to see my favorite band there but don't feel like I need to go there again. I prefer the small venues with a GA floor and seated balcony. That just works better for me.So now the question is, what do I do until Solid Sound?Enjoy the Roadcase releases? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RichM752 Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 "Those people look like ants down there" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DFHapP3BeU This is pretty uneventful other than satisfying my curiosity as to what the Bowl looked like with Wilco there, however the few seconds after about 1:35 or so made me smile and made me think it worth posting ... 1:35 is where it's at! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sandy in SFCA Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Enjoy the Roadcase releases? You just described my last 24 hours. I've been listening to those and looking for other local music to see in the Bay Area most of the morning. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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