bböp Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 A bit of a weird night, as anyone who was there could attest. Tonight was the kickoff of the Tweedy band's Spring 2015 U.S. tour and its first real performance in its hometown (after its show at last year's Taste of Chicago got cancelled, the band has only performed in town at a taping for the Sound Opinions radio show), but unfortunately poor Jeff had to fight "a splitting headache" that he joked only felt better when he tilted his head back and sang like Lemmy, alluding to the legendary Motorhead frontman. Jeff somehow got through the main Tweedy band portion of the show, but then cut his solo acoustic set short after just two songs because he had to leave the stage to go vomit. Upon returning for a five-song encore with the full band, he remarked that "it would've been cooler if I just stood here and threw up on stage." So that sort of gives an indication of the kind of night it proved to be...One pleasant surprise for the Chicago crowd was Sima Cunningham — the older sister of multi-instrumentalist Liam Cunningham — joining the band on backing vocals for a good portion of the show. It was cool to see her sing with her brother, especially since the Tweedy band is such a family affair anyway, and she did a nice job reprising the harmonies provided by Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Lucius on the Sukierae album.At any rate, here's wishing Jeff a speedy recovery! Hopefully he's able to shake whatever caused him to feel so rotten tonight and come back strong on Night 2.Here was the complete setlist, as played:Fake Fur Coat>Diamond Light, Pt. 1FloweringSummer NoonWorld AwayNew Moon*Nobody Dies Anymore*HazelSlow Love*Wait For Love*High As Hello*Love Like A Wire* [Diane Izzo]Low Key*Via Chicago^I Am Trying To Break Your Heart^--------------------------------------Please Don't Let Me So UnderstoodOnly The Lord Knows*The Losing End (When You're On)* [Neil Young]Give Back The Key To My Heart* [Doug Sahm]California Stars** — with Sima Cunningham on backing vocals^ — Jeff Tweedy solo acoustic Quote Link to post Share on other sites
theashtraysays Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Any sign of Sue there? (wishful thinking) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Magnetized Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 I felt so sorry for poor Jeff last night--he was visibly ill. I was right on the rail in front of him and when he made the remark, about 2 songs in, that he had a splitting headache, I noticed that he looked pale and clammy. He did not seem able to muster up the spirit to mess with the crowd, either, despite some fool yelling idiotically between and during songs from off to the side on the front row. Ordinarily I think Jeff would have ripped this guy a new one, but instead he just left the stage after IIATTBYH and came back about 5 minutes later after throwing up. I can't imagine what it takes to go on with a performance when you're that sick, but when he came back he seemed a little refreshed. They gallantly finished the rest of the set but it was not a night for encores. I just wanted Jeff to be able to get off that stage and go home and get some rest. I'm sure this show had additional poignancy for Jeff because Sue was in the house, after she'd had to sit out the 6 Winterlude shows due to ongoing cancer treatments. She looked great with her new short pixie haircut and you just know he would have loved to make this an extra special show, for her if nothing else. Instead, he was barely able to finish. My heart really went out to him last night. It took a lot of grace and professionalism to get through a show in that condition. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Madcap Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 I was up in the balcony so I couldn't see him very well, but I was wondering if the migrane was why he cut the solo set short or if that's how they were going to do this tour. I've seen a bunch of Jeff solo shows so I wasn't too disappointed, but talk about bad luck after the Taste show getting cancelled too. I enjoyed the show otherwise, band sounded good. LOVED the opener too. He was so earnest to the point of comedy it seemed, bought his LP on the way out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cold as Gasoline Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Weird is the operative word for last night. Jeff was clearly ill, as mentioned. He and the band soldiered on and did a pretty complete show, with the exception of the very short solo set. A few highlights:first time I've heard them do "The Losing End" and thought it sounded greatbanter highlight: a guy shouted randomly something that sounded like "should I be in jail?" And Jeff responded that if you need to ask yourself that question, the answer is "yes."the songs from Sukierae sound better every time I see the band play. The band has gotten more comfortable with them and having a strong backing vocal makes a big difference too The opener must have been a love/hate thing, because where I was standing down on the floor people were openly laughing. He seemed out of his depth. Looking forward to night #2 and hoping Jeff is feeling better. Do we think there will be much variation in the setlist tonight? The band doesn't have too much of a varied repertoire at this point, so I am guessing pretty similar. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Madcap Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Oh yeah, there was laughter in the balcony too. I just found the set so endearing and the music was a Syd Barrett-esque mix of sweet and goofy. Very curious as to how it's going to hold up once I listen to the album haha. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chrisha Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Hi guys, For those going to the Tweedy shows for which The Minus 5 are supporting (starting tonight) - can anyone post their Setlists if you know them? - Scott McCaughey has bought Peter Buck along this time so may see him joining Tweedy as well..... eckythump & I run the REM Timeline web & FB page & any help will be grateful! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bböp Posted March 7, 2015 Author Share Posted March 7, 2015 Hi guys, For those going to the Tweedy shows for which The Minus 5 are supporting (starting tonight) - can anyone post their Setlists if you know them? - Scott McCaughey has bought Peter Buck along this time so may see him joining Tweedy as well..... eckythump & I run the REM Timeline web & FB page & any help will be grateful!I usually keep track of the M5 setlists as well whenever possible, so no problem. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chrisha Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Thanks guys, it's really appreciated- wish we could be there enjoying the tour. Was with eckythump in Todos Santos enjoying The Autumn Defense & can't wait for Solid Sound Fest as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pot Kettle Black Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 I missed these shows, unfortunately. Would have loved to have been there but sometimes practicality has to rule. Sorry to hear Jeff was feeling so badly. I have read about his migraines for many years and have always wondered how he does it. I have had a few myself and have had to turn the lights out and lie very still. He is a trooper for sure, I do not believe he has every cancelled a show because of them. It sounds like Saturday he was in much better spirits, thank goodness for him. I have had the pleasure of seeing Tweedy play twice thus far and sure look forward to seeing them together again at Solid Sound. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smells like flowers Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 He is a trooper for sure, I do not believe he has every cancelled a show because of them. I'm amazed how performers in general drag themselves onstage when they're sick, but to perform with a migraine seems superhuman. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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