Wilco — 17 November 2017, St. Paul, MN (Palace Theatre) [Night 3 of 3]

[bböp]

Well, that was something. It can sometimes be difficult to convey — at least to those in "the real world," not necessarily people around these parts — why you travel long distances, queue up hours early and try to get reasonably close to the stage for a band you've seen numerous times. It's about connection, between performers and audience, between audience members themselves and between artists and those supporting them (friends and family, crew, etc.), and I can't think of many Wilco shows in the recent past where these connections were more thoroughly in evidence than tonight's final performance before the band takes a well-deserved hiatus.

On the final night of a three-night stand at the relatively intimate Palace Theatre, Wilco was delightfully unencumbered. Not in a way that made it seem like Jeff and Co. were just playing out the string, but rather in a way that they were cherishing one last opportunity for some time to play together, to celebrate their crew and to delight their most ardent fans. I have to say, it was an honor to be among the latter.

As far as specifics, this is going to be a tough one to fully recap. I think to some extent you had to be in the room to truly appreciate all the connections. My note-taking skills at this one were pretty deficient as far as banter goes. (Or maybe it was just because most of the banter seemed to come in one long stream as Jeff introduced the band and crew and talked about how he was most proud that there was "no toxic masculinity" among the whole traveling party and how he was so glad that they we were all "decent, caring and sweet" people. Of course, being Jeff, he also had to throw in one quip amid all those laurels, joking that he was happy that the crew was tolerant of a little more tame environment around the band "because we're old" but then also joking that they "get the best cocaine."

I'll add more in a bit, but it's a busy morning...so to be continued!

 

[edit: It's the wee hours of Monday morning (20 November!) and I'm finally gonna try to get to at least part of what else I was going to write before my weekend got completely derailed by traveling to get home, taking care of stuff here after being away for almost three weeks, a couple of other shows/commitments, etc. I'm sure by this point anyone who remotely cared about what I had to say probably won't even see this, so maybe it's for the best since my notes are a mess and I never do very well writing about shows when I don't do it right away... ]

 

Anyway, as I was saying, recapping Jeff's banter more than I already have tried to would almost certainly be a complete fail. But there was that other funny bit that someone else mentioned below about having to find another band to follow and Jeff, true to form, had to name check the National once again. For the record, despite an accusatory finger pointed in my general direction from Mr. Sansone, I will not be following around the National — or My Morning Jacket or whoever else — during Wilco's hiatus. So there.

 

Other banter came courtesy of Vince's signs, which were taken in good humor by Jeff and the band. It was just that kind of night where Wilco was ready to cut loose, have some fun with its fans and crew and have everyone walk away with a smile on their face and a good memory in their head.

 

Musically, you knew from the moment Jeff and his bandmates opened with Less Than You Think — which apparently was a birthday request by Josh, incidentally — that it wasn't going to be any standard show. From that point on, as Vince has mentioned, it was largely crowd pleaser after crowd pleaser. I mean, four songs from A.M.? Can't imagine they've played more than that at a show since they played the entire record some years back. The singalongs were plentiful and the excitement was palpable at points; in fact, I wonder if the enthusiasm for the opening chords of Too Far Apart caused Jeff to lose his concentration for a second because the band actually had to restart the song when he hit an errant chord.

 

The back-to-back oldies We've Been Had (performed in a modified hootenanny arrangement with Nels on lap steel and Pat on banjitar and "oddly appropriate," according to Jeff, for the times in which we're living) and I Must Be High (which Jeff acknowledged was the first song Wilco ever put to tape) were a personal favorite part of the show for me because it just showed how the band wasn't afraid to acknowledge its past while also looking ahead to the future.

 

By the time, the inevitable conclusion of Casino-Hoodoo came around in the first encore, the crowd was already fully on board. And of course, Wilco did not disappoint — bringing out birthday boy Josh to do his thing. It actually took him a few seconds to come one and he was still fully clothed at that point, but that didn't last long as he scaled a riser behind the drum kit and slowly proceeded to unbutton his black shirt and begin the slinky cowbell moves for which he has become well known. As one former crew member commented upon seeing a picture, "It never gets old." Indeed it does not. And to his credit, Josh never quite does it exactly the same way every time. This time, he also got a "Happy Birthday" singalong to close out the song that, dare I say, almost ventured into Stevie Wonder territory for a second there.

 

The only "problem" was normally that should have been the end of the show, but once again, Wilco went beyond and came back out one last time to treat the rapt audience to a few more minutes of music. After two nights of ending the show on a noisy note, it seemed like an inspired decision to go out with a gorgeous rendition of The Lonely 1. Such a perfect way to end this three-night run that featured so much camaraderie and enthusiasm with a few minutes of reflection and appreciation.

 

So with that, who knows exactly when we will get a chance to see Wilco perform again. I hope it's sooner rather than later, but I'm betting the band's return to the stage will be eagerly received whenever it comes. And if things aren't exactly the same as we left them in St. Paul on a chilly November Friday night, then I certainly hope that at least many of the faces will remain the same. Change might be an inevitable part of life, but I'm confident that this group still has plenty left in its tank.

 

Here was the complete setlist, as played, for the final Wilco show for a while (the only change from the printed list, I believe, was the addition of I’m The Man Who Loves You before Heavy Metal Drummer):

Less Than You Think
Random Name Generator
I Am Trying To Break Your Heart>
Art Of Almost
Pickled Ginger
If I Ever Was A Child
Shouldn’t Be Ashamed
Someone To Lose
Sunken Treasure (acoustic arrangement—Jeff on acoustic guitar, Pat on keyboard)
Too Far Apart
Jesus, etc.
Locator
Pot Kettle Black
Via Chicago
Impossible Germany
Forget The Flowers
California Stars (with James Elkington on electric guitar)
We’ve Been Had (hootenanny arrangement — Nels on lap steel, Pat on banjitar)
I Must Be High
Heavy Metal Drummer>
I’m The Man Who Loves You
Hummingbird
----------------------------------
Hate It Here
Casino Queen
Hoodoo Voodoo (with bass/guitar/keyboard tech Josh on cowbell)
-----------------------------------
Monday>
Outtasite (Outta Mind)
The Lonely 1

[Drunken treasure]

Loved it! Great night!! Thanks to Bbop for all the great reports. U inspired me to get to as many shows as possible.

[Albert Tatlock]

Ta, and at the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember Bbop.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=McCDWYgVyps

[SL500]

What a night. Beatifilly written recap. Thank you.

[The Inside of Outside]

I stand corrected. St. Paul Night 3 > St. Paul Night 2 > St. Paul Night 1 as far as set lists go. Of course, I say this as I sit 1500 miles away and did not see the shows that I am ranking in terms of set lists. But Less Thank You Think, Too Far Apart, Pot Kettle Black, and The Lonely One trumps Hotel Arizona from Night 2.

[TCP]

That's one heck of a setlist. Wish I could have been there.

Thanks again Bbop for your recaps! 

[Preferred B]

Man, I loved this show. I knew I couldn't make either of the first two in St. Paul, so when they announced a 3rd and final show on a Friday night that also happened to be my birthday, I couldn't pass it up. So glad I didn't. So many favorite live songs, (And I'm honored to share my birthday with Josh! Though I didn't remove my shirt during Hoodoo Voodoo.)

 

Even though a many-months hiatus is run of the mill for a lot of touring bands - and I imagine Wilco has even done it at some point in the past - it did feel like an emotional night and a bit of a finale. It was great hearing Jeff talk about the crew and what genuinely kind, decent people they all are (and watching Glenn mime snorting a line of cocaine off his drum). Before "I'm The Man," John dragged Glenn up off his seat and then everyone except Nels and Jeff stood on something, arms aloft, for the intro.

 

I'm sure the break will be over before we know it. Until then, this was a great one to go out on! And I got to listen to the second half of Wisconsin football beating Michigan on the drive home, so, bonus.

[lost highway]

I'm sure the break will be over before we know it. Until then, this was a great one to go out on! 

 

They did mention on the text below the live stream on facebook they're taking a touring hiatus in 2018 for recording. So... new Wilco record Always a good thing

[theashtraysays]

I'd have to say that Night 3 was my favorite, even though it was the only night without the Nova.  I did manage to make an impromptu sign that said "WILL TRADE NOVA 4 HOODOO" which got a chuckle and a "we'll talk later" from Jeff.  And the "HIATUS SCHMIATUS" sign drew some laughs too.

But as Paul and B have said, the emotion and the togetherness of everyone there was dialed up to 11.  For those of us who lined up early, hung out late, and gave it our all as highly active participants (see night 2 stream!), it was a wonderful run capped off by a great night of music.  Old friends, new friends... both people and songs... but still it's the Wilco family vibe that keeps us all going back, whether it's North Adams or freezing cold Chicago, the Beacon or the Ryman... and now St. Paul is firmly established on that list.  There was a definite feeling that these connections matter to all of us.  A lot.  When several (20+) of us fans were having post-show drinks and some food across the street, most of the band members and crew were seen walking individually back to their hotel past the long row of windows in the bar we were at.  We all stood and cheered for each and every one, and they each stopped to give us a nod or a bow and a really big smile and a wave before they went along.  It was just that kind of evening all around. 

Musically, I loved them opening with LTYT, and when I saw the drill perched next to Glenn's kit I smiled.  The drone was a little short in case you were wondering.  We've Been Had was really cool, and Pot Kettle Black is always welcome in my book.  Not too many slow quiet songs other than the opener and closer; I guess Jeff had heard enough talking during the previous nights' Reservations.  Hoodoo Voodoo, intermingled with singing Happy Birthday to Josh, was a party in and of itself.  Hate It Here gave me pause to think about our Brazilian friend Mariana, and briefly consider "what ARE we gonna do" when we run out of shows to attend, and rails to secure, and pre-sales to freak out over..... but the time will fly by as always, and we'll get to do it all over again before we know it.  And there's just no better closer of closers than The Lonely One.  Just perfect.

One highlight for me actually came the next day.  I went to the MSP airport to head back home ("via Chicago" to Lexington), and I saw Nels sitting at the same gate.  He was trying to get back to NY but his flight was delayed.  We chatted for a good half hour about things (he's so gracious and interesting to talk to), and it was the most enjoyable time, at least for me.  After a while, 3 of of the other Wilco's and most of the Wilcrew came by, all getting on the Chicago flight I was on.  They were all still in a "one more hug" mode for each other, and you could tell they were all really going to miss each other's company for a while.  It's definitely an outstanding group of folks who we obsess over.  But I guess that why we do it.

 

Peace and love to all till next time....

Vince

[Brundog]

I had not seen Wilco yet this year - with them turning the volume down a bit - and with Jeff playing more acoustic guitar I felt like I could really enjoy what each member of the band was bringing.    A great set list for sure - Sunken Treasure was amazing, The Lonely One at the end was a nice surprise.  I don't go to as many shows as I once did - really happy I caught this one.

[The Inside of Outside]

That is pretty darn cool:

 

  When several (20+) of us fans were having post-show drinks and some food across the street, most of the band members and crew were seen walking individually back to their hotel past the long row of windows in the bar we were at.  We all stood and cheered for each and every one, and they each stopped to give us a nod or a bow and a really big smile and a wave before they went along.  It was just that kind of evening all around. 
 

[Drunken treasure]

Hate It Here gave me pause to think about our Brazilian friend Mariana, and briefly consider "what ARE we gonna do" when we run out of shows to attend, and rails to secure, and pre-sales to freak out over..... 

 

 

 

I had to laugh when Jeff said "Who you going to follow, The National?" cus I am going to Seattle next week for two of their shows at the Paramount... He gets me.

[bböp]

What a night. Beatifilly written recap. Thank you.

 

It wasn't nearly done yet, but thanks for reading...

[worldrecordplayer]

Anyway, as I was saying, recapping Jeff's banter more than I already have tried to would almost certainly be a complete fail. But there was that other funny bit that someone else mentioned below about having to find another band to follow and Jeff, true to form, had to name check the National once again. For the record, despite an accusatory finger pointed in my general direction from Mr. Sansone, I will not be following around the National — or My Morning Jacket or whoever else — during Wilco's hiatus. So there.

Hey Paul, help me out here with my memory. Where/when was the show that Tweedy specifically called you out and asked if you were going to start following the National? Was it a show that you weren't at, and he asked if you were off following them? Was it at Solid Sound? I can't remember if it happened at a show I was at or just have the recording. 

 

Anyhow, thanks for all the reporting for us. I was at the Wed and Thurs shows, didn't get a chance to work my way to the rail to say Hi to you and any other VC'ers. I jumped on the original announcement and made my plans thinking I was going to see the last show before the hiatus. Sorry to have missed Friday but I had a great trip and can't complain. 

 

So much of what makes this enjoyable is the Wilco community, and I had the fortune of having made a nice community connection on Thursday. I was standing on the platform about 10-15 feet in front of the soundboard. I was wearing my orange Solid Sound 2017 cap. I noticed a group of 3-4 folks in front of me to my right. One of them turns around and says "nice hat." He's wearing the Solid Sound trucker's hat. So we start talking about SS and both saying its always the best weekend. He says he and his wife have been to all 5, I say same for me and my wife. He then points out he's from St. Paul and was very proud of having made them all. I told him I'm from Boston, and was here in St. Paul only to see WIlco. We stayed after the show ended and met and had a nice chuckle over our St. Paul>MA Wilco Solid Sound connection. I don't know if we'll ever catch up, he's not on social media, but if anyone knows 5-time Solid Sounder Scott from the St. Paul area, say Hi for me.  

[Sandy in SFCA]

Thank you Paul for, once again, perfectly describing not just the structure of the show, but the mood and feeling of this and all three nights. This was as good as a residency gets IMHO. The shows had a certain something that almost defies description. You could feel the love, gratitude, and generosity from both the band/crew and the fans. It was one of those "my face hurts from smiling" kind of nights. It was positively joyous. I'm so glad I got to be there for these shows, and am particularly happy I got to help celebrate B's birthday. The highlights for me musically were the A.M. tunes, We've Been Had, and Hoodoo Voodoo. Those were such nice surprises and so much fun to sing along and dance to. You know you've had a good night when you wake up sore and voiceless.

 

I hope everybody in the band, crew, and we the fans, have an enjoyable hiatus (schmiatus). See you all down the road...

[mariana neri]

Hate It Here gave me pause to think about our Brazilian friend Mariana, and briefly consider "what ARE we gonna do" when we run out of shows to attend, and rails to secure, and pre-sales to freak out over..... but the time will fly by as always, and we'll get to do it all over again before we know it.  And there's just no better closer of closers 

 

When I saw the setlist I remembered that last show in Brazil immediately, of course! It was SO SPECIAL (Don't know if you noticed but Glenn wore the shirt with the Brazilian flag ;D)

 

I never thought I'd love anything more than Glenn standing on his drums, but I loved when them all standing together! 

 

I was really emotional with the setlist, videos and reviews of this show. Maybe it's because I haven't seen Wilco for a year or because I'm facing a lot of changes in my life now... it was like watching the season finale of a tv show! And I hope that even with changes, which are always good, all the actors will renew for the next season

[The Inside of Outside]

The only time recently that I recall them playing four from AM was Night 2 of Solid Sound earlier this year, and that was because they did not play anything off of YHF and Being There that night.

 

I love Too Far Apart. That is a rock song.