On Friday night I had the pleasure of seeing Wilco during what used to be known as their annual Winterlude, something that I had always wanted to do since becoming a fan of Wilco in college, around 2012. They normally play the Winterlude in their hometown of Chicago (3 night stand), but this year they took it on the road, bringing it to Austin, Texas for three nights at the Moody Theater, and called it FKA Winterlude.
The Austin Winterlude featured three shows: Thursday 12/5, Friday, 12/6, and Saturday, 12/7. Two sets per show. No repeats for all 3 nights.
Wilco has always been a unique band, and by now they’ve reached maturity — thirteen studio albums, a handful of EPs, side projects, collaborations. They’ve been around the block a few times. For them to take up residency in a venue for three nights without repeating a single song really gives them a chance to showcase what they’ve built.
Friday’s show was my third Wilco concert, and it was definitely my favorite one that I’ve ever seen. The two-set concept, which Jeff Tweedy noted was new to them, suited their style greatly. It was essentially two shows back to back, playing both the deep cuts and the songs that they play all the time. And not to mention, fully tuned up and clearly enjoying themselves.
This show was special for me, being new to Austin, not really knowing anybody. Tweedy’s lyrics are like a guiding light through difficult times. As I come here in early winter, feeling a little bit lost and overwhelmed as I figure shit out, these songs sparked belief in myself. I remembered what is so special about Wilco. It’s that dissonance where although you feel disoriented, comfort can be found.
I only went to the show on Friday night, but I can say with full confidence that each night of this run was likely very special. If I had the chance, I would have gone to all three nights without a doubt. For that reason, I’m going to include all 3 setlists.
I also posted a clip from “Jesus, Etc.” on our Instagram. Here it is, followed by the setlists.
Thursday 12/5/24
Set 1:
One Sunday Morning
Company in My Back
Country Song Upside-Down
Shouldn’t Be Ashamed
How to Fight Loneliness
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
Hints
Country Disappeared
Misunderstood
Far, Far Away
Bob Dylan’s 49th Beard
It’s Just That Simple
Secret of the Sea
Hesitating Beauty
Bird Without a Tail / Base of My Skull
Set 2:
Hell Is Chrome
Panthers
Levee
You Satellite (First time since 2016)
You Are My Face
Pot Kettle Black
Box Full of Letters
Random Name Generator
Side With the Seeds
Someone to Lose
I’m Always in Love
On and On and On
Theologians
I’m the Man Who Loves You
A Shot in the Arm
Encore:
Too Far Apart
Casino Queen
Friday 12/6/24
Set 1:
Poor Places
Reservations
Sky Blue Sky
Remember the Mountain Bed (first time since 2019)
I Am My Mother
Cruel Country
Everyone Hides
I’ll Fight
Love Is Everywhere (Beware)
War on War
If I Ever Was a Child
Hearts Hard to Find
Venus Stopped the Train
Quiet Amplifier
Less Than You Think
Set 2:
The Late Greats
Blue Eyed Soul
Whole Love
Cold Slope
King of You
Laminated Cat (Loose Fur)
Kamera
Someone Else’s Song (first time since 2017; electric version)
One Wing
What Light
Jesus, Etc.
Hate It Here
Monday
Outtasite (Outta Mind)
I’m a Wheel
Encore:
Falling Apart (Right Now)
California Stars
Saturday 12/7/2024
Set 1:
Wishful Thinking
Evicted
Art of Almost (Acoustic)
Muzzle of Bees
Sunken Treasure
She’s a Jar
Either Way
Handshake Drugs
Via Chicago
Tired of Taking It Out on You
Sad Kind of Way
Ashes of American Flags
You and I
Forget the Flowers
Meant to Be
Many Worlds
Set 2:
Infinite Surprise
Annihilation
At Least That’s What You Said
Hummingbird
A Magazine Called Sunset
Can’t Stand It
Sonny Feeling
Say You Love Me
Impossible Germany
Passenger Side
Dawned on Me
Walken
Kingpin
Heavy Metal Drummer
I Got You (At the End of the Century)
Encore:
Let’s Not Get Carried Away
Kicking Television
Just a Kid
EXCELLENT evening with Wilco…..You’re taking your shot heading there, brotherman. I fucked up by not pursuing TESL overseas. By the time I seriously inquired, I had aged out. I didn’t realize that was possible 🙂
