Wilco Launches its Summer “Tour to Infinity” at the Riverside in Milwaukee 

By Brooke Billick 

Wilco launched its Summer 2024 tour in Milwaukee on Wednesday, June 12 before a packed house of avid fans at the Riverside Theater.   

Formed in the mid-1990’s following the breakup of the alternative country band, Uncle Tupelo, Wilco has grown beyond its roots to become one of the most multifaceted and successful rock groups of the past 30 years.  Behind the prolific efforts of frontman, Jeff Tweedy, Wilco has released 13 studio albums, 5 EP’s, 3 live albums, and a bunch of singles and videos.  Tweedy alone has released several solo albums, collaborated with other artists such as Billy Bragg and Mavis Staples, and authored 3 books. 

Joining Tweedy, Wilco consists of long time band mates, John Stirratt (Wilco co-founder, bassist and multi-instrumentalist), Glenn Kotche (drums, percussion), Mikael Jorgensen (keyboards), Nels Cline (guitar), and Pat Sansone (guitar, keyboards, maracas). 

The set list for the evening represented a wide sampling of Wilco’s vast catalog.  First up for the evening was “Infinite Surprise” off of Wilco’s September 2023 album, Cousin. 

Witnessing Wilco is not the time to sit back in your seat and take in the music serenely.  No indeed, the show was an in-your-face, on-your-feet kind of night.  The entire first floor audience at the Riverside (and I suspect the balconies) was on their feet and singing along with the lyrics.  Audience participation throughout the night encouraged from the stage by Jeff Tweedy. 

Many of the songs featured extended guitar jams like “Bird Without a Tail,” which felt transcendent with delicate acoustic fingering.  Delicate tones and playing continued on the following song, “Evicted”  

Looking like a cross between the somewhat rumpled philosophy professor you had in college and a favorite uncle, Jeff Tweedy guides Wilco with a measured hand.  Indeed, with his writing, including his most recent book, 2024’s “World Within A Song: Music That Changed My Life and Life That Changed My Music,” Tweedy aptly portrays the role of itinerant philosopher reflecting on his life and creative influences. 

“Cruel Country” brought out a bit of Wilco’s country influence with Nels Cline’s supporting performance on the dobro. 

The mellow ballad, “One Wing,” followed “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart.” 

Tweedy addressed the crowd only after the first several songs, at first playfully suggesting that it was nice trying to remember the songs again. 

Tweedy’s playful side was evident throughout the evening.  “Hummingbird” saw Tweedy prancing and singing around the stage, sans guitar.  The almost constant grin on his face attested to the joy he felt while performing.  

During an interlude, Tweedy told how he grew up with the advice to never stop playing.  He remembered his bar playing days where, if a fight broke out and they did stop playing, the fight would just continue. 

“Jesus, Etc.” began to the strains of stringed instruments emanating from Mikael Jorgenson’s synthesizer.  Jeff Tweedy told the audience to go ahead and sing along because “I think it’s good for you!” 

The start of “Impossible Germany” brought a huge cheer from the crowd and featured a crazily intense solo by Nels Cline.   

Jeff Tweedy paused before “Heavy Metal Drummer” musing aloud about whether he could remember how the next song started! 

Wilco closed out the main set with the electrifying “Shot in the Arm.” 

After a several minute interlude, Wilco came back to the stage for a 4-song encore beginning with “Via Chicago.”  

“California Stars” was definitely a crowd favorite.  Written by Woody Guthrie but never recorded by him, “California Stars” was one of the tracks of unreleased Guthrie songs recorded in 1998 by Wilco with Billy Bragg at the request of Woody Guthrie’s estate. 

First impressions may lead one to label Wilco as another jam band.  Doing so, however, would be a disservice to the tight performances each of the band members provide to the overall whole.   

Their songs contain discordant and jarring sonic outbursts, which can set one’s nerves on edge.  “Via Chicago” and “Spiders (Kidsmoke)” were prime examples with sudden explosions from drummer Glenn Kotche.  While the music swarmed all over the place (like spiders scattering on a wall, I suppose), a steady beat prevailed through the discord like a hand steering a steady course.  Then the discord ended and the guitars coalesced into tight, coordinated grooves drawing all the threads together. 

Concert photography is always a personal joy, particularly as one meets and interacts with a band’s fans. 

Wilco is another one of those bands with devoted followers taking in show after show.  Several of the audience members I spoke to indicated they had seen scores of Wilco shows, even dating back to their early days playing in basements and coffee houses.  This included Kristi from Minneapolis, proclaimed to be the Queen of Wilco by her partner Bill! 

One of Milwaukee’s premier singer-songwriters, Trapper Schoepp, was also in attendance and loved the performance! 

As always, the Riverside Theater is a phenomenal venue for live performances.  Great acoustics with an intimate feel and staff members always helping manage the crowd.  Many thanks to the bar guys for the free beer given “to another working stiff!” 

Cut Worms Opener 

Performing under the stage name Cut Worms, Brooklyn, NY-based Max Clarke opened for Wilco at the Riverside.  Joining Clarke on stage were long-time friends and collaborators, Noah Bond (drums), John Andrews (keyboards), Kevin Lewis Lareau (bass), and Jon DeLorme (pedal steel).  Each of Clarke’s bandmates are immensely talented and have successful solo careers and often session with other bands.  Milwaukee audiences last saw Kevin Lewis Lareau as part of the band Sylvie when they performed with Hiss Golden Messenger in November 2023. 

Described as something of the center of the alt-country scene in New York City, Cut Worms performs with an upbeat, bouncy style.   

“Ballad of a Texas King” was an excellent representation of Clarke’s style.  Spare essential instrumentation supporting Clarke’s jangly wistful vocals.  All of the band’s songs highlighted the talents of each of the members.  DeLorme’s pedal steel was subtly present through songs such as “Sold My Soul,” almost like an understated whisper in the air. 

Max Clarke and Cut Worms were a refreshing discovery during the show.  Judging from the reception by the audience, Clarke has made quite a few new fans in Milwaukee. 

Wilco Summer Tour 

Wilco’s summer tour dates are pretty limited through July 5 and many of the dates are already sold out.  Cut Worms will continue to open for Wilco in a number of shows.  For a list of tour dates and other Wilco information, visit their website.  https://wilcoworld.net/ 

See the Full Gallery of the Night Here!

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