Recap: Wilco at Murat Theatre
With their Nov. 12 performance at Indy’s Murat Theatre, Wilco again proved themselves to be a generational rock band, trekking through a career-spanning set with utmost style and finesse.
Out on the road in support of 2019’s Ode to Joy, Wilco kicked off the show with the album’s two opening tracks, later sprinkling in some other Ode to Joy selections as well.
Over the course of their 28-song performance, Wilco played songs from 10 of their 11 studio albums, curating a set list that could very well double as a “This Is Wilco” playlist on Spotify.
In typical fashion, frontman Jeff Tweedy made his fair share of clever quips, at one time commenting on the less-than-favorable weather conditions in Indy. “We got here yesterday, just in time for the snow,” he said. “Thank you for that.”
In a week where the Percussive Art Society International Convention (PASIC) was also in town, Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche presented a master class in rock drumming, leaving his mark on song after song with unmatched elegance.
\While touching on several fan favorites, Wilco also cherry-picked songs from their lesser-known albums, with Tweedy even joking about a song they played from 2016’s Schmilco. “Do you remember that one? I don’t,” he said with a chuckle.
Lead guitarist Nels Cline also had many moments of shine during the band’s Murat Theatre performance, with stunning solos in songs like “Impossible Germany” and “Side with the Seeds.”
At one particular moment of audience chirping, Tweedy responded to a crowd comment on his “nice hat.” “I hear that every night,” he said, comically. “Its a fucking great hat.”
After performing “I’m the Man Who Loves You,” Tweedy informed the crowd that the band was finished with its initial set, then sharing his opinion on encores. “It’s like faking your own death,” he said. Humorously enough, the band did eventually leave the stage after performing a few more tunes, ultimately returning for a traditional two-song encore that consisted of “California Stars” and “The Late Greats”.
Wilco received opening support from the Jessica Dobson-fronted band Deep Sea Diver.
Seth Johnson
Writer - Music, Comedy & Sports
An Indianapolis native, I love all things music, especially of the local variety. My other passions also include comedy, social justice, and the Indiana Pacers.
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