Seconds before Wilco opened its show this past Thursday night with the self-titled opening song “Wilco” from their newest album, the sell-out crowd at the Johnny Mercer Theatre stood up.
And stood. And stood. And stood some more.
The appreciative audience remainded standing, in fact, for pretty much the entire three-hour marathon concert (no opening band!). This rowdy yet ultimately respectful behavior reminded me just how starved Savannah is for real rock ‘n’ roll shows. All due respect to our fine local clubs, but it’s rarer than a blue moon to be able to see a real concert here, with a full stage rig and lighting show in a large venue.
Old-timers among us remember when big-time rock acts were constantly in and out of the Civic Center. In the ’70s and ’80s, this place was Rock ‘N’ Roll Central, believe it or not. But by the 1990s that had almost all dried up for a variety of reasons, leaving local rock fans with little alternative but to drive to Charleston or Jacksonville or Atlanta.
So when the Savannah Music Festival announced Wilco was coming — the so-called “American Radiohead,” a critically-acclaimed alt.country/Midwestern stoner band with something approaching a cult following — it was no surprise that it was the first sell-out and by far most high-profile show of the Festival.
The audience at this show, though enjoying themselves to the fullest, displayed none of the boorish behavior Savannah audiences have become known for. Whether this is because it was a Thursday night, or because of the vaguely hippie vibe of the band and its music, I’m not sure.
While I never caught a whiff of the chronic, it’s safe to say this was an audience more, shall we say, laid back in its recreational activities than the usual belligerently drunk Savannah crowd that has so often marred the bigger shows here lately.
(To be fair, I have heard reports to the contrary. Suffice it to say I did not witness any untoward incidents.)
Ah, but what about the music, you ask? Well, come on, it was Wilco. They have one of the most unimpeachable pedigrees of any active American band (though frontman Jeff Tweedy and bassist John Stirratt are the only remaining founding members of the 15-year-old ensemble). They are a tight, professional unit that almost seamlessly blends roots rock, y’allternative country, and the sonic experimentation of the aforementioned iconic British hipster icons.
Interestingly, the setlist avoided overindulgence in the band’s most well-known but perhaps weakest effort, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, instead concentrating on less forward-focused music such as the wonderful “California Stars,” with lyrics by Woody Guthrie and music by Tweedy. Then again, we’re talking a three-hour show here (no one can complain they didn’t get their money’s worth!). So it’s safe to say the band played a wide range of material.
Tweedy himself, not communicating directly with the audience until a good seven or eight songs in, was nonetheless in his usual shaggy-dog good humor, at one point saying, “You have a lovely city — thanks for inviting us.”
Particularly impressive was the lush instrumentation, even more apparent live than on the band’s multilayered albums. While the sextet’s usual breakdown was two guitars/two keys/bass & drums, occasionally there would be a three-guitar lineup, which sounded particularly full and nice.
(At one point, amazing lead guitarist Nels Cline — who is almost impossible to overpraise — had a steel guitar in his lap and an electronic mandolin around his neck. There is nothing he can’t play, and play extremely, extremely well, at least within the parameters of what this band does.)
A particular highlight was a quasi-acoustic middle section, during which the keyboardists came down front and even drummer Glenn Kotche stepped down to play a smaller kit.
The overall sound picture was complimented by a very appealing and appropriate set, including faux candelabras. During the acoustic section, the candelabras gave way to several faux Tiffany lamps. While perhaps intended as ironically self-deprecating, they were oddly appropriate for the overall tenor of the evening: intimate yet very special indeed.
What does this mean for the Savannah Music Festival? Surely there’s no downside whatsoever. That said, I question how much outreach was really made.
On one hand, it was nice to see a younger crowd at a Festival event, many of which otherwise seem dominated by senior citizens. On the other hand, when Maria Lancaster came out to introduce the show and mention the Festival’s role in it, many in the audience seemed to have no real clue what she was talking about.
(It might surprise you how many people in Savannah have never heard of the Savannah Music Festival. This is a source of unending bafflement and frustration for many of us in the cultural community, very likely including the Festival itself. For an event of such high quality with such local media saturation to continue to have issues with local publicity — emphasis on local, since the Festival does a great job reaching outside markets – seems bizarre yet strangely unsurprising given the general apathy levels here.)
But as I said, there’s no real downside, and many thanks go to the Savannah Music Festival for having the stones to bring this show to town. It’s Wilco! ‘Nuff said.
This article appears in Mar 24-30, 2010.
i hate to offer a scathing critique of last night’s show, but i don’t think savannah is really ready for this kind of high level rock show a band like Wilco brings based on my view from the middle of the house. the crowd there was an even mix of dude bro southerners in dress shirts and north face vests, hipsters who needed to shower, and bewildered looking old people who i am pretty sure thought they’d bought tickets to the gun show being held at the civic center this weekend.
when you mention the crowd stood and stood some more, you should also add what i saw from my seat: the bewildered old people mentioned above throwing popcorn, ice and other items at people in front of them who were standing up, because well, that is what you do at a wilco show.
As someone who was thankfully just passing through the south and happened to get tickets for this show, i can saw with all sincerity that i hope Wilco never comes back and what’s more, I hope savannah residents can relearn the southern civility and good manners often claimed by those living in this part of the south, because the entire show was dominated not by people singing along, but by people talking. seriously, savannah: good manners matter, even at a concert, especially at a concert.
Wilco of course was superb. I will give you that, they always bring it and every musician on that stage is not super talented, but a total class act, however not even that talent can make up for an evening spent standing in a super hostile audience like the one from last night. i couldn’t wait to leave town as fast as possible, but of course i was hit on by one of the aforementioned north face wearers while buying a record. note to savannah residents: do not hit on cute girls who own vinyl who are purchasing more vinyl at a show. we know you don’t know what you are talking about when you claim to also “own lots of vinyl.”
not cool, savannah, not cool.
There was plenty of boorish behavior on display in the balcony. People were milling about, more concerned about being seen and heard than allowing others to see and hear Wilco(The Band). Some of the behavior I saw would be inappropriate at a Jaguars (The Football Team) game. Great city, great venue, great rock and roll, lousy fans. I apparently saw the same crowd that tumbleweedchips saw. I doubt that many in the crowd knew where they were or could name one Wilco album, although Wilco(The Album) would be a lucky guess.
Though this was a nice review,I feel it is slightly out of touch. This was not a hippy crowd and not a hippy band. Most people in attendance at the show were neither stoned (as you insinuate) nor belligerently drunk. Bands like Wilco attract a mostly intelligent and respectful audience. It is also normal for the audience to stand the entire time.
As for the idea that the people in the crowd had no idea what the Savannah Music Festival is about, I say you are extremely wrong. Most students/young people in town are very well aware of the festival, and for years have been wondering why promoters haven’t tried harder to cater to this group of creative people itching to go to some great concerts. The fact that Wilco sold out and there is buzz around town about great indie acts at the festival this year is absolute proof that festival promoters are FINALLY getting it.
Market to students/young people, bring in bands they like and can afford, and don’t worry if they clap at the lady who says “Savannah Music Festival” before the show. The success will be in ticket sales and an overall feeling that the festival is finally catching up with the times!
in my opinion, this crowd was split half and half. half the people would sit down, tell people to sit down, and throw stuff at people to get them to sit. half the crowd couldnt name more than one wilco album, while the other half could name more than half. half the crowd actually stood up and jammed to the music, instead of being lame and sitting down. for christs sake its wilco! not a symphony…. for those older people who wanted people to sit down, or for those who werent listening to music but talking about their day at work, you should be smart enough that wilco is a rock n roll band. you shouldnt expect people to sit down through the whole concert. next time, instead of asking for the less lively atmosphere, you can leave. dont go see another good band again, ro you’ll ruin the show for everyone else.
but overall, i think the 34 song setlist was amazing, containing both popular and less popular songs, all loved by true wilco fans. the band actually played together as a group, rather than just one man taking the spotlight. i would recommend this band to a friend who enjoys a different type of rock and roll, and who will stand up and stay for the whole concert to have a good time. WILCO NOW!
@kameron238 i can’t wait to see the setlist, i left after about an hour, the crowd was just too horrifying for words.
it really is too bad the crowd was mainly comprised of people who didn’t know anything about the amazing band playing.
Hi, it’s the reviewer here. I appreciate all these comments but I have to say I find the whole “you’re supposed to stand up at Wilco shows” thing really funny. I’ve been to dozens of non-Wilco shows where people also stand up the whole time, presumably not out of conformity but because they’re really enjoying themselves. I think this crowd would have stood whether or not they were “supposed” to.
I came from Asheville, NC to see the Wilco show in Savannah with my family. It was my 5th Wilco show and by far, Wilco played their best but I agree, the crowd was the worst crowd I have ever seen any top band in. It took sooo much strength to enjoy the music while wanting to punch the frat boys behind me.
And come on! When Tweedy wanted the crowd to sing Jesus, etc. . . it was as if only 50 people were singing in the entire crowd. I was surprised that Tweedy wasn’t annoyed with the crowd as well.
Very disappointing, Savannah.
@jmorekis- it is not a question of “you have to stand at a wilco show” at this show in particular i along with many other felt like if we stood, we would be at risk of being hit by any matter of concession fare. You picking on that one tiny aspect of all of our comments, means that you can conveniently ignore the fact that the savannah crowd was the most uncivilized, uncouth group of people i have ever had the misfortune of attending a show with. Seriously, I am a southern girl and I know that the southern hospitality and civility is no joke which is what was so shocking about being at such a horrifying show. Obviously the bigger issue here is the lack of civility by concert goers and the need for savannah residents to have a crash course in show etiquette. You should think about writing that up for your next piece. here is how it can go: don’t throw popcorn at people who stand up. don’t talk as you would at a social gathering or dinner party. enjoy the show and clap/sing along.maybe leave the north face vests at home.
i know savannah is not used to having such high caliber acts, but if you ever expect wilco to return, such lessons need to be learned.
this was probably my 10th time seeing Wilco over the past few years, and while the band really gave it 100%, and the setlist was amazing they were fighting a losing battle all night. The sound was absolutely terrible, and as all have noted above, the crowd was heinous. Standing in line pre-show, I heard a group in front of me that didnt even have tickets saying that they didnt need them, as long as they had a wristband and a drink they would let them in. These are the same guys that after getting in without paying went on to make everyone else (those who actually paid) have a bad night.
All I can say is I hope any first timers that wanted to see Wilco does not give on them. Sure the show was marred by a boorish crowd full of douches and a venue that could not handle the level of talent performing, but Wilco is always solid.
Actually, Wilco did return. They played here in 2005 at the Trustees. We’re not that bad apparently.
And seriously, tumbleweedhips, leave the north face thing alone. You don’t get to make the rules about how others are supposed to carry themselves. Not everyone can be as cool as you, what with your vinyl collection and good looks.
Tell you what, you take a lesson in humility, wand we’ll keep selling out shows here.
Christ, you people are more concerned with the people at the show than the people playing. You’re not all that different than the frat guys talking in the row behind you.
@savannahblue apparently you are right about everything as evidenced by every other comment on this article. okay, you win. savannah is full of gracious, considerate concert-goers who make the experience pleasant for all those around them. i hope that sarcasm can be implied via this comment post.
and the reason why we have to be concerned about the frat boys around us is because they make it impossible to enjoy even the most solid of shows. i realize that in this day and age it is all about doing whatever you want, if that is talking through a concert, sneaking into a concert, throwing things at other people in a concert, and that common courtesy and civility no longer exist unless it is convenient for the person doing the offending, but i really thought that in savannah of all places, we’d be able to see a great rock band in front a friendly crowd. lesson learned.
and i stand by my earlier statement. wilco will never be back to savannah.