Starting today, Wilco will bring the latest leg of their world tour in support of The Whole Love home to Chicago for five shows at five different venues across the city. This isn’t the first time Wilco has had a residency in the Windy City. Back in 2008, the band set up shop at the The Riviera Theatre and performed every song from each of their studio albums over five incredible nights. Let’s take a look at the venues on Wilco’s “Incredibly Shrinking Tour” of Chicago.
Civic Opera House
[Photo by Ardis Krainik]
Monday, December 12, 2011
Support: Nick Lowe
Capacity: 3,563
Previous Wilco Shows: None
The residency will begin with Wilco’s first ever show at the stunning Civic Opera House. The venue, which opened on November 4, 1929 features and art deco interior and is the permanent home to the Lyric Opera of Chicago. While it is highly unlikely, it would be awesome if Jim Cornelison would sing the national anthem before Wilco hit the stage.
The Riviera Theatre
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Support: Eleventh Dream Day
Capacity: 2,500
Previous Wilco Shows: 5/22/97, 5/23/97, 5/7/99, 11/24/99, 12/31/99, 11/22/00, 11/23/01, 11/24/01, 5/2/02, 8/2/02, 8/3/02, 12/7/07, 2/15/08, 2/16/08, 2/18/08, 2/19/08, 2/20/08
Wilco has played the Riviera Theatre more than any venue in Chicago. The venue, which is located in the Uptown neighborhood is down the street from the Aragon Ballroom and the Uptown Theatre. Wilco ushered in the millennium and more famously held their 2008 Winter Residency here.
The Vic Theatre
[Photo via Jam Productions]
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Support: Jon Langford and Skull Orchard
Capacity: 1,400
Previous Wilco Shows: 6/16/95, 11/27/96, 6/12/04, 5/4/05, 5/5/05, 5/6/05, 5/7/05
After a night off, Wilco will head two miles south for the next show on their tour of Chicago venues. The Vic Theatre was opened in 1912 and was originally named the Victoria Theatre. Their 2005 run at the Vic was recorded for Kicking Television: Live in Chicago, which was released on November 15, 2005. Jeff Tweedy has also played several solo shows here.
The Metro
[Crowd Shot at Metro by OK Go]
Friday, December 16, 2011
Support: The Paulina Hollers
Capacity: 1,150
Previous Wilco Shows: None
This venerable club opened its doors in 1982 and has welcomed some of the world’s biggest bands to its stage. Check out some of the artists who have played metro: Ministry, The Replacements, Slayer, Jesus and Mary Chain, Black Flag, Sonic Youth, The Ramones, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Flaming Lips, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, The Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, Dinosaur (before Jr.)- I think you get the picture. Ironically enough, this is Wilco’s first show at this iconic venue.
Lincoln Hall
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Support: Fred Armisen
Capacity: 507
Previous Wilco Shows: None
The most sought after ticket for the entire run of Chicago shows is for the very intimate Lincoln Hall show. But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know why. Wilco hasn’t played a show this small in Chicago since they played Martyr’s and The Hideout back in 2002. This show is a benefit for Inspiration Corporation, which helps homeless individuals & families regain stability and rebuild their lives.
I am very excited to be catching all of these show and will be posting setlists and recaps of each show. It’s going to be one crazy week, but I can’t wait to see Wilco in my backyard. You can follow me on Twitter @Subtle_Sounds.
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