Wilco at Londons Royal Albert Hall
The return of Chicago's indie rock legends, Wilco, to the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London was nothing short of magic. This marked their first solo gig since their performance at O2 Forum Kentish Town earlier in 2023. Fans of all ages packed the venue, eager to hear both chart-toppers and deep cuts from the band’s extensive catalog.
They took the stage promptly at 8:30 PM, kicking off the night with “Company In My Back,” followed by “Evicted” and “Handshake Drugs.” “Via Chicago,” a fan favorite, inspired a raucous sing-along, punctuated by an impressive drum solo. Jeff Tweedy, the charismatic frontman, kept the banter flowing, poking fun at the audience members in the front row who kept vacating their seats, joking that he felt like "Gallagher".
The set featured a blend of nostalgia and newness, with one of their earliest singles nestled right next to their latest release from the newest EP. “We do this to showcase our artistic growth,” Jeff quipped, earning a chuckle from the crowd. When they launched into “Jesus, etc.,” arguably their biggest hit, the applause was deafening, and the crowd sang along.
In the end, this was Wilco at the pinnacle of their craft. Professional, engaging, and great tunes. Witnessing them perform in such an iconic venue was an absolute joy.
