Wilco, the Grammy Award-winning American alternative rock band formed in Chicago in 1994, has an ongoing relationship with their hometown. Though Wilco tours all over the world, they regularly return to Chicago to play shows at some of the city’s most iconic venues. As one of the seminal bands in the history of Chicago’s vibrant music scene, Wilco fans always look forward to the band’s Chicago shows.
When is Wilco playing in Chicago in 2023?
In 2023, Wilco has several Chicago concerts scheduled on their tour calendar. The band is slated to play two shows at the historic Chicago Theatre on March 24th and 25th. They’ll return to Chicago in the summer for the Pitchfork Music Festival, performing in Union Park on July 15th. Later in the year, Wilco will play a five-night residency at the Chicago Theatre from December 27th through December 31st to ring in the New Year.
What Chicago venues has Wilco played in the past?
Over their nearly 30-year career, Wilco has played all around their hometown at both large and small venues. Here are some of the key Chicago venues and events Wilco has played in the past:
- Metro – Wilco played some of their earliest shows at the Metro, the iconic Chicago rock club that has hosted emerging local bands since 1982.
- Riviera Theatre – This classic concert hall with a capacity of over 2,500 has hosted Wilco several times.
- Vic Theatre – This historic venue in the Lakeview neighborhood has been a regular Wilco stop.
- Millennium Park – Wilco headlined a show at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Chicago’s downtown Millennium Park in 2016.
- Taste of Chicago – Wilco played a free show at the massive outdoor food festival in Chicago’s Grant Park in 2015.
- Lollapalooza – Wilco has played Lollapalooza, one of the premier music festivals in the U.S. held annually in Chicago, multiple times including 2022.
- Pitchfork Music Festival – The band has performed at this indie music festival in Chicago’s Union Park, including an appearance in 2022.
- Ravinia – Wilco played a two-night stand at Ravinia, an outdoor amphitheater north of Chicago, in 2011.
Notable Shows at the Chicago Theatre
One of Wilco’s most frequently played and special venues in Chicago has been the Chicago Theatre. Often simply referred to as “The Chicago Theatre,” this historic theater first opened in 1921 and has hosted countless major concerts, events, and productions over its 100+ year history. Wilco has played multi-night runs of shows here several times over the past two decades.
Some of Wilco’s most notable Chicago Theatre shows include:
- December 2015 – 5 night residency
- December 2016 – 5 night residency
- December 2018 – 5 night residency
- September 2021 – 2 night residency
- December 2022 – 5 night residency
For their upcoming December 2023 residency at the Chicago Theare, fans can expect Wilco to continue this tradition of playing multi-night stands around the holidays at this treasured Chicago venue.
Setlists from Recent Chicago Shows
Wilco is renowned for changing up their setlists, rarely playing the same show twice. Here are some of the songs they played at recent Chicago concerts in 2021 and 2022:
September 7-8, 2021 at the Chicago Theatre
- A Shot In The Arm
- Impossible Germany
- War on War
- Via Chicago
- I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
- Heavy Metal Drummer
- I Got You (At the End of the Century)
July 17, 2022 at Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park
- A Shot In The Arm
- War on War
- Impossible Germany
- Via Chicago
- I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
- Red-Eyed and Blue
- I Got You (At the End of the Century)
December 27-31, 2022 at the Chicago Theatre
Setlists for these upcoming shows are not yet available, but if history is any indication fans can count on a stellar residency with marathon shows and Wilco breaking out rarities and special treats for Chicago fans.
Afterparties and Special Late Night Shows
In addition to their regular scheduled concerts, Wilco has made a tradition of playing special late night gigs at small Chicago venues following some of their bigger shows in the city. Wilco singer Jeff Tweedy has also done solo afterparty gigs. Some past late night performances include:
- Lounge Ax – The band played a short set at this renowned Chicago indie rock club after a 1999 show at the Vic.
- Abbey Pub – Following a 2007 Chicago Theatre run, Wilco played this small club in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.
- The Hideout – One of Chicago’s classic neighborhood venues, Wilco stopped by in 1996 and 2011 for post-concert sets.
- Schubas – After 2011’s Ravinia gigs, Wilco played this small Lakeview venue.
- Lincoln Hall – Jeff Tweedy played solo here after 2021 Chicago Theatre shows.
These intimate afterparties give fans a special chance to see Wilco in a close-up small venue setting and catch some rare renditions of songs and covers. Based on past years, fans can possibly look forward to similar late night concert treats around Wilco’s 2023 Chicago Theatre residency.
Chance for Special Guests and Collaborators
Given Wilco’s strong Chicago roots and connections, their shows in the city also frequently feature special local guests joining them on stage. Chicago music legends like Andrew Bird, Steve Albini, Kelly Hogan, and Neko Case have all made guest appearances at Wilco’s Chicago concerts over the years. Jeff Tweedy has also had members of his son Spencer Tweedy’s Chicago band The Tweedy’s join Wilco on stage. There’s a good possibility fans at Wilco’s 2023 Chicago shows could be treated to some exciting surprise guest musicians.
How to Get Tickets
Given the band’s popularity and multi-night stands, tickets for Wilco’s Chicago shows often sell out very quickly, especially for Chicago Theatre residency shows around the holidays. Here are some tips for landing tickets:
- Join the fan club – Wilco fans can get first access to presale tickets by joining the band’s email list.
- Follow the venue – Sign up for the Chicago Theatre email list to get presale password announcements.
- Get ready early – Be prepared and logged in right when the presale starts.
- Act fast – Have payment ready and purchase instantly when you get access.
- Try for singles – If the multi-night passes sell out, there may still be tickets for individual shows.
- Check secondary markets – Sites like StubHub may have tickets being resold at markups.
With some preparation and persistence, hopeful fans still have a good chance at scoring tickets to catch Wilco’s 2023 hometown shows in Chicago.
Why Wilco Loves Playing Chicago
For Jeff Tweedy and the band, Chicago is home and always will be. Wilco playing shows in their hometown is significant and special for both the band and the uniquely passionate Chicago fans. Here are some key reasons Wilco loves playing Chicago:
- History – Wilco grew out of Chicago’s underground rock scene and played early shows at local clubs like Lounge Ax.
- Fans – The Chicago audience has supported Wilco since the beginning and has an energy and loyalty unmatched anywhere else.
- Venues – From neighborhood clubs to the Chicago Theatre, the city has venues perfect for Wilco at every point in their career.
- Community – Fellow respected Chicago musicians, artists, and friends always come out to Wilco’s Chicago shows.
- Convenience – Being based in Chicago makes hometown shows logistically easier for the band and their crew.
Wilco in Chicago just feels like a special celebration every time, both for the band and crowd. That intangible magic and musical community is a huge part of what brings Wilco back to Chicago again and again.
Conclusion
Chicago has always been and continues to be a core part of Wilco’s musical identity and story. While they tour globally now, Wilco never forgets their Chicago roots. Fans in Chicago have a special relationship with the band and always come out in full force when Wilco plays hometown shows. In 2023, fans have a lot of chances to catch Wilco in Chicago, from the Chicago Theatre residency to Pitchfork Festival. Wilco shows are total celebrations in Chicago, where the band and audience share an unbreakable bond. For a band who came up locally, Wilco playing Chicago will always have a legendary energy and meaning.