Wilco and Billy Bragg Reunite for Mermaid Avenue Live at Solid Sound Festival 2026

Wilco and Billy Bragg team up again to bring Woody Guthrie's iconic Mermaid Avenue songs to life at Solid Sound 2026.

A Long-Awaited Live Celebration of Mermaid Avenue

For fans of folk-rock and Americana, the name Mermaid Avenue evokes something truly special. Between 1998 and 2012, Wilco and British singer-songwriter Billy Bragg collaborated on three albums bringing to life a treasure trove of unpublished Woody Guthrie lyrics. Yet, despite the albums’ acclaim, the songs rarely saw the stage together—until now.

Next summer, Wilco and Billy Bragg will finally join forces onstage at the beloved Solid Sound festival. Set for June 26-28, 2026, at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts, the event kicks off with a live celebration of Mermaid Avenue on opening night. This is the chance to relive the magic of Guthrie’s words set to music once again, performed by the actual artists who helped revive them for a new generation.

The Legacy of Woody Guthrie’s Unfinished Lyrics

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when a trunk full of forgotten lyrics from a legend like Woody Guthrie is unearthed. When Guthrie passed away in 1967 after battling Huntington’s disease, he left behind over a thousand sets of lyrics, tucked away and untouched in a family trunk.

His daughter Nora Guthrie preserved these scripts until 1995, when she approached Billy Bragg—who was already a longtime fan—with the idea of setting these words to music. Bragg, in turn, invited Wilco to collaborate, sparking a fruitful partnership that led to the first Mermaid Avenue album in 1998.

The project blossomed with a second volume in 2000 and culminated in 2012 with The Complete Sessions boxed set, including previously unheard outtakes from the original recordings. Over the years, Wilco has woven these songs like “California Stars,” “Hesitating Beauty,” “Hoodoo Voodoo,” and “Airline to Heaven” into their live performances, keeping Guthrie’s spirit alive on the stage.

Why Solid Sound Is the Perfect Stage for This Reunion

Solid Sound is more than just a festival for Wilco—it’s a creative playground. Over the years, the band’s shows there have ranged from rare deep cuts to full-album performances, even hosting karaoke nights where fans take the mic backed by Wilco’s unmistakable sound.

So, choosing Solid Sound to finally bring Billy Bragg and Wilco together for a full Mermaid Avenue live set feels just right. As Jeff Tweedy, Wilco’s frontman, puts it: “The world needs all the Woody Guthrie it can get. We’re thrilled that we get to bring these songs to life with Billy.”

Bragg echoes this excitement: “There’s an abiding love out there for the Mermaid Avenue albums, so I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with Wilco to bring Woody’s words to life once again.”

More Than Just a Tribute: A Living Folk Legacy

The Mermaid Avenue project is far from a museum piece. It’s a vibrant, living conversation with Guthrie’s legacy. As one reviewer once remarked of the 1998 album, “What could’ve been an embalming is instead a boozy séance, conjuring Guthrie’s ghost with some lost song lyrics and a clan who employ the mythic folkie as mirror. The apparition rocks, sighs, casts a vote for Jesus, propositions Ingrid Bergman and generally makes everyone look good.”

This playful yet profound spirit is what fans can expect when Wilco and Bragg take the stage together again—an evening of music that celebrates Guthrie’s voice through the lens of two modern legends.

What Else Is Happening with Wilco and Bragg?

While we eagerly await the Solid Sound reunion, Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy keeps busy with solo tours and collaborations. He is scheduled to appear as a guest on The Daily Show on October 23, adding another layer to his ever-evolving career.

Wilco’s 2026 plans also include their Sky Blue Sky festival in Riviera Maya, Mexico, from January 15-18. The lineup looks fantastic, featuring Dinosaur Jr., Dr. Dog, MJ Lenderman, Yo La Tengo, and a unique set with Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy performing R.E.M. classics.

Solid Sound Festival 2026: What to Expect

For those unfamiliar, Solid Sound is a unique festival curated by Wilco that blends music, art, and a welcoming community vibe. The 2026 edition promises an unforgettable kickoff with the Mermaid Avenue live set—an event that’s been long overdue for fans of Guthrie, Wilco, and Bragg alike.

Tickets are already available, and if you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing these songs live with the musicians who reimagined them, this is the moment.

“The world needs all the Woody Guthrie it can get.”
— Jeff Tweedy

FAQ

• How many Mermaid Avenue albums did Wilco and Billy Bragg release?
  They released three albums between 1998 and 2012, including the Mermaid Avenue volumes one and two, and The Complete Sessions boxed set.
• Where is the Solid Sound festival held?
  It takes place at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts.
• Will Wilco and Billy Bragg perform the entire Mermaid Avenue albums live?
  Yes, the opening night at Solid Sound will feature a live celebration of Mermaid Avenue performed by both artists.
• What other acts are performing at Wilco’s Sky Blue Sky festival in 2026?
  Acts include Dinosaur Jr., Dr. Dog, MJ Lenderman, Yo La Tengo, and Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy playing R.E.M. music.
• Can I buy tickets for Solid Sound 2026 now?
  Yes, tickets are currently on sale for the festival.

Does the prospect of hearing Woody Guthrie’s unheard lyrics brought to life by two iconic artists sound like your kind of night? Don’t miss out on this rare musical reunion. And if you’re a fan, why not bring a piece of the magic home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store for a perfect addition to any music lover’s collection.

Shop Album Cover Posters