Wilco Rocks Mother’s Day in Chattanooga with Timeless Classics and New Hits

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Wilco’s unforgettable blend of classic and fresh tunes in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

A Legendary Band Still Delivering Electric Performances

After three decades of rocking stages worldwide, Wilco proved once again that time hasn’t dulled their spark. The Mother’s Day concert in Chattanooga was a vibrant celebration that beautifully mixed nostalgia with fresh creativity.

Wilco thrilling the crowd in Chattanooga (Credit: Peter Crosby)

Warm-Up Act: Waxahatchee’s Stirring Set

The evening kicked off with Waxahatchee, who brought a full band energy to the stage, featuring Jeff Tweedy’s son, Spencer, on drums. Her 45-minute performance included tracks from her recent albums Saint Cloud and Tiger’s Blood, and even showcased her latest single, “Mud,” released just a couple of months ago in March. Her presence set the tone perfectly, combining heartfelt lyrics with a commanding stage presence.

Wilco’s Grand Entrance and Early Favorites

Wilco hit the stage at around 8:45 p.m. with Jeff Tweedy casually waving to the enthusiastic crowd, sporting a bright red button-down shirt, jeans, and a denim jacket. They opened with “Spider (Kidsmoke)” followed by “Wishful Thinking,” a fan favorite from their Grammy-winning 2004 album A Ghost Is Born.

The setlist wasn’t just about nostalgia; it featured newer songs like “Evicted” from 2023’s Cousins and the powerful “Bird Without a Tail/Base of My Skull” from 2022’s Cruel Country. Tweedy joked about how the crowd was really there for the classic hits and introduced the newer material with a laid-back charm.

Balancing New and Old: A Musical Journey

The band masterfully balanced their setlist with timeless tracks like “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart,” “War On War,” and “Jesus, Etc.” These songs painted a rich picture of Wilco's evolving sound over the decades.

Guitarist Nels Cline shines during “Impossible Germany” (Credit: Akash Wadhwani)

One of the show’s standout moments was Nels Cline’s electrifying guitar solo during “Impossible Germany.” Fresh from a daytime side gig at Chattanooga’s Barking Legs Theater, Cline’s performance was a thrilling highlight.

A Heartfelt Mother’s Day Dedication

In honor of Mother’s Day, Tweedy dedicated “I’m My Mother” from Cruel Country to all the mothers present, as well as to those who were remembered but missed. “I miss mine,” he sincerely shared, adding a touching emotional layer to the evening.

Reflections on Time and Growth

A recurring theme of the night was the passage of time and artistic growth. Tweedy introduced “Box Full of Letters” from their debut album A.M. (1995) alongside “Annihilation” from their recent 2024 EP Hot Sun Cool Shroud. He explained how playing these songs together highlighted the band's evolution — “The capo goes from here to here. The Beatles didn’t do that,” he quipped, referring to the device on the guitar’s neck that shifts pitch.

Tweedy also shared a nostalgic story about Chattanooga, recalling a childhood road trip stop at Lookout Mountain. “I don’t remember Florida, but I remember Chattanooga,” he said, showing a sentimental connection to the city.

The band bids farewell to an appreciative crowd (Credit: Peter Crosby)

Wrapping Up the Night – Encore and Farewell

As the night drew to a close, Tweedy hinted at the end, only to be met with loud boos from fans unwilling to let go. He laughed it off and assured, “I mean in general.” After the official finale, Wilco returned for a four-song encore, kicking off with “California Stars” from their 2001 Mermaid Avenue project with Billy Bragg.

Tweedy’s final words, “Okay this is it!” led into the closing anthem “I Got You (At the End of the Century)” from Being There, a perfect reflection on growing older and appreciating how far the band and fans have journeyed together.

“We’re getting close to the end,” Tweedy joked, as the crowd groaned, “I mean in general.”

— Jeff Tweedy

FAQs About Wilco’s Mother’s Day Concert

• What albums did Wilco feature in their setlist?
  They played songs from A Ghost Is Born, Cousins, Cruel Country, A.M., Hot Sun Cool Shroud, Mermaid Avenue, and Being There.
• Who opened for Wilco during this concert?
  Waxahatchee opened the night with her full band, including Jeff Tweedy’s son Spencer on drums.
• What was special about the Mother’s Day dedication?
  Jeff Tweedy dedicated “I’m My Mother” to all moms in attendance and those who were missed, sharing a personal moment about his own mother.
• Where was the concert held?
  The show took place in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
• Did Wilco perform an encore?
  Yes, they returned for a four-song encore ending with “I Got You (At the End of the Century).”

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