Torsdag 13. august 2026
With no big production or fuss, band walked on stage and opened the show with «Handshake Drugs» followed by «Annihilation» and «Hummingbird»; a solid start supported by a warm welcome from the crowd. Tweedy, who clearly doesn’t speak Norwegian, regularly rewarded the crowd in between songs with a «Takk for sist!’’
It’s difficult to put Wilco in a box. Sometimes country, sometimes folk, Americana, indie rock with plenty of experimental noise and sometimes, all in the same song. But this weirdness all made sense when they played «Via Chicag»o. A beautiful chaos that probably puzzled many curious spectators who were probably listening or watching Wilco for the first time.
Then came «Jesus, Etc». Probably one of the most brilliant American folk songs ever written and beautifully delivered in a somewhat singalong with the audience.
They then continued with «Impossible Germany», «Heavy Metal Drummer», «I’m the Man Who Loves You», «I Got You» and concluded with «California Stars». A really safe and well-balanced set (perhaps too short) that highlighted the best of Wilco without going too deep in their catalogue. I’m pretty sure most fans would have taken 1 or 2 hours more.
In all honesty, this was a great show for Øya’s main stages, although, Wilco truly shines in smaller venues where the band can completely own the space. 4,5/6
Tekst: Olivier Fillion Boutin
Foto: Johannes Andersen