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Biography
Starting his musical days in the band Uncle Tulepo in 1987, Jeff gained experience touring and writing music whilst gaining a cult following on the alternative country music scene. However due to inter-band disputes, Uncle Tulepo ceased to exist in 1994 and all the original members parted ways. Later that year Tweedy formed a new band with John Stirratt, Max Johnston, and Ken Coomer called Wilco.
The band had a more alternative rock sound and quickly became a momentous success in the States. Despite not charting on initial release, their first record 'A.M' has now sold over 150,000 copies in the US. The eight albums they have released have all peaked higher than their predecessor, with 2009's self titled release remaining their highest chart position at #4 and 2002's 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' remaining their best seller with over 600,000 units sold.
'A Ghost Is Born' is the band's most critically successful release. It won two Grammy awards; one for Best Alternative Music Album and one for Best Recording Package which was awarded to the art director. The album was also nominated for the prestigious Shortlist Music Prize in 2004. Jeff would often tour solo during his career mainly playing acoustic versions of Wilco songs along with some of his own material, in 2014 he announced he was working on a solo project entitled Tweedy with his son Spencer. An album entitled 'Sukierae' was released in September.
Live reviews
Jeff Tweedy has had a long and successful career in the music industry and he's still going. He is a songwriter, musician and record producer, but you may know him from being part of the band 'Wilco'. Although I think that Jeff has a lovely, mesmerising voice, he's not really my cup of tea. His live performance was lovely and had you wanting to sway along with your lighters in the air, but it wasn't a show that blew my socks off and left me thinking about it for weeks afterwards. You can't deny that he has talent, especially with a guitar. It's not surprising that he has been playing since he was 12 years old after getting injured in a bike accident that meant he couldn't leave the house for a while, so he turned to music. In 1994, Tweedy joined the band Wilco, which released 8 albums and had a lot of success. After a great run with the band, Jeff went onto work on his solo career by performing several solo tours, which was mostly acoustic compared to the music he played in bands in his past career. It was a nice change and he showed he can vary in his music widely, but although he may be right up some people's street with that soft and slow melodic style, it was quite boring for me. I have a lot of appreciation for what he does but I won't be in a hurry to see him again.
Very relaxed and talkative Jeff Tweedy at the Barbican last night. (3 February 2018)
Performing solo with acoustic guitar and harmonica, he opened with a powerful 1-2-3 of Via Chicago, I Am Going To Break Your Heart and Ashes Of American Flags.
This led into a set drawn from the repertoires of most of the bands he's been involved with through the years, with - obviously - a heavy emphasis on the Wilco songbook. All the interpretations went down well with the sold out crowd although it was a little strange hearing Impossible Germany without Nels Cline's solo.
Mr Tweedy even threw in a couple of new songs, the second of which expresses a wish for the world to be swept away in another flood. He turned this into a singalong.
The encore started with a truncated version of Remember The Mountain Bed and finished with A Shot In The Arm six songs and an impromptu Q&A later.
Slightly shorter than a Wilco set but he was doing all the lifting himself.
Set list here. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/jeff-tweedy/2018/the-barbican-london-england-2bee802e.html
Jeff live is NOT a Wilco show. It is acoustic. It is very much solo. If you expected a Wilco show...well, wait til they go back on tour.
BUT, Jeff puts on a great show. The songs are so full of music that it's hard to believe it is one voice and one guitar. Yes, these are mostly back catalog songs: lots of Wilco songs with a few Uncle Tupelo, Tweedy, and maybe even a Loose Fur or Golden Smog number...but they are great.
Jeff doesn't banter a lot. He seems to want to get to the next song. But he is not uncomfortable in this setting. Instead, you get to see how the song really is crafted...and it is wonderful.
Now please don't go and talk about work or your new dog or just run your cell phone all night. Talk a break and enjoy a truly great performance.
Jeff Tweedy is a whiny bitch who cannot handle anyone in his crowd if they appear to be having any fun. He constantly berated, made fun of, and abused his own audience. Very bizarre. Maybe he's back on pills.
Jeff doesn't disappoint. A beautiful venue with a wonderful crowd. Jeff is a consummate musician, professional and a great entertainer. I'll take more of that any day of the week!