With a devastating show at C6 Fest last night, 25, at Ibirapuera, Jeff Tweedy talks about the return to Brazil, the affection of the audience and the creative paths that still move the band after 30 years
“Why don’t we stay right here?”
This question, asked by Jeff Tweedy throughout the show of Wilco node C6 Fest 2025summarizes well the feeling of those who were there: an audience taken by emotion by meeting one of Chicago’s most worshiped bands, whose last visit to Brazil had been almost a decade ago.
Last night, Sunday 25, the American group took the stage of the Metlife tent – the festival’s secondary, but it was small in the face of the amount of curious fans and curious, homesick and attentive. The choice of space seems to have underestimated the band’s attraction power, as had happened the previous year with the Pavement And in this same edition, with the Gossip of Beth Ditto the night before.
The presentation was part of the 2025 edition of the C6 Festwhich took Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo between May 22 and 25, coinciding with the weekend of Cultural turn of the city (but without integrating its programming). Over the course of four days, the event contrasted the introspection of the shows in the auditorium with the outdoor urban vibration in one of the largest postcards of the state capital. Despite not having ended the festival – this post got Nile Rodgers & Chic -, the Wilco It was undoubtedly one of the most celebrated shows of the program.
Prior to the reunion with the audience, the band talked to journalists on Friday, 23, during the sound passage. The press conference brought together all the members of the current formation: Jeff Tweedy (vocals and guitar), NELS CLINE (guitar), Mikael Jorgensen (piano and keyboard), Glenn Kotche (battery), Pat Sansone (guitar) and John Stirratt (low). In a relaxed and receptive tone, they talked about their connections with Brazilian music, literature, creative improvisation and the future directions of the band that, since 1994, has added 13 studio records and an unmistakable legacy.
“There is something in Brazil that connects immediately. As a musician, it is a sense of belonging that I can not explain,” he said Tweedy. “We feel this energy until when it plays songs that no one knows right.”
In the press conference, when asked what still seems absurd or inspiring in the music industry, Jeff Tweedy It was straightforward: “The music itself is inspiring. There are always people doing something challenging, exciting, with a true individual expression. When you do it right, no one sounds like anyone.” For him, this authenticity is what continues to keep the enchantment with the art of composing and playing alive. “This still inspires me.”
The subject soon evolved into one of the most discussed topics in the artistic environment today: artificial intelligence. When asked about the use of AI in music, Tweedy He responded with irony and firmness: “I challenge it to screw on the stage the way six human beings can screw together. This is still a thousand years away from being able to do what the Wilco It does. ”The statement has laughed and applause from those present, but also pointed out a clear position: the value of human failure, organicity and improvisation that is still irreplaceable.
On the band’s creative risks over the years, Tweedy mentioned the decision – today common, but at the innovative time – to release the records of the Wilco For streaming before the official release.
We believed that even if people heard for free, they would hear. And that it would support what always sustained us: live shows. ”
The choice, which could have financially compromised the band, turned out to be right. “We survived. It proved our point.”
Speaking of art and emotion, the band members also reflected on their connection with Brazilian music. Sansone he responded:
Some of my favorite songs of all time are from Brazil. I don’t understand a word of the lyrics, but they fill me with feeling. ”
For him, this cycle of inspiration between cultures is magical.
Know that, perhaps, the songs that I make touch someone here the same way these Brazilian songs touch me … this is beautiful. There is an indescribable magic in this. ”
Tweedy maintains a blog called Casual Starshipwhere he answers fan questions, he says lists, releases unpublished songs and covers, among others – and it was there that he commented to be reading about the Peloponnese war, something very specific. At the press conference, curiosity became a question, and the band took the opportunity to share other current readings. “I’m still plunged into the Peloponnese war, but I started another book called To THE Finland Station“.
John Stirratt in turn replied: “I am reading some biographies. Peter Wolffrom J. Geils Band that we share between the band in the last tour. He is a character, has a kind of energy Zelig“. He still mentioned being reading I Regret Altost Everythingabout the New York Restauranteur Keith McNallyan engaging portrait of the city between the 70’s and 80’s. Another name that came up, this time reading Glenn Kotche, It was also the biography of Peter Wolf Norwegian Karl Ove Knausgård. Pat Sansone mentioned Devotional cinemafrom Nathaniel Dorsky – An essential work for those who like photography and cinema. “It’s beautiful, I recommend to all the photographers I know.” Mikael Jorgensenis reading The short history of nearly Everythingfrom Bill Brysonwhich combines science, history and humor in an accessible and deep narrative, something that shares with the son, and finally, NELS CLINE also commented on the reading of the biography of Peter Wolff (there was laughs of all present) but also the reading of The Notebooks of Sonny Rollinsa compilation of the writings of the legendary saxophonist, filled with philosophical, musical and political reflections. “It’s fascinating. It’s an experience of conscience.” Finally, he revealed his next book: The Biography of Candy Darlingtrans icon of the New York scene linked to Andy Warhol.
With over 30 years of career, the Wilco Follows, walking paths that unite alternative rock, folk and country, always filtered by a sound aesthetics that oscillates between lyrical delicacy and instrumental experimentation. This essence was reflected in yesterday’s show, which was 1h30 long and prioritized tracks from its most classic phase, highlighting the repertoire of albums Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002), Ghost is Born (2004) and Sky Blue Sky (2007).
The band delivered a powerful and moving performance. Its compositions – sometimes melancholy, sometimes radiant – mix deep feelings with a cacophony needs sounds produced by each member, without one thing disturbing the other. The audience, which sang to the guitar solos, surrendered to moments of true communion with the group.
Who stole the scene was the guitarist NELS CLINE. Instead of seeking obvious virtuosity, he preferred to sew emotions with his instrument, delivering instrumental explosions in tracks like “Via Chicago” and long hypnotic digressions, as in “Impossible Germany”where it seemed to go into a trance.
Between one song and another (in the few moments when they were not amended), Tweedy It interacted with the audience with the same mood it showed in the press conference. In “Hummingbird”after one of the biggest reactions of the night, the singer wondered out loud:
Why don’t we stay here? Why are we leaving?
This was the third time that the Wilco He introduced himself to Brazil – and it is difficult to understand why he no longer comes. The setlist, although killer, left some favorites out, an understandable task given the vast repertoire. But what was touched enough to warm hearts, provoke sighs and make sure: a show of Wilco It is a celebration, a delivery, a direct conversation with whom he listens.
We hope the return takes less.
Check out the full setlist:
1. Company in my back
2.
3. Handshake Drugs
4. At Least That’s What You Said
5. I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
6. IF I EVER WAS A CHILD
7. Pot Kettle Black
8. Hummingbird
9. Bird Without a tail / base of my skull
10. Either Way
11. Impossible Germany
12. Box Full of Letters
13. Annihilation
14. Via Chicago
15. Jesus, etc.
16. Heavy Metal Drummer
17.
18. Spiders (Kidsmoke)
+++ Read more: Wilco creates “Indie Dream Festival” in Paradise Beach in Mexico
+++ Read more: attraction of C6 Fest, The Last Dinner Party prepares darker and angrier album
+++ Read more: For Black Pumas Eric Burton, being in Brazil is like being in ‘home away from home’
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
