We had three tickets to see Wilco and only two people to go. A friend who belonged to the other ticket had to cancel at the last moment. I had posted to message boards and asked friends to come, but no one responded.
Free tickets to see one of the greatest live bands playing today and no one responded. I think I need to find new friends.
So we arrived at the venue early, hoping we might find some hapless soul willing to buy the one ticket. Almost immediately we found some guys on bikes with signs saying they were buying tickets. There was a little haggling, and I found myself on the losing end of that. Ten bucks and I was free one ticket. That’s a lot less than I paid, but a little more than nothing.
The Murat is a beautiful old theatre in downtown Indianapolis. Having arrived early to unload the ticket and having already done such, we walked into the entryway of the theatre to await the doors opening. Many folks were already there. An odd thing this always was to me as we had assigned seats so there was literally no reason to arrive so early, but there we were.
Our earliness was paid off as a young man came out stating that the band had asked him to take fan requests. My mind went racing. I was dying to come up with something obscure and unique – something that the band would see and love and no doubt talk about from the stage. Maybe even ask me to come on down and sing it with them.
Instead I came up with something off the new album, something they would undoubtedly play even without my request. “Hate It Here” is possibly my favorite song off of Sky Blue Sky, and I was most anxious to hear those Stones riffs live.
Sitting back down I encouraged my wife to choose something but she’s shy about these things, and couldn’t come up with anything. I suggested “Outtasite (Outta Mind)” off of an older album, Being There, and she stood up to make the request.
“No, wait,” I said, “pick something off of the Woody Guthrie tribute. What’s the name of the one with the repeat? Oh yes, it’s ‘Walt Whitman’s Niece,’ choose that one.”
Yes, I know that’s one that Billy Bragg sang lead on, but Wilco played most of the music and they did the backup parts, which would be awesome live with all the audience singing the repeat.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
hey, ya didn't call me!!
bastard!! ;-)
2 - El Bicho
where are you posting the show? you did tape it right? And is "$10 for the ticket" in code. I've seen kids like you at concerts with that wacky tobaccy.
3 - Mat Brewster
Saleski, I was afraid you would buy the ticket, sit by me but then not actually acknowledge my presence.
Bicho I can point you to bootlegs, but it will cost you. I know that breaks the taper code, but times are tough man, times are tough :)
The only code there was it is bloody tough to sell only one ticket in the nosebleed section the day of the show.
4 - Mark Saleski
oh, go move to china brewster!!
5 - Mat Brewster
Hey thanks, I think I will. You could come with me. We could sit on the plane for 20 hours and smile awkwardly at each other.
6 - Triniman
Tickets go on sale tomorrow for the show in my town. Saw them last year, July 1 and blogged here about it, was right at the front of the stage.
Nice review, just the way I like'em.
7 - Mat Brewster
Thanks Triniman. I've seen them three times now and they always put on a good show.
8 - Jared
Dude. Show some respect to LOW. fabchannel.com/low
They are an incredibly good band.
9 - Mat Brewster
Dude, you may be right, they may be awesome. This was just the wrong venue and the wrong time to see them. They were not the band to open up for Wilco. If I get a chance I'll definitely see them in a more intimate venue.
10 - Mat Brewster
Etree has the show up for torrent.
11 - Steve R
[personal attack deleted] Nick Lowe is not a band, but a legendary artist who started the Pub Rock movement in the early 70's and was extremely influential. He produced Elvis Costello's first 5 lp's, made great records with Rockpile and his own prolific solo work. Yes, it was a bit mellow at times, but I wouldn't expect you to appreciate real songcraft. Was refreshing in contrast to the muddled wall of sound Wilco put out.
12 - Jordan Richardson
Where are you getting Nick Lowe from, Steve? Mat saw the band LOW open for Wilco in 2007, as they did a number of times in 2007.
Granted Nick Lowe is opening for Wilco on the first fall leg of their 2011 North American tour, but this article is over four years old.
[edited]
13 - Steve R
Touche. My bad, I apologize.
14 - GretzkyFan99
f-ing priceless