Outside Lands Day Three: Wilco cracks smiles, zippers

Photo: Theo Rigby

Although Jack Johnson owned the official closing slot for the first Outside Lands festival, he might have not been the ultimate stop for some. By a simple turn of events—that is, schedule overlap combined with last-day fatigue—the last show many would see at Golden Gate Park this year would be Wilco. Of course, there is also the matter of choice. Whatever the reasoning, those who chose the Twin Peaks stage did so knowing that they were likely going to end their festival experience here. Lucky then, that Wilco made the choice justifiable. “We love you too, random guy we don’t know in a massive crowd we can’t see,” Jeff Tweedy replied to a shouted offer of affection. “Wait, raise your hand, maybe we can see you.” A pause. “Well, you look crazy, so I’m glad you’ve found love.” And he’s not the only one—throughout a show mainly made up of work from 2002’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and later, Wilco lovers of all makes and models let their devotion be known.

For Tweedy, upon whose mood a Wilco show’s success often depends, the feeling was mutual. “We’re having such a great time, but we’re running out of it,” he said, just after setting everyone a-sway with the geographically apropos “California Stars.” There were no stars out yet, but no matter: Tweedy was smiling, and that was enough for most, including his own band. After a rousing “I Hate It Here,” and “Walken,” Tweedy even offered some praise: “That was a pretty good solo,” he said to guitarist Nels Kline. “For a guy with his zipper pinned together.” Okay, conditional praise. “Can you imagine worrying about your schlong falling out?” Tweedy inquired with a grin, before sending the crowd away—to Jack Johnson, maybe, but home with a smile, certainly—on “I Am the Man Who Loves You.” That’s right, he loves you. All of you. Whether you’re crazy or not. – KAITLIN FONTANA