Jeff Tweedy Delights Fans with Unexpected Covers in Los Angeles
Jeff Tweedy, the acclaimed frontman of Wilco, delivered a memorable performance at The Belasco in Los Angeles, surprising fans with captivating covers of Beck and Harry Nilsson during a stop on his Twilight Override Tour on March 20th. The 1,500-capacity venue erupted as Tweedy paid tribute to iconic Los Angeles artists.
A Tradition of Local Homage
Tweedy and his band have established a unique tradition on the Twilight Override Tour: performing location-specific cover songs honoring artists from each city they visit. For the Los Angeles show, the choices were particularly resonant, and the execution was nothing short of phenomenal.
Beck and Nilsson Take Center Stage
The evening kicked off with a spirited rendition of Beck’s 1994 hit “Loser,” featuring Sammy Tweedy delivering the song’s signature hip-hop-infused vocals. Jeff Tweedy then took the stage for a high-energy performance of Harry Nilsson’s “Jump Into The Fire,” igniting the crowd with his passionate delivery. This wasn’t simply a nostalgic performance; it was a joyful celebration of musical legends deeply cherished by the L.A. music community.
Guitar Showcase and Intimate Moments
Throughout the night, Tweedy showcased his impressive guitar collection, switching between his Gibson Signature SG electric, Jolana Iris, various Fenders, and numerous Gibson and Martin acoustics. His blue Kawai Moonsault, used during the performance of “Flowering,” proved to be a particular crowd favorite. Between songs, Tweedy engaged the audience with his signature dry wit, sharing anecdotes and playfully warning them about quieter moments to come, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the venue’s size.
Twilight Override Dominates the Setlist
The setlist heavily featured material from Twilight Override, Tweedy’s expansive triple album boasting 30 tracks. The performance flowed seamlessly from songs like “One Tiny Flower” and “Gwendolyn” to deeper cuts like “Diamond Light, Pt. 1.” The band also skillfully integrated classics from Tweedy’s Tweedy project and solo work, including “Flowering,” “Love Is The King,” and tracks from the WARM album.
A Fan-Driven Encore
The encore was fueled by the audience’s enthusiastic “Music!” chant, which began as a spontaneous shout and quickly evolved into a venue-wide phenomenon. As reporter Josh Martin of Live for Live Music noted, “Wherever he goes, one thing is certain: Jeff Tweedy will bring plenty of music with him, and now, perhaps, even some such chants to boot.”
Tour Continues Across California and the Pacific Northwest
Following the two Los Angeles shows on March 21st at The United Theater, Tweedy and his band continued up the California coast, with stops in Ventura, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Napa, and Redding. The tour then extends into the Pacific Northwest throughout March and April. Fans who missed the Los Angeles shows still have ample opportunities to experience the magic of the Twilight Override Tour live.
Source: Live for Live Music
