News Summary
Wilco’s heartfelt concert at Asheville Yards Amphitheater brought hope to a community still recovering from Hurricane Helene. The band connected with local residents through their music, creating a significant moment of healing and unity. As the city rebuilds, this concert served as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together in difficult times.
Asheville, NC – Wilco Performance Unites Community Post-Hurricane
Wilco performed a heartfelt concert on Friday night at the newly renamed Asheville Yards Amphitheater, providing a source of hope for a community still reeling from the impacts of Hurricane Helene and subsequent flooding in September 2024. This event marked the band’s first appearance at this venue since its rebranding from Rabbit Rabbit earlier this year.
The concert drew a crowd of local residents as the city continues its recovery efforts, likely resulting in fewer out-of-town visitors compared to previous shows. This community-focused concert mirrors a similar initiative in the town following a six-show run by Billy Strings, aimed at providing relief and uniting people after the devastating hurricane.
Local Connection and Background
Wilco, known for their unique blend of alternative rock, has a long-standing connection to Asheville, having performed there six times over the past two decades. Their frequent performances in this smaller city highlight the band’s commitment to engaging with audiences beyond larger metropolitan areas like Charlotte and Raleigh. With the city currently in the process of rebuilding, this concert held additional significance as it served as a collective form of healing for the audience.
Concert Highlights
The evening began with the opening act, Waxahatchee, which features Katie Crutchfield alongside Wilco’s own Spencer Tweedy on drums. Their set set a relaxed ambiance, preparing the crowd for a memorable night. When Wilco took the stage, they delivered a dynamic performance filled with engagement moments, notably through sing-along tracks such as “Handshake Drugs,” which encouraged audience participation.
Wilco’s setlist encompassed an array of tracks collected over their three-decade career, missing only the album Wilco (The Album) from 2009. Newer hits, including “Meant To Be” and “Quiet Amplifier,” were performed alongside cherished classics like “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart” and “Via Chicago.” Guitarist Nels Cline stole the spotlight during “Impossible Germany,” showcasing an impressive and extended solo that resonated with the audience.
Meaningful Moments and Audience Response
The impactful tune “Jesus, Etc.” garnered emotional reactions from attendees, reflecting the community’s resilience and efforts to rebuild after Hurricane Helene. The concert’s main set concluded with “I’m The Man Who Loves You,” and the encore featured a special collaboration with Waxahatchee on “California Stars,” leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The show concluded promptly before the venue’s 10 p.m. curfew, allowing attendees to leave with spirits lifted after an emotionally charged evening.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Following their Asheville performance, Wilco is set to continue their international tour, which includes appearances in South America, Europe, and the U.K. The band will return to the United States in August for the Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival tour, further showcasing their continued commitment to connecting with fans across different regions.
The concert at Asheville Yards not only entertained but also served as an essential gathering for a community rallying together amid adversity, reinforcing the power of music in times of struggle.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Prepares for Improv Festival Weekend
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
