Gig review: Wilco - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

“I CAN’T do this, you knuckleheads need to go,” protested Jeff Tweedy, to a hearty cheer from the crowd, as two blokes having a noisy fist fight on the balcony forced the Wilco frontman to pause during what he called “the most tender ballad of the night”.

It was an incident weirdly at odds with an otherwise civilised evening in the company of a six-piece who are nearly elder statesmen of American alt-rock.

Fans who have themselves grown older with Wilco will probably have approved of their decision to play an all-seated venue; indeed, it felt perfect for this two-hour range through the dense back catalogue of a band whose music is always involved, rarely predictable and never comes in small doses. “You get Wilco in bulk,” joked Tweedy.

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Twelve-minute folky ramble One Sunday Morning – a standout from their new album The Whole Love – was a beautifully judged start to a set that covered all the bases, from the left-field stuff that’s seen Wilco characterised as the American Radiohead (I Am Trying to Break Your Heart), to their forays into plaintive Americana (California Stars).

Nels Cline’s hurricane soloing underscored his reputation as the alternative guitar hero of choice, while Tweedy – whose battles with depression and painkiller addiction are well documented – is tapping a rich vein of personal and professional good form.

“You’re looking great Jeff,” proclaimed a fan during one quiet moment, and the singer seemed genuinely flattered by the compliment. The standing ovation that followed the juddering climax of closer Misunderstood was entirely deserved.

Rating: ****

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