Wilco played three surprise shows at small Chicago bar, Carol’s, and it was amazing

Wilco was the hottest bar band in Chicago Sunday night, playing three sets at longtime North Side honky-tonk Carol’s Pub.

It was a surprise show announced around 11 a.m. that day and it blossomed into a plan for three by that afternoon.

I hit the 9 p.m. (middle) show and it was really amazing, attending a Wilco show in a venue that only holds around 200 people.

The band played four new songs, I Am My Mother, Cruel Country, A Lifetime to Find and Falling Apart (Right Now).

When we thought about celebrating Cruel Country in Chicago, only one place came to mind: Carol's Pub. 

Surprise! The box office opens at noon and Wilco hits the stage at 7p. pic.twitter.com/JD3kU5aiQP

— WILCO (@Wilco) October 9, 2022

The shows promoted Wilco’s new album Cruel Country and included songs from Being There, A.M. as well as covers by Dylan, Grateful Dead, Tom T. Hall and others.

The theme was a classic country sound and it really couldn’t have been a more perfect local venue.

There were a lot of highlights, including a really riveting performance of It’s Just That Simple.

We were also treated to Uncle Tupelo’s New Madrid.

Jeff Tweedy had to introduce and explain a couple of lesser-known covers, including She’s My Rock by Stoney Edwards and Death of the Last Stripper by Terry Allen.

Here’s the full set list.