The band, although they had lost one member, decided to ditch the name ‘Uncle Tuelpo’ and rename themselves; thus forming ‘Wilco’, a name meaning ‘will comply’. The band began writing and recording songs that would make up their first album, ‘A.M.’ in early 1994. After sending a demo of the album to a branch of the Warner Brothers record (Reprise Records), the band was signed.
After the signing of the contract, nearly all songs were written by Jeff Tweedy, as he was the only named individual within the contract. The band emerged in November of 1994 and embarked on a supporting tour, during which time Tweedy began to write songs for a new album. For the band’s second album, named ‘being there’, Tweedy had written too many songs for a single album release. The band was worried about the cost of releasing a double album; however, they agreed to release both albums for the price of one. This move may have lost the band some money, but Tweedy was content with his decision.
Fans of Wilco who made the choice to see the band in concert would have experienced an extremely personal encounter with the band and more specifically the lead singer, Jeff Tweedy. Many of the albums contained songs written based on John Tweedy’s personal life; for example, Wilco’s third album ‘Summerteeth’ focused on the problems between the singer and his wife at the time. Fans therefore were able to feel as if they were connecting with the band on a more personal level and felt more involved with the concert.
Today, the band has released eight studio albums and has performed on various tours across the US and the world. Of all the members in the band, Jeff Tweedy and bassist John Sirratt are the only two who have stayed with the band throughout its lifetime. After sixteen years of making music, the band has undergone several changes in its members and musical style; however, fans of the band will all agree that Wilco is a one of a kind band whose music will continue to influence fans throughout generations to come.
