wilco

Wilcom the greatest band that never gets played on the radio a profile

Wilco’s mythology is that they are the greatest band that never gets played on the radio. The Chicago-based, all-American band is popular on college campuses around the US. And if you asked a room full of music critics to list the greatest American rock bands performing today, chances are a large majority of them would have Wilco on their list.

If you’ve never heard of Wilco, or can’t quite think of any of their greatest hits, you can’t blame the band, they’ve been putting out their unique brand of music for 15 years, play to sold-out audiences, have won two Grammy awards, and sold more than 4 million albums. But Wilco has always been a band just under the radar - while a favorite of critics and big on college campuses, they've never cracked Top 40 radio.

The name Wilco comes from a voice procedure ‘wilco’ meaning ‘will comply’. Wilco was formed in 1994, and they use elements of alternative and classic pop in their songs. The band was formed following the break-up of a country music group Uncle Tupelo, and the only original members left are Jeff Tweedy, lead singer and John Stirratt, bassist.

Not one for false modesty, Jeff Tweedy said, "We would be happy to be the second greatest band that does get played on the radio." And he just might get his wish - Wilco’s new album is their fastest seller ever, and the band notched its first # 1 song in early August with You Never Know.