Hearing about former Wilco member Jay Bennett's death on Sunday May 24th at age 45 this Memorial Day morning brought great sadness to an otherwise beautiful day. While it is not exactly clear what the cause of death might have been, we here at IRT mourn the loss of this amazing and tragic figure in 21st century rock.
For those of you who haven't done so already, check out Rock Proper for a free download of Bennett's most recent solo album, Whatever Happened I Apologize, a stark, sad folk opus from a man whose star was snuffed out far too soon in life.
Also, to read more about the death of Jay Bennett, make sure to visit critic Jim DeRogatis' blog on The Chicago Sun Times website and read his touching tribute to this great American rocker.
Wilco's publicist released this staatement from Jeff Tweedy, whom Bennett was fixing to sue a couple of weeks back and who unceremoniously fired Bennett from the band he helped construct the sound for on film in director Sam Jones' 2002 Wilco documentary I Am Trying To Break Your Heart:
"We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy. We will miss Jay as we remember him -- as a truly unique and gifted human being and one who made welcome and significant contributions to the band's songs and evolution. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in this very difficult time."
Make sure to revisit Tweedy and Bennett during happier times by checking out this amazing recording of the duo playing acoustic back in July of 1999.
Set List:
1. Introduction
2. James Alley Blues
3. She's a Jar
4. New Madrid
5. Blood of the Lamb
6. Down in the Willow Garden
7. Auld Triangle
8. Another Man's Done Gone
9. Hesitating Beauty
10. Via Chicago
11. Sugar Baby
12. I Got You
13. Forget the Flowers
14. I'm Always in Love
15. The Lonely One
16. Summerteeth
17. Pecan Pie
18. True Love Will Find You in the End
19. Casino Queen
20. Encore Break
21. California Stars
22. Hoodoo Voodoo
Rest in peace, Mr. Bennett. You will be missed, and we are truly sorry we will never have the chance to sit and chat with you as we have been planning to in IRT. -Ed.
Wilco performing "Misunderstood" with Jay Bennett:
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