I assure you, it is Ken Coomer; I live in the Belleville/St. Louis area and followed UT closely back then--seeing them in bars. Jay Bennett was never in Uncle Tupelo. Yes, I see the resemblence with the curly hair and all, but it is not Jay. To see a picture of the 2 of them in Wilco, google search "chicago magazine coomer"-- click on the 1st link to chicago magazine--it's an article about Jay--it shows them together and you can see that it is Coomer in this Conan video of Uncle Tupelo.
Hey. cool. You know what you are talking about. I used to see them at Cicero's in U. City. My roommate in St. Louis was Tom Margherita, brother of her of Tony Margherita, their manager.
@@sonvoltyukon7548 you can pretty much tell exactly the moment Bennett joined the band, sort of like Mick Taylor in Rolling Stones -- went from a rock and roll bar band to Americana art rock
Damnnn its may 2023 now but i gotta comment i dont care if its 6+years since i only came across this evening . You're absolutely right thats all i gotta say. Wish i didnt sound lame im feeling do nostalgic cos their music was a big part of my life and still is im some way
Ken Coomer. He was in a band from Nashville in the 80's called Clockhammer. To this day the best live band I have EVER seen At first I didn't understand why he left them to play with these boys.... but he knew what he was doing
This is my favorite of the UT, W, SV canon. Has everything I love: rock, melody, & punny logic. I'd been taking long cuts for years before I heard the song. I was lucky enough to stumble into Wilco, then UT, then Son Volt so I didn't have to choose a side. I knew OF them but I didn't take the time to realize that this was MY music. You'd have thunk that years of loving The Replacements I would have accidentally heard them but, nope.
If you heard Uncle Tupelo was an alt country band, and this was all you ever heard/saw of them, you'd probably think, "Huh. These guys sound more like a Noise Band." Love the rawness shown here.
Chiming in with a few relevant quips: The Heidorns were my neighbors, on Anna Ln. in Swansea, IL and I was friends with Suzie Heidorn, Mike Heidorn's little sister. For those who don't know, Mike was the Orig Drummer for UT. I got to sit in on quite a few rehearsals in the mid 80s when I was about 7-11, in the Heidorn's basement while Suzie and I ate a stupid amount of popcicles. Anodyne came out when I was about to graduate from Belleville West. Saw the original UT only once at Mississippi Nights in '90. They were great. I also got to interview Jay about 20 years ago when Son Volt released 'Okemah and the Melody of Riot.' I stan hard for my Belleville boys
That's an easy one. Son Volt is a mediocre band with mediocre albums. Wilco released at least 3 stellar albums before slipping into a bland formula. There.
@@chrisscott6961 This drummer, Ken Coomer, went with Wilco up until Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Uncle Tupelo’s first drummer, Mike Heidorn, ended up playing with Son Volt.
@@ethanedwards7557 Music is subjective. Eventually you'll find someone that likes the Shaggs over the Beatles, as ridiculous as it might seem. Arguements about taste is futile. You could even argue musical "correctness" and it still comes down to taste. Hell, what I think sounds good or bad can change in a minute. Btw, I'm not familiar with Son Volt at all and only slightly familiar with Wilco.
I read somewhere that there was a big fight before this performance because Farrar wanted one of his songs but Tweedy won the fight. The demise of UT was and still is tragic. Together Tweedy and Farrar were so much better than they are separate. Thanks for the Post!!
Currently reading his book. In my interpretation, jay kinda threw a tantrum over the choice which was neither his or Jeff’s. The production of the show chose Jeff’s song. It wasn’t pitched by Jeff simply just what the show wanted to showcase.
Tweedy is human. He's also the leader of a band, for which he writes 99% of the songs, and bears the largest portion of responsibility for their success or failure. Sometimes when you're a leader, you have to make decisions that will brand you as "a dick." But I agree with you, Dan. He's incredibly gifted, funny, gracious, and exceedingly humble. My wife and I saw one of his solo shows when he stopped through, and it was some of the most fun we've ever had at a concert.
Not to bust your bubble, but I know someone who saw them in the 90's and tried to say "Hi" to Tweedy on the street before a show to express his admiration and Tweedy told him to f-ck off, so... Yeah, I'm Team Jay Farrar. Plus, Jay's music, songs, and voice are all 100% better than Tweedy's Twaddle.
Stirrat was lucky to have been chosen to be in this wonderful band. He has since gone on to be Tweedys right hand man and founding member of Wilco. Two great bands.
+Dave Clinton I sincerely believe that "Trace" is on of the greatest albums ever put on tape, I only wish more of the world could hear it and understand it's absolute greatness...
+Drew Hammond I just purchased and heard Trace for the first time two weeks ago ... amazing album ... I'm wondering why it took so long for me to hear this great music.
+Paul LaVergne I was lucky enough to be introduced to Uncle Tupelo not long before they split by my older brother. They were huge up in Chicago in the early 90's. I'll never forget when a friend of ours got an advanced copy of the first three songs on Trace album and he popped into the stereo at his bar, we were convinced that they were some of the best songs we'd ever heard. Jay is really one of the great American songwriters that a lot of people don't know about. Jason Isbell is starting to get noticed more and deservedly so, wish Jay got the same recognition. They are two of the best songwriters alive today.
found one like that at some random one day festival about 5 years ago,where music today were selling old stock,also scored a kick as old g Mule shirt. for 6 bucks.
@@lovedicedtomatoes9653 Jay was pissed because the long cut was penned by Tweedy. The TV producers picked the song for them to play, not Jeff. And Jay was jealous. Just was just being miserable like whiny b"%/&$ alot around this time in the band. This is my recollection and impression from reading Jeffs book. And I stated it a little harsh compared to Jeff. Great book though. It is a great read even for non wilco fans. Take care!
@@WookieLove1 Thanks for the response. I prefer Son Volt to Wilco but both are great- love those songs they did with Billy Bragg. Watching the vid I got the feeling Jay looked unhappy. I need to get that book. Thanks again.
@@lovedicedtomatoes9653 Yes I liked son volt better initially but have swung hard to Wilco. Jay and Jeff had so much turmoil at this point. And like I said, Jeff framed it very well in the book, very mature. I would really love to hear Jay's side... (I'm a real UT, Son Volt, Wilco fan!)
You know, I've seen photos of Jay playing what looks to be that telecaster (in the insert to No Depression, to name just one) ... I wonder if he lent it to Jeff for this gig...? BTW: I never really knew how much this song rocked till I saw this video... Jeeeeeeesh...
Great song. The Jeff/Jay backstory is interesting, but all bands have one. Joey and Johnny Ramone touring together for 20 years and not speaking to each other for most of that is probably the worst. Playing one song on Tv with tension isn't so bad. I hope they are all happy now and I've enjoyed UT, Son Volt and Wilco through the years.
Unfortunately, it was decided by which song (Long Cut or Chick) would have the most airplay. Tony Margherita ( their manager) would have preferred a "Jay" song, but Long Cut was more commercial. On the way back to St. Louis following the show, there was complete silence and everyone knew that was kind of the end for Tupelo. I saw their last 2 shows in St. Louis. My roommate at the time was Tom Margherita, (their manager's brother, Tony)
@nonewmccarthyism Check their first TV appearance, the UT apartment was wall-to-wall guitars. Most live photos I've seen show Jay playing various Gibson guitars.
You can feel the tension between Jeff and Jay. It's pretty obvious that Jay is pissed that they're playing one of Jeff's songs. You'll also notice he's not singing any backing vocals.
@dashofchutmeg Which of Jay's songs did he want to play? I didn't read Kot's book, but it's seemed in some of Jay's interviews that the animosity has died down. The Son Volt catalog is amazing if not as successful as Wilco's. I'd love a Reunion show where all three bands play
Tweedy's bio will tell all the prognosticators here that this performance didn't break up UT, some dispute about a woman did. At least she was a good excuse for these men to go their separate ways. They were also completely incompatible personalities. I am glad they broke up when they did and then graced our world with both of their singular talents, we are much better off.
@dashofchutmeg You are correct. It's been awhile since I read the book but I remember that. And I did also notice the lack of backing vocals. It's too bad Jay had to be so petty.
Ok, first of all...after a couple years I've been able to decide that my official favorite band of all time is the mighty Uncle Tupelo. Honesty though - this performance sorta makes me a little bit sad. The look on Jay's face pretty much verifies all the stuff I've ever read about the one sided "differences" between UT's two front men. Also seems like Jeff is aware of Jay's perspective and is trying to make the best out of it anyways. The song sounds great, the performance is just kinda sad.
Jay was completely pissed off that they didn't play Chickamauga. The entire bus ride back to St. Louis was in complete silence. Heidorn had already left. I went to their 2 last shows in St. Louis. My roommate in St. Louis was Tom Margherita, (Tony Margherita's brother and who was their manager and is now Wilco's manager).
I assure you, it is Ken Coomer; I live in the Belleville/St. Louis area and followed UT closely back then--seeing them in bars. Jay Bennett was never in Uncle Tupelo. Yes, I see the resemblence with the curly hair and all, but it is not Jay.
To see a picture of the 2 of them in Wilco, google search "chicago magazine coomer"-- click on the 1st link to chicago magazine--it's an article about Jay--it shows them together and you can see that it is Coomer in this Conan video of Uncle Tupelo.
Pretty cool ... and 100%, Jay B (RIP) was in Wilco et al, never UT
Hey. cool. You know what you are talking about. I used to see them at Cicero's in U. City. My roommate in St. Louis was Tom Margherita, brother of her of Tony Margherita, their manager.
Yes Nashville musician Ken Coomer joined them before the end. I went to grsd school with his wife circa 1993ish.
Um... .Yeah? Of course that's Ken
@@sonvoltyukon7548 you can pretty much tell exactly the moment Bennett joined the band, sort of like Mick Taylor in Rolling Stones -- went from a rock and roll bar band to Americana art rock
As much as I love UT, I think we all won when got 2 wildly different bands out of the smoldering wreckage.
liljgoneman damn finely put.
You are quite correct but still... man, what a damn fine band UT was...
And Golden Smog on down the line!
The Bottle Rockets, also?
Damnnn its may 2023 now but i gotta comment i dont care if its 6+years since i only came across this evening . You're absolutely right thats all i gotta say. Wish i didnt sound lame im feeling do nostalgic cos their music was a big part of my life and still is im some way
so much good music was birthed from this band and its offspring
Son Volt's Trace is one of my top 10 albums ever. When it came out I listened to it for probably six months straight.
Me too. But I did the same with Being There!
@@adamp2029 A good era for American music!
It's one of my "if you could only listen to albums for the rest of your life" albums
Love WILCO and SON VOLT. But UNCLE TUPELO is far better
Jay is wearing a Bottle Rockets shirt. When the Bottle Rockets played Conan the next year, one of them was wearing a Son Volt shirt!
I was just getting on here to ask that!
ua-cam.com/video/xpqTcGbn9r4/v-deo.html
njenney I used to have that exact same bottle Rockets T-shirt.My son volt T-shirt was different.
@@MrKindermusik I still have that Bottle Rockets shirt!
Uncle Tupelo, Drive By Truckers, Bottle Rockets, Wilco, Son Volt.....true Americana
Awesome! Hard to believe it's been 30 years since I first saw these guys at Lounge Ax in Chicago. Long live UT.
Drummer is like a clock. amazing talent.
Ken Coomer. He was in a band from Nashville in the 80's called Clockhammer. To this day the best live band I have EVER seen At first I didn't understand why he left them to play with these boys.... but he knew what he was doing
This is my favorite of the UT, W, SV canon. Has everything I love: rock, melody, & punny logic. I'd been taking long cuts for years before I heard the song. I was lucky enough to stumble into Wilco, then UT, then Son Volt so I didn't have to choose a side. I knew OF them but I didn't take the time to realize that this was MY music. You'd have thunk that years of loving The Replacements I would have accidentally heard them but, nope.
If you heard Uncle Tupelo was an alt country band, and this was all you ever heard/saw of them, you'd probably think, "Huh. These guys sound more like a Noise Band." Love the rawness shown here.
This isn't really noise. It's more reminiscent of Dinosaur Jr, tbh.
Thank you internet and the person who uploaded this video. Oh and youtube.
j stacey And Mr. Edison
Chiming in with a few relevant quips: The Heidorns were my neighbors, on Anna Ln. in Swansea, IL and I was friends with Suzie Heidorn, Mike Heidorn's little sister. For those who don't know, Mike was the Orig Drummer for UT. I got to sit in on quite a few rehearsals in the mid 80s when I was about 7-11, in the Heidorn's basement while Suzie and I ate a stupid amount of popcicles. Anodyne came out when I was about to graduate from Belleville West. Saw the original UT only once at Mississippi Nights in '90. They were great. I also got to interview Jay about 20 years ago when Son Volt released 'Okemah and the Melody of Riot.'
I stan hard for my Belleville boys
What a great performance.
LOVE the fact that Jay is wearing a BOTTLE ROCKETS t-shirt! :)
Jay "Sad Keanu" Farrar
Uncle Tupelo-1 of my favorit bands.
I can't believe it's Jeff singing on national tv. This must have been burning Jay alive inside.
It did burn him up. The record label chose the song, not the band. But at this point, Jay already had one foot and a few toes out the door anyway.
Jay did look pissed in this video
@@michaelskurski912 When doesn't he?
Time for some classic Tupelo!
The Wilco/Son Volt debate can go on forever. We got genius from both. Lets just agree to the divorce and move on.
That's an easy one. Son Volt is a mediocre band with mediocre albums. Wilco released at least 3 stellar albums before slipping into a bland formula. There.
Did the drummer go with son volt or Wilco?
@@chrisscott6961 This drummer, Ken Coomer, went with Wilco up until Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Uncle Tupelo’s first drummer, Mike Heidorn, ended up playing with Son Volt.
No debate, Wilco is clearly superior.
@@ethanedwards7557 Music is subjective. Eventually you'll find someone that likes the Shaggs over the Beatles, as ridiculous as it might seem. Arguements about taste is futile. You could even argue musical "correctness" and it still comes down to taste. Hell, what I think sounds good or bad can change in a minute.
Btw, I'm not familiar with Son Volt at all and only slightly familiar with Wilco.
Jay was already at the top of his craft at this young age. As we know Jeff's journey was just begining.
Never knew until recently that Ken played with Uncle Tupelo. I saw him many times with Clockhammer, which was a real treat! And of course, Wilco.
This is what I was listening to when I was 16.
Awesome Gem...I probably watched this live.
I'm dating myself I know, but I was a teen when this came out. Loved it in 1994 and I still love it.
Man, I miss this band!
I read somewhere that there was a big fight before this performance because Farrar wanted one of his songs but Tweedy won the fight. The demise of UT was and still is tragic. Together Tweedy and Farrar were so much better than they are separate. Thanks for the Post!!
u170293 yup, heard that as well.
Read my post to someone else. My roommate in St. Louis was Tom Margherita (their manager's brother, Tony)
Currently reading his book. In my interpretation, jay kinda threw a tantrum over the choice which was neither his or Jeff’s. The production of the show chose Jeff’s song. It wasn’t pitched by Jeff simply just what the show wanted to showcase.
Wilco is far better than Uncle Tupelo or Son Volt. Jay isn’t in Jeff’s level. Outside of Lucinda, he’s the best songwriter in this genre.
love the bottle rockets and my thousand dollar car.
Agreed. I would still consider it my favorite album.
Tweedy is human. He's also the leader of a band, for which he writes 99% of the songs, and bears the largest portion of responsibility for their success or failure. Sometimes when you're a leader, you have to make decisions that will brand you as "a dick."
But I agree with you, Dan. He's incredibly gifted, funny, gracious, and exceedingly humble. My wife and I saw one of his solo shows when he stopped through, and it was some of the most fun we've ever had at a concert.
Not to bust your bubble, but I know someone who saw them in the 90's and tried to say "Hi" to Tweedy on the street before a show to express his admiration and Tweedy told him to f-ck off, so... Yeah, I'm Team Jay Farrar. Plus, Jay's music, songs, and voice are all 100% better than Tweedy's Twaddle.
OMG....the one on myspace is soooo crappy....thanks for posting this.
Look how young they look even Conan:)
So beautiful, yet, so sad
I have that exact shirt! I bought it sometime after 2000 though at a Bottle Rockets show at Frederick's Music Lounge.
They are the Nirvana of country music!
How so?
great song
This is so cool.
Good music brought me here
It's all good, but "No Depression" is in a class by itself
I've seen this video 20 times, and its still Ken Coomer.
Literally 10 years of my life.
Great Band
1994 was such an insane year for rock and roll.
Yeah there were so many incredible records that year
this is still bad ass.
love Jay's Bottle Rockets t-shirt!
this was a hot band
I didn't think Conan could get any more nasal, and then he said anodyne.
So this was their first TV appearance? I'm really loving seeing them. Jeff is so talented, you can overlook the hair :)
Jay with the Bottle Rockets shirt!
Greatest band in the 90ies
Tremendous.
Stirrat was lucky to have been chosen to be in this wonderful band. He has since gone on to be Tweedys right hand man and founding member of Wilco. Two great bands.
Both bands lucky to have him!
The 90s in Metroeast StL area were pretty fkg cool when i look back.
love Jay's Bottle Rockets t-shirt
Bass player gets to be lead singer on national tv, lead singer plays guitar solo. Son Volt forms and becomes the greatest band since the 1970's.
+Dave Clinton I sincerely believe that "Trace" is on of the greatest albums ever put on tape, I only wish more of the world could hear it and understand it's absolute greatness...
I rank it in my top 3, bud!
+Drew Hammond I just purchased and heard Trace for the first time two weeks ago ... amazing album ... I'm wondering why it took so long for me to hear this great music.
Welcome to the greatest music this side of the Mississippi.
+Paul LaVergne I was lucky enough to be introduced to Uncle Tupelo not long before they split by my older brother. They were huge up in Chicago in the early 90's. I'll never forget when a friend of ours got an advanced copy of the first three songs on Trace album and he popped into the stereo at his bar, we were convinced that they were some of the best songs we'd ever heard. Jay is really one of the great American songwriters that a lot of people don't know about. Jason Isbell is starting to get noticed more and deservedly so, wish Jay got the same recognition. They are two of the best songwriters alive today.
A sweet Bottle Rockets shirt
found one like that at some random one day festival about 5 years ago,where music today were selling old stock,also scored a kick as old g Mule shirt. for 6 bucks.
Great guitar. On this song especially, the guitars sound almost exactly like Teenage Fanclub.
I don’t understand why they need 2 guitars playing the same chords, a lap steel playing lead, and a bass player.
Jay's wearing that classic Bottle Rockets t-shirt!!
Tweedy's bio brought me here...
Me too. Jay looks pretty unhappy here. I think it adds to the song's angst. Jeff is like pushing thru against all the bs
@@WookieLove1 what did Tweedy say about this
@@lovedicedtomatoes9653 Jay was pissed because the long cut was penned by Tweedy. The TV producers picked the song for them to play, not Jeff. And Jay was jealous. Just was just being miserable like whiny b"%/&$ alot around this time in the band. This is my recollection and impression from reading Jeffs book. And I stated it a little harsh compared to Jeff. Great book though. It is a great read even for non wilco fans. Take care!
@@WookieLove1 Thanks for the response. I prefer Son Volt to Wilco but both are great- love those songs they did with Billy Bragg. Watching the vid I got the feeling Jay looked unhappy. I need to get that book. Thanks again.
@@lovedicedtomatoes9653 Yes I liked son volt better initially but have swung hard to Wilco. Jay and Jeff had so much turmoil at this point. And like I said, Jeff framed it very well in the book, very mature. I would really love to hear Jay's side... (I'm a real UT, Son Volt, Wilco fan!)
You know, I've seen photos of Jay playing what looks to be that telecaster (in the insert to No Depression, to name just one) ... I wonder if he lent it to Jeff for this gig...? BTW: I never really knew how much this song rocked till I saw this video...
Jeeeeeeesh...
Reading Tweedy's book, he states his brother bought him that tele.
kick ass
ANODYNE was their fourth album
i was wondering the same thing
Nice Work! WooF!
Sure is
Tweedy seems pumped.
I read their label requested they play a Tweedy cut,
@glennorto
No, that's Ken Coomer on drums.
aaaaah jeffs hair is so long!!!
Great song. The Jeff/Jay backstory is interesting, but all bands have one. Joey and Johnny Ramone touring together for 20 years and not speaking to each other for most of that is probably the worst. Playing one song on Tv with tension isn't so bad.
I hope they are all happy now and I've enjoyed UT, Son Volt and Wilco through the years.
I bet it was interesting how they picked which song to play.
Work Account according to his bio it was 100% the label's decision
Unfortunately, it was decided by which song (Long Cut or Chick) would have the most airplay. Tony Margherita ( their manager) would have preferred a "Jay" song, but Long Cut was more commercial. On the way back to St. Louis following the show, there was complete silence and everyone knew that was kind of the end for Tupelo. I saw their last 2 shows in St. Louis. My roommate at the time was Tom Margherita, (their manager's brother, Tony)
Learning they played this instead of Chickamauga I like this video just a little bit less. :(@@chromiumveins
@nonewmccarthyism
Check their first TV appearance, the UT apartment was wall-to-wall guitars. Most live photos I've seen show Jay playing various Gibson guitars.
Jeff looks like he’s on top of the world being on Letterman. He’s one of the best singer-songwriters around
And he and Farrar despised each other at this point.
That’s Conan buddy
@@jackk7310 I don't think Tweedy ever despised Farrar. I think he found Farrar's rejection of him hurtful.
Farrar held a Grudge against jeff for a drunken incident
they look like a grunge band playing country! hahaha
You can feel the tension between Jeff and Jay. It's pretty obvious that Jay is pissed that they're playing one of Jeff's songs. You'll also notice he's not singing any backing vocals.
He might also have been pissed because Tweedy was bouncing along like they were playing a hit on Top of the Pops.
@dashofchutmeg Which of Jay's songs did he want to play? I didn't read Kot's book, but it's seemed in some of Jay's interviews that the animosity has died down. The Son Volt catalog is amazing if not as successful as Wilco's. I'd love a Reunion show where all three bands play
Jeff and Jay were a good pair. They may not think so now...but this is gold.
I'm more of a Jay guy than Jeff, but if they had to go separate ways, I guess we just get twice as many great songs.
young jeff tweedy kinda looked a 90s grunge less douchey version of skrillex.
Hilltops were an Oxford band? Cary Hudson and John and Laurie.
Tweedy's bio will tell all the prognosticators here that this performance didn't break up UT, some dispute about a woman did. At least she was a good excuse for these men to go their separate ways. They were also completely incompatible personalities. I am glad they broke up when they did and then graced our world with both of their singular talents, we are much better off.
@dashofchutmeg You are correct. It's been awhile since I read the book but I remember that. And I did also notice the lack of backing vocals. It's too bad Jay had to be so petty.
Jay Farrar looks like Thurston Moore in this.
@mjanovec Yes it is, I read it this morning (Jeff stroking her hair you mean ?).
Just think - in ten years time, he'd be writing songs like "At Least That's What You Said". What a remarkable career arc.
Pretty darn good performance for a band that were splitting up acrimoniously at the time.
Ok, first of all...after a couple years I've been able to decide that my official favorite band of all time is the mighty Uncle Tupelo. Honesty though - this performance sorta makes me a little bit sad. The look on Jay's face pretty much verifies all the stuff I've ever read about the one sided "differences" between UT's two front men. Also seems like Jeff is aware of Jay's perspective and is trying to make the best out of it anyways. The song sounds great, the performance is just kinda sad.
Jay was completely pissed off that they didn't play Chickamauga. The entire bus ride back to St. Louis was in complete silence. Heidorn had already left. I went to their 2 last shows in St. Louis. My roommate in St. Louis was Tom Margherita, (Tony Margherita's brother and who was their manager and is now Wilco's manager).
Came here in 2020 after watching Jeff Tweedy perform "God" he looks a bit different now...Conan, on the other hand, looks the same.
I don't think anyone had a clue what was going to at the time
Jay's got a Bottle Rockets shirt on
Ken's got a Music Farm shirt (from Chuck Town, SC)
Farrar looks like he could be Steve Earle's little brother at this time.
Jeff is a stunt double for Teenage Fanclub here.
Its funny that jay's using an sg and jeff's not; jeff has a signature that looks just like it
does this song even have backing vocals??
@dashofchutmeg the whole love is actually pretty sweet too.
Nice 'do.
wow his voice has really changed
It's after he had the sinus surgery. Lost all that bottom end sort of hoarseness he had.
Grunge era of Jay and Jeff
@camusmuse You're all alone in thinking that. Ferguson will be a comedy footnote; Conan will be/is a legend.
It's Ken Coomer.
Sober Jeff is the best jeff
Tweedy looks like he's 16 here lol
I'll take a Skoal long cut. Wintergreen.