Wilco & Billy Bragg Announce Historic Mermaid Avenue Concert at Solid Sound Festival 2026
A landmark performance is set to headline the opening night of Wilco’s biannual Solid Sound Festival, as the band joins forces with U.K. folk icon Billy Bragg for the first-ever full concert dedicated to their collaborative project, Mermaid Avenue.
The Solid Sound Festival, a beloved event for Wilco fans, will return to North Adams, Massachusetts, from June 26-28, 2026. This year’s festival promises a particularly special kickoff, uniting two acclaimed artists to revisit a pivotal moment in their careers.
The Mermaid Avenue project originated in the mid-1990s, born from a shared desire to breathe new life into a collection of previously unreleased lyrics penned by the legendary Woody Guthrie. Bragg and Jeff Tweedy of Wilco embarked on a unique creative partnership, composing original melodies and arrangements to accompany Guthrie’s poignant words. The resulting collaboration spanned three albums, released between 1998 and 2012, and produced enduring songs like “California Stars,” “Hesitating Beauty,” and “Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key.”
The sessions proved transformative for both artists. According to a press release, Tweedy stated, “The world needs all the Woody Guthrie it can get,” expressing his enthusiasm for revisiting these songs with Bragg. Bragg echoed this sentiment, adding, “There’s an abiding love out there for the Mermaid Avenue albums, so I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with Wilco to bring Woody’s words to life once again.”
The Mermaid Avenue collaboration captured Wilco at a crucial juncture, marking a transition from their earlier, roots-rock sound to the more experimental territory of albums like Summerteeth. It also helped re-establish Bragg’s presence with American audiences, building upon his successes from the 1980s, and underscored their shared commitment to the folk tradition embodied by Guthrie.
Solid Sound, which debuted in 2010, has become known for its eclectic opening night performances, previously featuring all-covers sets, karaoke nights, and deep-cuts explorations. The following nights typically showcase a traditional Wilco set and a solo performance by Tweedy with collaborators. Held on the grounds of MASS MoCA, the festival offers a uniquely welcoming atmosphere for live music enthusiasts, with a diverse lineup of artists across various genres – the full roster for 2026 will be announced in the coming months.
Currently, Tweedy is touring in support of his critically acclaimed triple album, Twilight Override – lauded as “a whopper of an album that rewards the time you spend with it” in a four-star review. He recently appeared on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, performing “Enough” and “Lou Reed Was My Babysitter” with a band that includes his sons, Spencer and Sammy.
Just this week, at Brooklyn Steel in New York City, Tweedy delivered a powerful encore featuring a cover of Neil Young’s “Cortez the Killer,” accompanied by a surprise appearance from Wilco guitarist Nels Cline. A fan-shot video of this electrifying performance is available for viewing, showcasing the exceptional musicianship of both artists.
The upcoming Mermaid Avenue concert at Solid Sound represents more than just a musical performance; it’s a celebration of a unique artistic partnership and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Woody Guthrie. It’s an event that promises to resonate deeply with fans of Wilco, Billy Bragg, and the rich tradition of American folk music.
Worth a look
