Wilco - California Stars (Live at Farm Aid 1998)

Wilco performs "California Stars" live at the Farm Aid concert in Tinley Park, Illinois on October 3rd, 1998. Farm Aid was started by Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp in 1985 to keep family farmers on the land and has worked since then to make sure everyone has access to good food from family farmers. Dave Matthews joined Farm Aid's board of directors in 2001.
For more information about Farm Aid, visit: farmaid.org/you...
Farm Aid's performances are donated by the artists in order to raise funds and raise awareness for family farmers. They've raised their voices to help - what can you do?

[@saleem12333]

who else is listening to this in 2024

[@Sultan.of.swing79]

🤘

[@paolofrassi8037]

Me

[@joshuapartner3380]

this guy! Check out Bleachers set on a Bus...they cover this song!

[@tomcatsport]

yup

[@josep9255]

Me

[@helenjones9195]

Over the course of my life I've accumulated a handful of 'perfect' songs. The ones that no matter if I hear it on the radio, a playlist or in a store, I will stop, close my eyes and revel in the music. This is one of those songs.

[@brandyncosner8137]

One of mine too

[@johnbatson8779]

yes and Blue from the Jayhawks

[@urwholefamilydied]

yep. Weird that it's credited Wilco/Billy Bragg. He had nothing to do with it. That whole backsory is really strange.

[@andrewkrek5699]

100%, plus Love Letter by Nick Cave. Doing more in three chords than most can do with many.

[@christopherwelch136]

Moi aussi.

[@smithjordan480]

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard! And this is the best version of it I've found online.

[@deidrec624]

I first heard this song, then bought the album, in Seattle in 1998 right before I decided to move to California. It might've helped me make the decision. I'm still here and eventually married the reason I made the move. This song means so much to me.

[@DORIANGREY1986]

Beautiful story! I'm dreaming of moving to California as well!

[@billblondeau4269]

Well, girl yeah. Hugs and kisses. This song is phenomenal.

[@brandyncosner8137]

I was in Baltimore throwing newspapers and heard these guys. Never looked back

[@stormbringercoming8105]

@@DORIANGREY1986 California is just a dream. The reality is a nightmare.

[@leolyon2373]

They may not be in the Hall of Fame, but they are in my Hall of Fame. I miss California so.

[@michaelstrickand3858]

This is like potato chips. You can't watch just one...every time I come here, I have to play it 10 times. And then once more, etc., etc., etc.

[@michaeldematteis3409]

Me too.lol.I listen to this song at least three times in a row several times a day

[@raeellendouglas7102]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@myriammeijer6537]

Same here!

[@esatgursoy7076]

jesus, etc etc etc

[@lorihendrix5565]

Love this song. Amazing performance 👏

[@kellychesnut7534]

Love you all from CD101. My hubby fixed your van one weird day in Columbus, OH

[@stevefaure415]

Jay Bennett was just loaded with talent. A shame he never really got to shine

[@ZR1Terror]

What an awesome song. I just discovered it today thanks to Spotify.

[@MikeCohenSF]

One of my all-time favorite songs.

[@merrillbutler2134]

Me too.....

[@UncleDon8]

I love the simple chord changes and lovely, simple melody. Woody would be very pleased.

[@karmayangzom5497]

Can you imagine being gifted this song by Woody’s widow? What an honor❤️

[@jtb1649]

one of the best bands out there. original tremendous song writing

[@andrewfbradley]

I'm from California, living in the Midwest now. Whenever I hear this song, I am transported back to the Anza Borrego desert, watching the full panorama of stars and getting high on how connected we all are as specs of matter amidst the vastness of the universe. And then I celebrate how lucky I am to be able to see Wilco every year when they swing through my adopted home, St. Louis.

[@barbaravandyk4655]

WOODIE GUTHRIE wrote this song

[@PuttEnEye]

St. Louis was my adopted home. I sort of feel that way about StL as you feel about Calif😊rnia. Now I’m in Chapel Hill.

[@coreypulford6971]

Spent some time in cali and i hated it till i went up north and understood what it was about ❤

[@miken8558]

Jay Bennet was awesome, so sad he departed the way he did from life and the band, classic Wilco lineup with Ken playing drums hard and heavy.

[@gregwalker1913]

This is music at it's best. The music of Wilco and Billy Bragg; the poetry of Woody Guthrie and an impassioned delivery by the performers. Such a melody, such a song.

[@rtyghoy711]

That is a perfect song , I’m having that at my funeral

[@myriammeijer6537]

That will keep me thinking, I'll write this on an paper.

[@bb3866]

Same

[@e1ochai]

Not waiting for my funeral to hear this song.

[@johncoltrane7899]

Me too. This, and Sabotage by the Beastie Boys. Two perfect songs.

[@kentferguson3094]

Played at my daughter’s funeral. She’d lived and gone to school in Arcata California

[@joe44850]

Over 20 years ago. Where did the time go, I still think of these guys as a "new" band :-D

[@paulj6756]

Well, considering they were almost an entirely different band back then...!

[@groovy65baby]

Jay Bennett was such a great musician and perfect for this band. This is the Wilco lineup that mattered!

[@rtifishul]

Love the way you put it, Jay was brilliant!

[@TheTangerineClub]

Very good indeed. Even amazing if you want. But current Wilco is better.

[@2009hturner]

This is the best Wilco lineup ever.....

[@wildsmiley]

I prefer Tweedy-Bennett-Kotche-Stirrat-Bach (the YHF lineup) but still, this lineup here was the one on Being There, the album that introduced me to Wilco and also on Summerteeth, which my favorite album of theirs.

[@BrianStL21]

Dunno. Nels is awesome, man.

[@jamescourier1545]

@@BrianStL21 Nels is too technical IMO. I prefer Wilco before YHF

[@steinfeld.motors]

here I am slightly drunk again and smoking cigarettes again knowing it's time to call it a day and go to sleep but just repeating this song over and over again. not complaining, just saying.

[@SADCparty]

Thanks for this song...best ever.

[@speedblue88]

THIS was Wilco. Right in the middle of their golden age. They were never the same without Ken & Jay. Fun days and great memories.

[@billblondeau4269]

Love this song so much. Billy Bragg for the win.

[@myriammeijer6537]

While I was playing on the playground, watching the sunset in Holland, 2years old... Now I'm 21, realizing this, while listening to this beautiful perfomance

[@randellbaisden8228]

The bass player has an infectious groove. Best version of a great song with a perfect amount of imperfection here or there

[@donaldbulloch9426]

Playing for the fourth time today. I’m on a plane and’ll be in Joshua Tree tonight. At the JT Inn naturally.

[@jmarks73-STL]

God we miss you Jay. :-(

[@jw6948]

Man....I miss the 90s

[@evilcartman32]

Jesus me too!

[@rarethen9]

i will never forget listening to this song for the first time

[@dokkus]

what a lineup. i love wilco, no matter the combination.

[@cbartal1]

Jay wrote this one

[@cracklinrosie11]

Best live version of this song ever!!

[@jixxxxer17]

I can't stop watching this video wow !

[@sdfswords]

Makes me smile, being a native Californian.

[@kelliebrand5625]

Jeff Tweedy is an old soul..... love this song!!

[@jamiezelinski2838]

They hang like grapes, on vines that shine and warm a lovers glass. Saw Jeff Tweedy, solo, 20 k audience, everyone was mesmerized

[@tasteofmusic6915]

I gotta watch this every night before i sleep

[@TorHadrian1]

One of my favorite songs by Wilco, and what a live performance!

[@meko3089]

30 years came full circle in San Francisco. I will always love you. thanks for the memories.

[@Bedianamight1]

Beautiful Touching SOng, SOund & Lyrics "So I'd give this world Just to dream a dream with you On our bed of California stars"...

[@dogcatparty7371]

Found this 'Wilco' after watching the film 'King of California.' Ideally, everyone who loves nature should watch and discuss that film. G'Day

[@taur611]

This song still gives me goose bumps.

[@stratenec]

the best version of california stars, thanks for sharring

[@lynncohen2897]

Mmm .. such a good song, a lot of memories .. I keep coming back to it.

[@CamLocke-dt4wv]

I agree with H. I love the beat, the style of music, etc.

[@JamesQuitadamo]

Dear God; Please take excellent care of Jay Bennet Thanks from all earthlings

[@rebeccadolashewich7094]

✨🕊💖🙏🏼✨

[@Eurisko229]

Amen!

[@maitrem]

I always swap California Stars for San Franciscan Stars, it fits nicely and I'm such a San Franciscan LOVER!

[@normalicata8775]

What a nice tribute song to Cali. I love this happy little song.

[@MyriamLovesDrawing]

Great to see their audience. they deserve it

[@Handlemcdaniel]

Best Wilco lineup.

[@JohnDoe-jj8sp]

Love it, from Harlingen, Texas.👍

[@ZR1Terror]

Agree with you, I’m from Harlingen, Texas as well 🙂

[@juliadelgado9446]

me too, from Brownsville.

[@Hardballleather]

Puro pinche 956 ALV

[@bretoff]

My eyes were closed and I swear my ears heard Keith Richards playing on this greatness ......

[@jeffy.1783]

Looks like Jay is in Open G capo 2nd fret....heavily influenced from Keith here

[@Staylogical]

Jay is the only guitar player besides Keith I've ever heard make that sound.Such a sweet chord sound.

[@andyinoregon]

+oleole52 The guitar intro here takes you right into The Stones' "Let It Bleed."

[@jeffy.1783]

andyinoregon if you like this sound I would suggest the stones stickey fingers and exile on main st

[@juliadelgado9446]

yes! you're right. I've never pondered this before..

[@catejames6453]

Awww 🥰 his boys look so much like him here!!

[@TimmyEatsWorld]

Nothing against Nes Cline, but Bennett era Wilco (1995-2001)is really their peak. "Being there", "Summerteeth" , YHFT, Mermaid Avenue albums. So amazing.

[@christopherjones9266]

T Lewis I love and miss Jay Bennett, but Nels is real dang good.

[@bamadave83]

In studio, yes. Live the current iteration slays.

[@andrewptob]

Being There is their best album in my opinion, but I also think that as a live band, the Nels Cline era is their best.

[@weezer91101]

ahh thats a mere opinion.. mere at that

[@briancullen9575]

Tough to disagree with that, though Nels and Glen are amazing.

[@potomafia]

Man, Jeff and Jay getting along on stage and in studio...magic. Soon enough Jay would be the source of many a migraine. With just a slightly different set of personalities/problems we might have had many more years of great output

[@timsohn899]

My brother introduced me to Jeff Tweedy about 6-8 yrs ago. I've been to see Jeff once and Wilco once. Great shows great musicians and Jeff is a good story teller. There's a song One Sunday Morning that I hoped guys would sing and you didn't at either show. It's absolutely one of the greatest songs I've ever heard. I mean that. I will see you any time you come to Oregon. I just hope you guys do that song one of those visits. I do like your live performances a lot.

[@barbaravandyk4655]

Great singer, great song, and great songwriter: WOODIE GUTHRIE.

[@cjpearceyt]

Never ever ever get tired of this love love it so much

[@joetomasik2550]

Hard to believe this wasn’t in the top 10 songs

[@jacquelinevalle6264]

I heard this song live last night, one of my favorite songs ever

[@susankelly7844]

So young! Soundtrack of my life

[@mountainfaerie6686]

Coming to Ketchum, ID, on August 16th ~ it's awesome when your fav band comes to your fav hometown!

[@MrMonikerjay]

I miss Jay...He was soooo good.

[@andgolivemusicplaylists]

I'm from the jersey shore and have never seen any stars, let alone California stars. Until then I'll just have to dream a dream...

[@multicaruana]

Really great. I heard this song so often on the radio in the late 90's and now I get to see it performed live. Thanks!

[@hectorsanchez4624]

I love this song

[@peterottes6900]

Just a perfect song played impeccably! Damn, I love Wilco..

[@brandyncosner8137]

For the upthteent time. May I present,'Wilco'.

[@stormbringercoming8105]

This song makes me wanna drive up and all over the Golden State in a convertible with my favorite gal by my side, a fistfull of cash, and my troubles far far behind me in the rear view. And my dog in the backseat enjoying the ride, tongue hangin’out, wearing a sporty pair of Ray-Bans. When it happens, I’ll let yall know.

[@jtb1649]

dog in the back seat .................classic

[@memorypools]

I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight On a bed of California stars I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight On a bed of California stars I'd love to feel Your hand touching mine And tell me why I must keep working on Yes I'd give my life To lay my head tonight on a bed Of California stars I'd like to dream My troubles all away On a bed of California stars Jump up from my star bed Make another day Underneath my California stars They hang like grapes On vines that shine And warm the lovers' glass Like friendly wine So I'd give this world Just to dream a dream with you On our bed of California stars I'd like to rest my heavy head tonight On a bed of California stars I'd like to lay my weary bones tonight On a bed of California stars I'd love to feel Your hand touching mine And tell me why I must keep working on Yes I'd give my life To lay my head tonight on a bed Of California stars I'd like to dream My troubles all away On a bed of California stars Jump up from my star bed Make another day Underneath my California stars They hang like grapes On vines that shine And warm the lovers' glass Like friendly wine So I'd give this world Just to dream a dream with you On our bed of California stars So I'd give this world Just to dream a dream with you On our bed of California stars

[@O2AFAC67]

Wonderful!! Thank you so much for sharing! Kind Regards, Ron from Texas

[@chrisconnor5418]

for my entire life, since I was 6 (when this song came out) i thought this was a beach boys song. I've been a Wilco fan for a looong time and I always thought that they had covered the beach boys version.... I had this whole romantic concept of this nostalgic beach boys version which was, the entire time... Wilco!!!

[@jeffanderson8384]

this song always makes me smile...

[@RNSShepard]

best version ever!

[@v8281]

Love this song so much 💜 BTW I used to live in Wilco and these guys played Austin all the time. I used to see them play live every chance I got!!!

[@Staylogical]

That guitar player makes that sound! It's so sweet.He's the only one I've heard make it besides Keith Richards.I've heard he's sadly passed on.That means that when Keith dies 100 years from now,we'll never hear it again.

[@rainblaze.]

oleole52 keef died about thirty years ago but his body was so full of "substance" it just hasn't lay down yet

[@turbovettez1759]

Why didn't I ever give them a chance? Oh wow this is excellent. I researched Jeff Tweedy because of an Eric Church song Mr Misunderstood. Glad I did.

[@okrajoe]

Looks so young. So long ago.

[@gringogreen4719]

Love this version!😎👍✨✨✨

[@johnsumner6593]

heard this song on WXRT from chicago, love it

[@sturnira7184]

OMG I just heard this song for the first time on New girl, I love the song, I love his voice, the lyrics, can't believe I never heard it before, this video is 18 years old, just beautiful

[@lolttyl143]

+Carollia The lyrics were actually written by Woody Guthrie. Listen to more Wilco so that you can grasp how talented of a lyricist Jeff Tweedy is.

[@lhart99]

+Sturnira I had the same reaction when I hears this song. LOL :-)

[@aftermath5981]

+lolttyl143 +Sturnira Yeah I suggest She's A Jar, probably my favourite lyrics from Wilco (although I love the whole of Summerteeth)

[@timaltoft3612]

Sturnira :-)

[@rockjade4860]

Beautiful song !!!

[@davidmontgomery6126]

Jay rocks!!! And yes I could see Keith playing this.

[@dunlapmusic8850]

Jeff Tweedy, dad fashion icon.

[@tuanjim799]

normcore lol

[@laurelcreagh9419]

The funny thing is that I was just thinking about how his style there is classic, but that the oversized looking suit jackets/blazers look kinda silly.

[@monster991000]

I will always associate this awesome song with the tv show Ray Donovan. When his father Micky is getting processed in jail this song played the whole time. Love this song.

[@shirlsfitzy1]

My ringtone!! ❤️❤️

[@dancindutchweasel]

That drummer rules!

[@brandyncosner8137]

I dig this

[@kellyguthrie1247]

Lyrics by Woody Guthrie!

[@bulldogboxingclub]

🖤

[@michaelthompson2824]

👍

[@Unseen.Warfare]

Your relative?

[@joshjosh320]

By Joe, actually.

[@hiphoplover1974]

Just chillin with a few cold ones at 2:15am..........oh yeah,,,,CA time under the fall season CA stars. Cheers!!!

[@mubbamubba]

Rest in Peace Jay

[@SpikeShooter92]

*sigh* the classic Wilco line up was just magic both on record and live. Yeah the current line up is filled with talented musicians, but these guys seemed like a bunch of bros that just liked playing together.

[@jamesayers5617]

I love these guys.

[@historynerd85]

The worst part is people think this is a Wilco song, and don't give credit

[@Gianpaolo2ina]

forever Wilco!

[@hanneloregermer2177]

Just great!!! 🤍

[@poffie67]

einer der geilsten songs aller zeiten

[@myriammeijer6537]

Oh really Iisten to this every week or more. And it stays good

[@daniellebeer2890]

love love love!

[@jrry101]

The harmonics Jay got out of that guitar made it sing. A master musician gone too soon.

[@turtleman6281]

King of California movie brought me here great song great movie

[@TheWilhelmBrothers]

Great Song!