Guitarist Nels Cline celebrates his 65th birthday today. Cline has been a member of Wilco since 2004 when the band led by Jeff Tweedy solidified the lineup that remains in place today.
While adjusting to and growing into his role with Wilco, Cline has continued to explore additional projects like the Nels Cline Singers, Cup (with his wife Yuka C. Honda) and other eclectic musical endeavors. The first Wilco album featuring contributions from Cline was 2007’s Sky Blue Sky, which included the track “Impossible Germany.”
Pre-dating its studio release, the Tweedy original was first played live by Wilco on June 28, 2006, giving Cline a near-nightly vehicle to showcase his exemplary guitar playing. “Impossible Germany” is certainly not the only song in Wilco’s live repertoire that puts Cline’s skillful musicianship on display, but it is all but guaranteed to leave those who witness it impressed with what he can do with his guitar.
Never delivered the same way twice, Cline’s “Impossible Germany” solo is not only his opportunity to shine, it is also his chance to shred. And shred he often does. The JamBase Live Video Archive (LBVA) contains several videos of Cline stepping into the spotlight while Wilco performs “Impossible Germany.”
Below are eight such examples of Cline’s virtuosic guitar talents on display dating back to 2008 and continuing through the years to a Wilco show in October 2019. Scroll on to watch Wilco performing “Impossible Germany” — videos with more than one song will start on “Impossible Germany” when clicked.
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2008 | Mobile, Alabama – Mobile Civic Center
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eltonjohnlennon97
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2009 | Maryland Heights, Missouri – Farm Aid
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Farm Aid
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2012 | Barcelona, Spain – Primavera Sound
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2013 | Austin, Texas – ACL Festival
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Raj M
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2015 | Bridgeport, Connecticut – Gathering Of The Vibes
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mk devo
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2016 | Los Angeles – The Theatre at Ace Hotel
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2017 | St. Paul, Minnesota – The Palace Theatre
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The Current
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2019 | New York City – Brooklyn Steel
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wilco
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