Wilco and keyboardist Neal Francis released the single “Theologians (Live At Wilco’s Sky Blue Sky)” via Bandcamp with all proceeds split between Chicago-based social impact organization My Block My Hood My City and Ukrainian families through International Rescue Committee. The live track is available for purchase on a pay-what-you-want basis for one day only today, April 1.
The collaboration took place on January 20 during the final day of Wilco’s Sky Blue Sky destination event. Sky Blue Sky was held at the Hard Rock Hotel in Riviera Maya, Mexico January 17 – 21.
January’s “Theologians” performance marked the first time the two Chicago-based artists shared the stage. “Our good friend Neal Francis said let’s play this song together,” Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy told the capacity crowd in Mexico. “He came to practice it with us, and he sang the shit out of it, so he’s gonna sing it.”
Neal Francis shared the following regarding the experience and resulting single:
“As a Chicagoan, I’ve spent most of my life looking up to Wilco, so naturally I was thrilled when they asked me to sit in at Sky Blue Sky. The band was gracious enough to allow me to pick the tune I would play with them, which presented its own challenge because they have so many songs I love. My girlfriend suggested ‘Theologians’ as it’s one of her favorites. I liked that choice because it has a great piano part, and the lyrics really resonate with me as someone who continues to contemplate spirituality.
“Most importantly it’s an honor to be contributing to My Block My Hood My City, whose work focuses on support at the neighborhood level for areas of Chicago that continue to be denied resources. In light of the heart wrenching violence in Ukraine, and the great needs of the people there, we have also decided to direct the proceeds of our release to the International Rescue Committee which supports Ukrainian children and families in harm’s way.”
A studio version of “Theologians” appears on Wilco’s 2004 album, A Ghost Is Born. The new benefit track arrives on the latest Bandcamp Friday in which the company gives its usual cut of each sale back to the artist.
Stream/purchase Wilco and Neal Francis’ “Theologians” below:
https://nealfrancis.bandcamp.com/track/theologians-live-at-sky-blue-sky
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