News Summary
The House of Blues in Dallas was filled with fans as Will Wood and the Tapeworms concluded their tour with a celebration of a decade since their debut album. This significant event marked their first full band performance since 2019, attracting a vibrant crowd adorned in theatrical attire. The concert featured engaging performances, audience interactions, and a unique setlist, showcasing Wood’s artistic evolution. As the tour continues, excitement builds for upcoming solo theater shows, reflecting Wood’s strong community connection through music.
Dallas Welcomes Will Wood and the Tapeworms for Tour Finale
Fans gathered in large numbers at the House of Blues in Dallas on Saturday afternoon, July 19th, 2023. The event marked the culmination of the “Mr. Wood is Dead Ten-Year Anniversary Tour,” celebrating a decade since the release of Will Wood and the Tapeworms’ debut album, Everything Is A Lot. This show was particularly significant as it was the first full band performance since December 2019, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic fans described as outcasts and punks, many donning unique and theatrical attire reminiscent of gothic cabaret performers.
The logistics for this tour were notably expanded compared to prior tours, a factor that added to the excitement surrounding the event. Will Wood, a multifaceted artist, had previously performed solo in 2022, sharing relatable anecdotes from his experiences, including a story set to be adapted into a film titled Slouching Towards Branson, which will be available to Patreon members from August 15th. The Dallas concert fulfilled the first half of the “Mr. Wood is Dead” tour, with plans for solo theater shows to begin on August 20th.
A Night of Music and Interaction
During the concert, Will Wood performed alongside his band members: Mike Bottiglieri on guitar, Matthew Berger on saxophone, DJ Scully on bass, and Mario Conte on drums. The performance opened with the song -ish from the album Self-ish, followed by 6up 5oh Cop-Out (Pro/Con). The audience responded with enthusiasm, singing along and dancing throughout the set. Wood frequently referenced a metaphorical “one guy” as a means to forge a connection with his audience, emphasizing shared struggles and collective experiences.
Engagement with fans was a significant aspect of the show, with Wood marking a “Skeleton Appreciation Day” and inviting interactive dialogue regarding the spread of ideas. The performance included a theatrical segment featuring a spoken interlude utilizing a rotary telephone, which highlighted Wood’s creative processes and perspectives on masculinity.
Setlist Highlights and Audience Dynamics
The stage featured various religious symbols like a Hamsa hand, adding to the visual theatrics of the show. Notably, the song Self, which had not been performed since a Tapeworms show in 2017, was included in the setlist. The performance also showcased Wood on ukulele for the poignant piece Cicada Days just before the encore. However, it was observed that many attendees began to leave before the encore concluded, reflecting a trend among less experienced concertgoers.
The encore featured powerful selections such as Dr. Sunshine is Dead and Cotard’s Solution (Anatta/Dukkha/Anicca), concluding the evening on a high note despite facing some hecklers during the performance. Overall, the atmosphere remained vibrant and charged, reaffirming the passionate support of the audience for Will Wood and the Tapeworms.
Looking Ahead
As the tour progresses, Will Wood plans to transition to solo theater performances beginning August 20th, with a majority of tickets already sold out, indicating continued interest and excitement for his work. The Dallas concert was not only a celebration of the past ten years but also a showcase of the artist’s evolution and the strong community he fosters through his music.
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Additional Resources
- My Global Mind: Will Wood and the Tapeworms Tour Finale
- Bandsintown: Will Wood at House of Blues Dallas
- Dallas Cowboys: Role Call Julius Wood
- Wikipedia: Will Wood (Musician)
- Google Search: Will Wood music
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DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
