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This Guitarist Was About to Trade Music for Making Coffee When He Was Invited to Join These Early 2000s Indie Rockers

In April 2026, Wilco guitarist Nels Cline spoke about how he nearly applied for Starbucks with only $200 to his name when Jeff Tweedy called.

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In 1994, singer-songwriter Jeff Tweedy formed the legendary Chicago indie rock band Wilco. The band formed after the breakup of Uncle Tupelo, pioneers of alternative country in the late 80s and early 90s. Guitarist Jay Bennett joined the group following the release of the band’s debut album, A.M., in 1995. Bennett contributed to the songwriting process of the band’s next three albums before being dismissed from the group in 2001.

Jeff Tweedy took on lead guitar duties for the band’s fifth album, A Ghost Is Born, in 2004. By then, the band had brought on a new drummer, Glenn Kotche, in 2001. Additionally, Mikael Jorgensen was added on keyboards in 2003, and multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone in 2004. Guitarist Nels........

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