Silkworm, the renowned indie-rock band hailing from Missoula, Montana, is set to make a triumphant return to the stage. Founded in the 1980s by Andy Cohen, Joel RL Phelps, and Tim Midyett, the band is reuniting for a series of highly anticipated performances this September. In a recent interview, Cohen and Midyett announced that Phelps, who departed the group in 1994, will be rejoining them, marking Silkworm’s first official shows since their breakup in 2005, following the tragic passing of drummer Michael Dahlquist.
“There’s a very good chance that we’ll be playing a couple shows in September with Joel, and Matt [Kadane] will be playing keyboards,” Midyett shared. Kadane, known for his work with Bedhead, contributed to the latter phase of Silkworm’s music. “It’ll kind of be an alternate history ’Worm, where Joel never left,” he added. The reunion will feature a concert in Chicago on September 25 and a performance at Memphis’ Goner Fest on September 27.
Although Silkworm held an informal reunion last year to honor their late friend and collaborator Steve Albini at a memorial in Zion, Illinois, this upcoming series of shows promises to be a significant event for fans. During the memorial, Cohen, Midyett, and Phelps performed several Silkworm tracks alongside drummer Jeff Panall, who will also be part of the upcoming lineup.
Silkworm released their ninth and final studio album, “It’ll Be Cool,” in 2004. The following year brought tragedy when Dahlquist and two friends lost their lives in a devastating car accident. Following this loss, Cohen and Midyett shifted their focus to a new project, Bottomless Pit. The band was also the subject of the 2013 documentary “Couldn’t You Wait? The Story of Silkworm,” which featured insights from notable figures in the music industry.
This reunion marks not only a celebration of Silkworm’s enduring legacy but also a poignant moment for fans and the music community alike.
