Event

Steve Wynn's Solo Acoustic Tour Combines Music and Memoir

Published January 21, 2025

At the end of 1981, Steve Wynn found himself working as a clerk at Rhino Records while juggling his studies in English literature at UCLA. Despite being a budding singer-guitarist, he could only perform in the basement of his father’s home, where he and three friends formed a band.

Fast forward a year, and Wynn had co-founded the Dream Syndicate, which became a significant part of the Los Angeles post-punk music movement known as the Paisley Underground. Their debut album, "The Days of Wine and Roses," gained underground success, reaching audiences from Los Angeles to London.

Wynn describes the band's swift rise to fame: "It was almost stunning how quickly everything happened. From our first rehearsal to being known in the scene, it was just a few weeks." With a lineup that included bassist Kendra Smith, guitarist Karl Precoda, and drummer Dennis Duck, the Dream Syndicate captured attention in the music world.

Wynn, now 64, originally from Santa Monica, has spent many years living in Queens, New York. However, he is making his way back to Southern California for a couple of shows in Costa Mesa and Santa Monica on January 29 and 31 of 2024. This solo acoustic tour merges readings from his upcoming memoir "I Wouldn't Say It If It Wasn't True" with a mix of songs from his career.

The tour features covers of influential artists like the Rolling Stones, Big Star, and the Velvet Underground, along with songs from the Dream Syndicate's discography and the title track of his new solo album, "Make It Right." Wynn explains that he often tours with both the Dream Syndicate and the Baseball Project but finds solo performances uniquely exciting as he connects with the audience in a different way.

"When I’m touring solo, it’s more about jamming with the audience," Wynn says. "I’m constantly sensing the room, and it creates a special energy." As he works to integrate readings from his memoir into his performances, he experienced some initial nerves but found that it came together naturally.

Now roughly 40 shows into the tour, Wynn has described the experience as evolving into something akin to a play rather than a concert, where he knows his cues, interactions, and audience reactions.

In a recent interview, Wynn discussed various topics, including his early days in L.A. record stores and the camaraderie shared among the bands of the Paisley Underground. He emphasizes the band's passionate approach to music, stating that they aimed to create sounds that were genuine to their interests, even if they were out of step with mainstream trends.

Upcoming Shows

Wednesday, January 29: The Wayfarer, 843 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $24.37.

Friday, January 31: McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28.

For more information, visit Wynn's official website.

music, memoir, tour