It was Dad Hip Replacement Week in the Tweedy household(s). You could also fairly call it Hip Replacement Week for Dad Only as he’s the party who “interacted” with the concept of “replaced hip” via scalpel, chopped and screwed bone, all that.
It was much needed, much anticipated, and as the operation and recovery became imminent, at least a little feared (by each of us, I think). After decades of playing multi-hour shows standing on congenitally sharp, cartilage-wearing femurs, not to mention three nonstop months of touring in the U.S. and Europe last year, walking up and down stairs that were built before “accessible” was even a word, pain had gotten so bad. (Ain’t no ADA regulations in castles in Italy.)
A member of the Wilco road crew told me last year that whenever he felt like shit was tough, venues were giving them the runaround, call times were early or the travel was stressful, he remembered my dad was doing much of the same stuff with a bone-on-bone socket, and it helped him keep going. Awwww. Seriously, though!
Really happy and grateful to report that it went well and my dad’s already walking and physical therapizing.
So strange how time always compresses and expands, but time in a hospital seems to compress and expand even more cosmically. Two nights felt like four million years. And yet now it also feels like two seconds. (I remember almost nothing from the day-to-day of my mom’s cancer treatments in 2014 etc. Only the most acute. Amnesia is a pain-saver. She remembers, though.)
Not to be overshadowed by a medical event in a human’s life, Basil wanted me to include this photo of him swaddled in a blanket, like my dad.
Next up: I’m drumming (and Casey and I are singing!) in the beloved, fun Local Universe Cosmic Country Showcase in Chicago and Milwaukee this week. And… gearing up for a new record. 😈
I hope you’re all healthy and warm.
—Spoon
Aw, Spencer, you’re the best! Thanks so much for the update on Dad. It’s been painful to watch him hurting. He did a heroic job of getting through shows without most people noticing during his performances, but the way he limped offstage was tough to watch. I’ve never been so relieved to see someone undergo surgery! I’m sure he’s going to approach post op physical therapy with his usual discipline, and I’m looking forward to seeing him bust a move onstage soon!
Two knee replacements in..bionic woman..so sympatico with dad..almost done with his book and so many of those songs shaped my life too, and will discuss later, but chapter that grabbed me was one on The Beatles (yeah, saw them 3 times in Chicago..only time I ever went to Comiskey)...part about demos and outtakes being treasures brought to mind a cd a friend sent me of a board recording in Indianopolis...their harmonies were astounding!!! In an era long before monitors or elaborate sound systems...I’m sure it was more gut response honed by years of playing together...I’m sure they couldn’t hear each other. Now to get out from a week of ice induced house arrest..