Artist

Steve Wynn Blends Music and Memoir on West Coast Tour

Published January 21, 2025

At the end of 1981, Steve Wynn was a clerk at Rhino Records, studying English literature at UCLA, and performing in the basement of his father’s home with a group of musicians. One year later, everything changed when Wynn and his friends launched the Dream Syndicate, making a major impact in the Los Angeles post-punk scene as part of the Paisley Underground movement.

The band quickly gained fame with their debut album, “The Days of Wine and Roses,” which became a hit not just in Los Angeles, but also resonated with audiences in New York and London.

Wynn recalls, “In just one year, we had transformed into something significant. It felt like we were already seasoned veterans.” He highlights how quickly events unfolded: from their first rehearsal, naming the band, recording their first EP to their first sold-out show at a popular Hollywood club, all in a matter of weeks.

“It was breathtakingly fast,” says Wynn, who is now 64 years old. Born in Santa Monica and raised in various neighborhoods across Los Angeles, Wynn has spent many years in Queens, New York, and is making a return to Southern California for performances in Costa Mesa and Santa Monica on January 29 and 31, 2024.

This solo acoustic tour showcases selections from Wynn’s upcoming memoir, “I Wouldn’t Say It If It Wasn’t True,” due for release in 2024. The performances include not only readings from the book but also cover songs from his earlier influences like The Rolling Stones, Big Star, and Velvet Underground, as well as material from the Dream Syndicate's four albums from the 1980s. Additionally, Wynn will introduce the title track from his latest solo album, “Make It Right.”

“I tour quite a lot, whether with bands like the Dream Syndicate or the Baseball Project, which features my longtime friends Peter Buck and Mike Mills from R.E.M. and my wife, drummer Linda Pitmon,” Wynn explains. “Much of my touring is solo, where the energy comes from my connection with the audience.”

He reflects on the differences between solo and band performances: “When I’m with the band, the excitement comes from the interplay between us on stage. But when I’m solo, I engage directly with the audience, which is thrilling in its own way.”

Integrating readings from his memoir with music in performances was initially a challenge. “I wasn’t sure how to do it,” he admits. He prepared for his first show during a UK tour in September with only a vague setlist. “I was nervous, but surprisingly everything flowed together naturally once I was on stage.”

Now, about 40 shows into the tour, Wynn describes the experience as evolving into something akin to a play, where he is familiar with the audience's reactions, allowing for greater connection.

During an interview, Wynn shared insights about various topics, including his early days in L.A. record stores, the unique sound of the Dream Syndicate, and the tight-knit community within the Paisley Underground scene.

Wynn’s setlist often opens with The Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” a nod to his first-ever performance at a junior high talent show, and includes “Sing My Blues,” the first song he ever wrote as a child, which he is performing live for the first time.

The ongoing “Hot Seat” segment of his shows invites attendees to ask him anything, adding an interactive element that can surprise him, especially in towns where he knows few people.

Writing his memoir during the pandemic, Wynn enjoyed revisiting memories and recognized the impact of friends and experiences on his journey. He found certain chapters, like the challenging recording of his second Dream Syndicate album, to be more difficult but therapeutic to write.

Reflecting on the Dream Syndicate’s early years, Wynn emphasizes their collective passion for music that made their sound successful. He explains their aim was to create something different that resonated with them, even if it was out of step with prevailing trends at the time. Wynn recalls the supportive and exciting atmosphere of the Paisley Underground scene as they shared experiences and saw mutual success.

Steve Wynn’s solo shows are scheduled for:

Show Details

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

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

For more information, visit Wynn’s official site.

music, memoir, tour