Wilco and the Breeders led 5,000 attendees to break the world record for most simultaneous yo-yo spinners at the Solid Sound Festival on June 27, 2026, surpassing the previous record of 2,036 people.
The Record-Breaking Event
The Solid Sound Festival, held at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams, Massachusetts, hosted the historic yo-yo event. The festival ran from June 26 through 28, 2026, featuring performances from bands such as Gang of Four, Billy Bragg, and L'Rain.
Festival Highlights and Activities
In addition to musical performances, Solid Sound offered a variety of activities, including a comedy cabaret and a preview of Mikael Jorgensen's new film on Bob James. Other unique offerings included yoga sessions and guided hikes, capturing the diverse interests of festival-goers.
Growing Yo-Yo Culture
Wilco's Jeff Tweedy and the Breeders' Kim Deal contributed to the growing yo-yo culture within the indie rock scene. Since 2024, Faye Webster, a dedicated yo-yo enthusiast, has hosted an annual invitational for top yo-yo players in Atlanta. Although the 2026 event details are pending, North Adams is a potential host city.
The Solid Sound Festival's return in 2026 followed a two-year hiatus, with its previous edition featuring artists like Wednesday, Ratboys, and Water From Your Eyes.
Source: https://pitchfork.com/story/wilco-breeders-yo-yo-record/
