Walk In Lay Down (commonly referred to as WILD[1]) is an annual concert event held at Washington University in St. Louis and has been a campus tradition since its inception in 1978. WILD, produced by the WUSTL Social Programming Board, is sponsored by the Washington University Student Union and is the largest student-run event at the university.[2] WILD is free to university undergraduate students and has rooted itself in the campus culture as an exciting time of the semester for students of the university to get together and celebrate free live music, food, and friends.

History

WILD was first held in 1978 and was originally presented as a movie screening event. Around the 1980s, the event then expanded to incorporate musical acts to accompany the movies. By the early 1990s, the movies were dropped altogether and WILD became the music festival that it is now.[3] In 2013, production of WILD was passed on from student group Team 31 Productions to the WUSTL Social Programming Board.[4]

WILD was built on a history of Washington University hosting great music including Ray Charles (1959), The Righteous Brothers (1966), The Temptations (1966), the Kingsmen, Simon and Garfunkel (1967) the Loving Spoonful (1967), the Yardbirds (1967), the Grateful Dead (1969),[5] the Velvet Underground (1969), Jethro Tull (1970), Sly and the Family Stone (1973), Frank Zappa (1977), the Replacements (1987),[6] BB King (1987).[7][8]

The event is named for an old tradition in which students would bring sofas into the quad and lie on them while watching the performances. Although this tradition is no longer allowed, in Fall 2007 the university permitted inflatable couches to be allowed in the quad during the concert in an attempt to revive the tradition.[9] Student Life, the university's newspaper, has published an op-ed pointing out that the name is not grammatically correct.[10]

Due to the university hosting the second 2016 presidential candidate debate on October 9, Fall WILD 2016 was cancelled for the first time in 30 years.[11]

In 2017, an "alternative WILD" was staged in protest of the headliner act, Lil Dicky. A walkout was staged followed the performance by the opener, Lizzo.[12][13]

T-Pain was meant to headline Spring WILD 2019 but pulled out at the last minute due to a mandatory vocal rest. Roy Woods was booked as last minute as an additional performer as Loud Luxury was bumped to headliner. Elley Duhé was also meant to perform, but had to cancel.[14]

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, the university suspended in-person classes, requiring students to remain home for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester, causing Spring WILD 2020 to be cancelled. Subsequent WILD events were also cancelled before finally returning to campus in Spring 2022 with headliner Zedd.[15]

Past WILD performers

The following is a chronology of past WILD performers.[16][17]

SemesterHeadlinerOther Performer(s)
Spring 2026[18]The Kid LaroiMKTO
Spring 2025Flo RidaMustard
Spring 2024[19]Joey Bada$$ (at diminished capacity due to safety and weather concerns)[20]Iyaz, Non-Euclidian Geometry
Spring 2023[21]Flo MilliPeach Tree Rascals
Fall 2022[22]Cancelled due to safety concerns
Spring 2022[23][24]ZeddIDK, Chris Mardini
Fall 2021Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
Spring 2021
Fall 2020
Spring 2020
Fall 2019[24]A$AP FergKiiara, Mindchatter, Gosha Guppy
Spring 2019[25][26][27]Loud LuxuryRoy Wood$
Fall 2018[28][29]Carly Rae JepsenTinashe
Spring 2018[30][31]Young the GiantDizzy Wright, Molly Kate Kestner
Fall 2017[32][33][13][34]Lil DickyARIZONA, Lizzo
Spring 2017[35]Jason DeruloNatalie La Rose, Vanic
Fall 2016[36][37]Cancelled due to Presidential Debate
Spring 2016[38]The All-American RejectsThe Knocks
Fall 2015[39][40]KygoMagic Man
Spring 2015[41][42][43]Mac MillerBotnek, Clockwork DJ, Choo Jackson
Fall 2014[44][45]Icona PopGRiZ, Five Knives, Lowell
Spring 2014[46][47]Childish Gambino3lau
Fall 2013[48]Chance the RapperKarmin
Spring 2013[4][49][50][51]AtmosphereMat Kearney, Yeasayer
Fall 2012[52]Wolfgang GartnerPopeska, Pierce Fulton
Spring 2012[53][54]Fitz and the TantrumsDum Dum Girls, Petra and the Priorities
Fall 2011[55][56]Mike PosnerThe White Panda, Moosh and Twist
Spring 2011[57][58]Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic ZerosFlying Lotus
Fall 2010[59]WaleAmanda Blank, Major Lazer
Spring 2010[60][7]Cold War KidsShwayze, Sobriquet
Fall 2009[61][58]Method Man and RedmanPassion Pit, K'naan, Deskhop
Spring 2009[62][63]The Black KeysThe Cool Kids, B.o.B, Filligar
Fall 2008[64][65]Talib KweliDavid Banner, Little Brother, Kid Sister, Nite Owl, Maromio
Spring 2008[16][7][66]George Clinton and the P-Funk All-StarsUnder the Influence of Giants, Will Hoge
Fall 2007[16][67][68]Lupe FiascoDJ Unk, Sugarhill Gang, Kid Beyond
Spring 2007[16][68]OK GOReel Big Fish, Cut Chemist
Fall 2006[16]GusterRahzel, Eliot Morris
Spring 2006[16][69]Ben FoldsMatt Nathanson, Duncan Sheik, The Feed
Fall 2005[16]Lil' Jon & the Eastside BoyzLil' Scrappy, The Quor, Stevie Stone, Toyy
Spring 2005[16]Robert Randolph & the Family BandSister Hazel, Michael Kelsey, The Hatch
Fall 2004[16]OzomatliNappy Roots, Murphy Lee
Spring 2004[16]LiveLucky Boys Confusion, Ingram Hill, The Hatch
Fall 2003[16]Busta RhymesTalib Kweli, Sac Lunch
Spring 2003[16][70][55]Better Than EzraTony Lang Band, Sac Lunch
Fall 2002[16][55]The Black Eyed PeasJurassic 5
Spring 2002[16]Jurassic 5Everclear
Fall 2001[16]Benefit for 9/11
Spring 2001[16]Crazy TownEve 6, Saliva
Fall 2000[16]The RootsJavier Mendoza Band
Spring 2000[16][55]OutkastDispatch, Matt Bar
Fall 1999[16]G. Love & Special SauceArgonaut Tour, Nathanael's Creed
Spring 1999[16][7]They Might Be GiantsThe Coup
Fall 1998[16]King Floyd
Spring 1998[16]StirThe Getaway People, Original Blunted Soldier, Orange Tree
Fall 1997[16]De La SoulRondo's Blues Deluxe, Five Star and the Inhalations
Spring 1997[16]The SamplesThe Scofflaws, The Guts
Fall 1996[16]Souls of MischiefIsaac Green and the Skalars
Spring 1996[16][71]Porno for PyrosThe Roots
Fall 1995[16][7][72]Guided by VoicesMan or Astroman, Poster Children, Trouser
Spring 1995[16][73]The PharcydeLowey Bridge
Fall 1994[16][74]MorphineVeruca Salt, Reggae at Will, The Charles Minnow Experience
Spring 1994[16][75]Lords of the UndergroundEl Caribe Tropical, Luna
Fall 1993[76][7]They Might Be GiantsPere Ubu, Mercy Me
Spring 1993[7]Widespread PanicFlowerhead, Wagon
Fall 1992[77]The Spin Doctors
Spring 1992[7]A Tribe Called Quest
Fall 1991[4][78]Warren ZevonTrip Shakespeare; Movie: Silence of the Lambs
Spring 1991[7][79]De La SoulMain Source, Dry Bachelors
Fall 1990[80][79]Henry Lee Sumner
Spring 1990[17][81]The BoDeansEvil Sulu, Pedestrians
Fall 1989[17][81]The RomanticsMovie: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Spring 1989[17][82]The RiskSuede Caesar; Movie: Silence of the Lambs
Fall 1988[17][82]The RomanticsThree Merry Widows; Movie: Ghostbusters
Spring 1988[17][8]Otis Day and the KnightsAlazone, The Happy Children; Movie: The Sure Thing
Fall 1987[17][8]Steve Earle & The DukesThe Stranded Lads; Movie: The Blues Brothers
Spring 1987[17][83]Jason and the ScorchersRondo's Blues Deluxe; Comedian: Eric Kornfeld; Movie: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Fall 1986[17][83]The BusboysKool Ray and the Polaroidz; Movie: An American Werewolf in London
Spring 1986[17][84]Dickey Betts, Gregg AllmanJake's Leg; Movie: Cheech & Chong's Up in Smoke
Fall 1985[84]Pure Prairie LeagueMovie: Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Spring 1985[4][7]Chuck BerryMovie: Romancing the Stone
Fall 1984
Spring 1984[85]REM (in Graham Chapel)
Fall 1981[7][86]The Pretenders (at Graham Chapel)
Spring 1981[87][62]U2 (in Graham Chapel)
Spring 1978[4]Asleep at the Wheel

See also

Campus life at Washington University in St. Louis

References

  1. ^ Definition of Walk In, Lay Down
  2. ^ The WUSTL page on USNews college rankings. WILD is mentioned under "Most popular cultural and campus events".
  3. ^ "#tbt: A WILD history". Student Life. 23 October 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  4. ^ Early, Rosalind (2018-08-06). "WILD streak: 45 years of 'Walk In, Lay Down' - The Source - Washington University in St. Louis". The Source. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  5. ^ "Apr 17, 1969: Grateful Dead at Washington University St Louis, Missouri, United States | Concert Archives". www.concertarchives.org. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  6. ^ "Sep 17, 1987: The Replacements at Washington University Athletic Complex St Louis, Missouri, United States | Concert Archives". www.concertarchives.org. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  7. ^ Rhea, Ryan (2013-10-01). "Live at Wash. U.". The Source. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  8. ^ The Hatchet. Vol. 82, 78-79. Washington University. p. 63.
  9. ^ Student Life - New WILD policies cause mixed reactions
  10. ^ "How to get properly laid at W.I.L.D.: A grammatical guide". 11 October 2012.
  11. ^ "Fall WILD likely canceled due to debate logistics". Student Life. February 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  12. ^ "Alternative WILD to be held due to criticisms of Lil Dicky - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2017-10-02. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  13. ^ "Lil Dicky for fall WILD uninspired, problematic headliner - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2017-09-18. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  14. ^ "T-Pain drops out of spring WILD lineup". Student Life. 25 April 2019.
  15. ^ "WashU Admissions on Instagram: "WILD is back! Zedd is this spring's headliner.⁠ ⁠ WILD (Walk in Lay Down) is a free, biannual concert held in the Brookings Quadrangle. Since its start in 1973, WILD has become the largest student-run event at WashU. Each WILD includes a featured musical artist, as well as free food and drinks. Past concerts have included Childish Gambino, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lizzo, Young the Giant, and Mac Miller."". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  16. ^ Past Bands at WILD
  17. ^ Fall 1985 to Spring 1990 added June 4, 2010 by Scott Keller WU EN 90 and former Team 31 leader
  18. ^ "The Kid LAROI announced as spring 2026 WILD headliner - Student Life". www.studlife.com. Archived 2026-04-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-04-20.
  19. ^ Aliana, Mediratta. "Joey Bada$$ set to headline Spring WILD". Studlife. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  20. ^ "WILD moved indoors to Athletic Complex - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2024-04-24. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
  21. ^ "Flo Milli announced as artist for Spring WILD - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  22. ^ "Fall WILD is cancelled - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2022-10-14. Retrieved 2022-10-16.
  23. ^ "Opinion Submission: Why my experience at WILD can never happen again - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2022-09-22. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  24. ^ "The Finish Line 2022 Commencement Issue, published by Student Life, Washington University St. Louis". issuu. 16 May 2022. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  25. ^ "Weekend concert roundup Oct. 25-27 - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2019-10-24. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  26. ^ "T-Pain drops out of spring WILD lineup - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2019-04-25. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  27. ^ "Roy Woods to headline WILD as last-minute T-Pain replacement - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2019-04-25. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  28. ^ "I really really like Carly Rae: Thoughts on a great WILD - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2018-10-08. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  29. ^ "Vic Mensa cancels WILD performance, Tinashe booked as replacement - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2018-09-27. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  30. ^ "BREAKING: Young the Giant to headline spring WILD - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2018-04-04. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  31. ^ "Wrabel's set cut from WILD due to technical difficulties - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2018-10-08. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  32. ^ "Students walk out of WILD, host on-campus alternative - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2017-10-10. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  33. ^ "More than the music: Fall WILD recap - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2017-10-09. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  34. ^ "Student body divided on choice of Lil Dicky for WILD - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2017-09-18. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  35. ^ "Singer, songwriter Jason Derulo to headline WILD - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2017-03-30. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  36. ^ "Fall WILD likely canceled due to debate logistics - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2016-02-01. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  37. ^ "SU, SPB members express concern about WILD cancellation - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2016-02-08. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  38. ^ "SPB adds programming to week of WILD - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2016-04-25. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  39. ^ "Kygo to headline fall WILD - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2015-10-05. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  40. ^ "WILD preview: Cadenza's favorite Kygo and Magic Man songs - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2015-10-19. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  41. ^ "SPB announces spring WILD headliner: Mac Miller - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2015-03-30. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  42. ^ "More white nonsense: Mac Miller for WILD - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2015-03-30. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  43. ^ "Cadenza reacts to this semester's WILD openers - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2015-04-20. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  44. ^ "Fall WILD: We loved it - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2014-10-27. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  45. ^ "Duo Icona Pop to headline fall W.I.L.D. - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2014-09-11. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  46. ^ "Childish Gambino announced for W.I.L.D. - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2014-03-31. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  47. ^ "SPB's spring W.I.L.D. shortlist leaked - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2014-04-01. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  48. ^ "W.I.L.D. announcements leave Cadenza 'Brokenhearted,' but 'Everything's Good' - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2013-09-26. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  49. ^ "Kearney added to W.I.L.D. lineup - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2013-04-15. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  50. ^ "Atmosphere to perform at W.I.L.D. - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2013-04-18. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  51. ^ "W.I.L.D. Profile: Yeasayer - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  52. ^ "Wolfgang Gartner to headline Fall W.I.L.D. - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2012-09-13. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  53. ^ "Fitz and the Tantrums to headline W.I.L.D. - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2012-04-02. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  54. ^ "Dum Dum Girls, Petra and the Priorities to open WILD - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2012-04-09. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  55. ^ "W.I.L.D. Past, Present and Future - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2011-09-15. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  56. ^ "Fall W.I.L.D. mash-up - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2011-09-19. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  57. ^ "W.I.L.D. Preview: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2011-04-29. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  58. ^ "Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros to headline W.I.L.D. - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2011-03-25. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  59. ^ "They walked in, but did not lay down - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2010-10-11. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  60. ^ "Cold War Kids, Shwayze to headline W.I.L.D. - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2010-04-12. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  61. ^ "W.I.L.D. fall 2009 opening act: Interview with Deskhop - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2009-10-02. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  62. ^ "A brief history of W.I.L.D. - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2013-10-10. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  63. ^ "Students excited for Spring W.I.L.D. performances - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2009-04-25. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  64. ^ "Wash. U. gone W.I.L.D. - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2008-10-15. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  65. ^ "Fall W.I.L.D. draws praise, large turnout - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2008-10-14. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  66. ^ HIANSEN, JOHANN QUA (May 2008). "Senior Year: construction, championships and controversy". Student Life. p. 1.
  67. ^ "Line-up for WashU W.I.L.D. Fall 2007 at Washington University in St. Louis (St Louis) on 29 Sep 2007". Last.fm. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  68. ^ Fults, Erin (August 2007). "Lupe Fiasco set to play on campus". Student Life. p. 1.
  69. ^ "Ben Folds Goes Back to College". www.insidehighered.com. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  70. ^ "May 10, 2003: Walk In Lay Down (WILD) at Washington University in St. Louis University City, Missouri, United States | Concert Archives". www.concertarchives.org. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  71. ^ "Apr 26, 1996: W.I.L.D. at Washington University St Louis, Missouri, United States | Concert Archives". www.concertarchives.org. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  72. ^ "Sep 15, 1995: W.I.L.D. at Washington University St Louis, Missouri, United States | Concert Archives". www.concertarchives.org. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  73. ^ "Apr 28, 1995: W.I.L.D. at Washington University St Louis, Missouri, United States | Concert Archives". www.concertarchives.org. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  74. ^ "Sep 09, 1994: W.I.L.D. at Washington University St Louis, Missouri, United States | Concert Archives". www.concertarchives.org. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  75. ^ "Apr 29, 1994: W.I.L.D. at Washington University St Louis, Missouri, United States | Concert Archives". www.concertarchives.org. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  76. ^ "Shows/1993-09-10 - TMBW: The They Might Be Giants Knowledge Base". tmbw.net. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  77. ^ "spindoctors archive". spindoctors-archive.com. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  78. ^ The Hatchet. Vol. 86. Washington University. 1992. pp. 10–11.
  79. ^ The Hatchet. Vol. 85. Washington University. 1991. p. 26.
  80. ^ "Point: Canceling WILD might not be a bad thing - Student Life". Student Life - The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis. 2016-02-04. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  81. ^ The Hatchet. Vol. 84. Washington University. 1990. p. 14.
  82. ^ The Hatchet. Vol. 83. Washington University. 1989. pp. 38–39.
  83. ^ The Hatchet. Vol. 81. Washington University. 1987. pp. 32–33.
  84. ^ The Hatchet. Vol. 80. Washington University. 1986. pp. 32–33.
  85. ^ "R.E.M. at Graham Chapel in St. Louis + more, including Peter Buck interview on WLIR (10-06-1984)". The Mckenzie Tapes. 6 October 2021. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  86. ^ "Pretenders Setlist at Graham Chapel, St. Louis". setlist.fm. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  87. ^ Axver, Matthias Muehlbradt, Andre & Axver, Matthias Muehlbradt, Andre (7 April 1981). "U2 St. Louis, 1981-04-07, Graham Chapel - Washington University, Boy Tour - U2 on tour". U2gigs.com. Retrieved 2022-09-27.