This was my first time seeing the iconic band Weezer, and my only regret was not seeing them sooner. Going into the show, I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. It’s easy for a band to fall into performances becoming routine, especially for artists that have been on stage for three decades. As a fan, it is always disappointing, because you can tell, and the energy is just lacking. That past experience, coupled with the venue being a bit of an odd choice as a theater, I was a bit worried. From the moment they came on stage with My Name Is Jonas, all those concerns were swept away. Their banter between songs still feels natural and engaging, and not a rehearsed line that the stage hands could mimic from hearing it every night like clockwork.
Rivers Cuomo, donning his trademark thick-rimmed glasses, immediately captured the audience’s attention as he went into Beverly Hills subbed with “Las Vegas, Nevada” a few times.
Weezer’s ability to seamlessly transition between their classic hits and newer tracks made the show flow so seamlessly. Hits like “Say It Ain’t So” and “Island in the Sun” had the entire arena singing along in unison, creating a sense of unity among the diverse crowd. I at one point went to the highest section to see the view, as I had never been to the theater, and I felt like I was back on the floor. Fans were screaming along like they were right on the barricade, not letting the theater seats stop them from standing up and engaging in the night.
This tour, dubbed the Indie Rock Road Trip certainly lived up to its name. They made sure to get their polaroid show of the crowd mid show, lovingly dubbing Rivers as “dad”. The set was a huge car dash, complete with a rear view mirror. Complementing the various dash views, was a clever usage of said rear view. At times, it had a live feed of crowd members showing, and other times, was a part of the below dash scene. I don’t think I often review the sets of shows, but it was so engaging, I’ve been telling everyone about it, and would be remiss to not do so now.
The set wasn’t only designed well, but it was used effectively. Before going into The Good Life, Cuomo went into the history of Pinkerton, and its initial space album concept origin. The team then played with Rivers on the dash, with Bell and Shriner facing back towards him, making this potion feel like an intimate moment, watching your friends practice in the garage, despite being in a 7,000 person capacity theater.
Weezer’s connection with the audience was evident as they interacted with fans, shared anecdotes, and expressed their gratitude. It’s rare to witness a band that can effortlessly bridge the generation gap, appealing to both lifelong fans and newcomers alike. Weezer’s music has a timeless quality that transcends age, making their concerts an inclusive and unforgettable experience.
As the final notes of “Buddy “Holly resonated through the venue, Weezer bid farewell, leaving the crowd craving for more. It was a night filled with nostalgia, energy, and pure musical excellence. Weezer’s concert was not just a performance; it was a journey through their illustrious career, leaving everyone in attendance with a glowing smile as we exited the venue.
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