Apparently Rivers Cuomo just realized he’s a rock star. Last Tuesday night (December 1st) Weezer rocked the Aragon with a 20-song set to please the die-hard fan as well as the new, oh I recognize that band from guitar hero, fan.
Since 1994, the year Weezer started, I’ve bleed Blue, Green, and Red, plus a little Pinkerton on bad days. I’ve gone to my fair share of shows, yet Tuesday’s show was something I’ve never seen before in all my years as a Weezer fan. Energy. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve been to some rocking shows before but sing-a-longs? Costume changes? Guest drummers, trampolines, lasers, and top 40 covers? Was I at a Weezer concert or did I just transport to a 1986 Van Halen concert?
Apparently lead singer River Cuomo didn’t just break out of his shell, he exploded out of it, covered in goo made of David Lee Roth’s and Gene Simmons. With stage presence that felt more geared toward a 20,000+ arena, Rivers ran, sang, and trampolined for a nearly two hour set.
Openers, Motion City Soundtrack and Jack’s Mannequin both had decent sets that kept the attention of the crowd and started the occasional sing-a-long. But soon became merely a footnote to the crowd that started chanting and throwing up Weezer “W’s” at the first sign of a roadie with gear.
Once they got on stage, they showed how they got where they are with a ten song set up like a voyage through their past seven albums. Heavy hitters like “Hash Pipe,” “Undone- The Sweater Song,” and “Say it Ain’t so,” were performed with gusto, with Rivers acting out many of the lyrics as he ran around like a kid after Halloween night. One of the best elements from their first half of the show was the lighting effects. As they played a song from their catalogue, the background lights changed to accompany the album it’s from. “Troublemaker” had a nice red tinge, “Surf Wax America” was doused in blue, and even, “Why Bother?” featured a slightly yellowish-brown hue that represented the Pinkerton album.
Rivers and gang also featured two new components to their stage show. Stellar drummer Josh Freese (The Vandals, A Perfect Circle, Devo) kept time while current Weezer beat-maker, Patrick Wilson, shredded some of the crunchiest guitar I’ve ever seen (especially during a sublime cover of Pink Floyd’s “Time”). One thing was for sure as I stood in a crowd of nearly 4,500, this was not the same band I saw seven years ago. Hell, this wasn’t the same band I saw less than a year ago! Without a doubt this was the most energy-packed show Weezer has put on.
While the entire band gave solid, well-rounded performances, it was really Rivers that drove the show home. Frequently ducking behind stage and occasionally using props, Cuomo was in a World of his own. During the dance-party influenced “Can’t Stop Partying,” (from their new album Ratitude) Rivers grabs a bottle of high-quality tequila, and chugs from it like a frat dude during Rush Week. Later during “I’m Your Daddy,” (another Ratitude jam) he disappears from the stage only to reappear, like David Blaine, behind the audience. During the first finale (yeah there were two) Rivers dons a full-on blonde wig as the band performs their, quiet excellent cover of MGMT’s “Kids” and Lady Gaga’s “Pokerface.”
Weezer fans have always landed in two schools of thought 1.) The Blue Album and Pinkerton album are the only records that should matter to anyone, and 2.) Weezer is awesome, despite whatever weird things they may try. Oh, your new CD is named “Raditude?” Cool! Lil’ Wayne’s doing guest vocals on a track?
Neat-o! And that is why Weezer is still relevant. Nerds need music. More specifically, nerds who like music as much as their dragon figurines and WoW accounts need music.
And that’s whom Weezer truly plays to at their shows. Fans that just let it all hang out and go for it. Fans who can deal with the fact that their favorite band has their own branded Snuggie. Can deal with the fact that some consider Weezer to just be a joke. Frankly, Weezer fans just don't care what they say about them anyway. I know, I don't care 'bout that.
Set List
Hash Pipe
Troublemaker
Undone-The Sweater Song
Surf Wax America
Let It All Hang Out
Perfect Situation
Why Bother?
Dope Nose
Say It Ain’t So
(If You’re Wondering if I Want You To) I Want You To
Can’t Stop Partying
Tired of Sex
Time (Pink Floyd cover)
I’m Your Daddy
My Name is Jonas
Beverly Hills
First encore
Pork and Beans
Kids/Poker Face (MGMT and Lady Gaga covers)
Second encore
Island in the Sun
Buddy Holly
