Weezer Gets it Right at the Allstate Arena

Weezer

Almost a week ago I was able to see Weezer when they came to perform here in Chicago.  Weezer brought along both Angels and Airwaves and Tokyo Police Club as their opening acts for this tour.

I wasn’t able to see much of Tokyo Police Club, but I do have comments regarding Angles and Airwaves, who were the second band to perform.  My first impression of this band was that they were a carbon copy of the other emo pop bands.  However, I found some of their songs to be enjoyable, mostly their pure instrumental pieces.  Also, their light show was fantastic.  For an opening band it was astounding work.  Angles and Airwaves were alright but that doesn’t mean that I wanted to see them any longer than I had to.  Weezer was the reason I went to this concert and I was rather impatient for their show to begin.

Weezer’s performance started in top-notch fashion.  They walked on stage sporting white jumpsuits clearly inspired from their “Pork and Beans” music video.  Weezer didn’t waste anytime to begin playing their opening song “My name is Jonas” one of their most popular songs.  The entire Allstate Arena was on their feet singing along, myself included.  There was no better way to open the show for that night.

The setlist for this concert was great and other Weezer fans would agree with me.  They were able to play a variety of their songs from all their albums.  They started with a collection of song from their older albums then they shed their white jumpsuits for red tracksuit which signified the start of the new material from the red album.

The highlights the evening were the covers of Oasis and Nirvana, “Sweater Song,” “Beverly Hills,” “Island in the Sun,” “Heart Songs,” and “Buddy Holly.”

For the highly anticipated performance of “The Sweater Song,” Weezer decided to bring the lead singer of Angles and Airwaves, Tom DeLonge, to start the song.  Rivers Cuomo said that he was going to sit out for this song but I’m sure he just couldn’t resist.  Tom DeLonge sang the first verse and Rivers sang the second one.  In addition, the ending of the song had an outstanding dual drum rendition with Rivers and Atom Willard, the drummer for Angles and Airwaves.

The Oasis cover of “Mouring Glory” was absolutely amazing. It was as if Weezer had written the song themselves.  Enough said.

Nearing the end of their performance Weezer invited a several dozen member hootenanny comprised of Q101 contest winners playing various instruments. Even with the randomness, the vast backing troupe added extra enthusiasm to “Island In the Sun” (complete with an impromptu oboe solo from one of the guests) and “Beverly Hills” (rounded out with a smoldering sax).

It seemed like this grand performance, which encompassed a microcosm of their fans would be a pleasing and more than acceptable encore.  Imagine my surprise when, while I’m shouting for more Weezer, one of the roadies comes onto stage with a portable record player and a copy of Weezer’s new red album.  I almost immediately knew that they were going to play “Heart Songs” a tune about the joys of listening to your favorite music.  Clearly the choice to play the record was a thoughtful and fitting touch for the occasion.

Next, after appropriately giving tribute to the album “Nevermind” in the lyrics of “Heart Songs,” The band comes back on stage, Rivers kicks the record player over and they transition into “Sliver” a Nirvana cover.

Finally, the band says its goodbyes and everyone knows that the next song is going to be the last.  I was happily surprised to hear “Buddy Holly,” a song that I love but seldom listen to.  It was the proper choice though.  Overall, Weezer gave a stellar performance that filled the audience with a warm feeling as they left the Allstate Arena.

Looking back at this concert I realize how much I truly enjoyed it.  The Troublemaker tour is still underway as the band plays tonight in Salt Lake City then goes onto Portland and Vancouver.  For more information visit www.weezer.com No real Weezer fan should miss out on the experience.