So, last night’s Weezer show was my fourth, and it was definitely the most unique. The other three shows, two in support of Maladroit, one for the Green Album, were pretty straightforward. Everybody stood in front of their mic, Rivers occasional muttered something funny between songs, they left the stage then came back for one or two more. Simple. The last show had flame spurts on a couple of songs, that was different, but otherwise it was a pretty basic show by a band that rocks really hard.
I’d always known Rivers was kind of goofy (consider that the first words you likely heard him sing were “What’s with these homies dissin’ my Girl?”), but he seemed pretty reserved on stage. This made sense on the Extended Midget Tour (supporting Green), because everything about the Green Album seemed like a back-to-basics exercise, Rivers testing himself to see if he could still write pop songs. On the Enlightenment Tour (I think I caught the European leg of it in Birmingham, it was in support of Maladroit, at least) things were beginning to loosen up a bit. More songs from Pinkerton (at the Salt Lake show there were more from Pinkerton than from Maladroit), full renditions of “Only in Dreams,” covers, and pyrotechnics, but, like I said, pretty basic stuff.
Then there was last night’s show. I missed out on most of the promotion for Make Believe, but I caught some AOL Sessions and I knew that if I ever saw the Weez again, it would be a distinct thing from previous shows. I expected keyboards, and I’d heard that Rivers had a little drum kit that he occasionally played. I didn’t expect a mini trampoline, or that both Scott (bass) and Brian (guitar) would have keyboard rigs. To keep me from rambling too much, we’ll do a list. You kids like bulleted lists, right?
- Rivers didn’t sing lead on every song. Much like the new album, vocals were shared by various band members.
- This allowed Rivers to become untethered from his microphone and wander the stage as he pleased. This is why there was a trampoline. It also meant thatRivers got to play harmonica on “My Name is Jonas,” every other time I’ve seen them it’s just been done on guitar.
- Rivers has often been compared to Brian Wilson because he’s a little eccentric and obsessed with writing the perfect pop song (I guess if he stops singing altogether the comparison can be pushed further), but last night he reminded me more of Andy Kaufman, or, more specifically, Tony Clifton, with the way he shuffled around the stage and made bizarre shaking motions with is hands.
- Tom DeLonge and Atom Willard performed on “Undone - the Sweater Song”, Tom singing and Atom on drums so Pat could play guitar. Rivers also utilized his drum kit for the build up of this one.
- I’m a sucker for cover songs, and we got two last night. Pat surprised us all by singing and playing guitar on a cover of Oasis’s “Morning Glory.” Well, he surprised me, at least. I don’t know how many other people even knew the song. The other song will be discussed in conjunction with the encore.
- Lots of audience participation. We were instructed to start of “Dope Nose.” I felt so important.
- The Hootenanny: you’ve probably heard all about it. A group of lucky fans get to take the stage with whatever instrument they play and join the band and the audience in a couple of songs. Lemme tell you, “Beverly Hills” sounds like it was meant to have a saxophone solo.
- After the Hootenanny, which served as the first encore, Weezer’s fifth man Karl Koch (who, earlier, had played Moog on the song “King”) set up a Weezer-styled phonograph, took out a red vinyl copy of the new album and played “Heartsongs.” During the verse about Nevermind the band came back out (Scott dressed like the Italian Stallion) and played a cover of Nirvana’s “Sliver” before ending the set with “Buddy Holly.”
- As usual, full setlist available at my personal blog.
If you’ve never seen Weezer before, there’s never been a better time (except maybe early ‘97). Do it do it do it. I’m tired of writing, any questions you have, though, will be answered. Ask away!! Pictures later.
Regarding the opening acts, Tolchok Trio were pretty good and Angels and Airwaves sound like your copies of The Joshua Tree and Disintegration had sex and cried themselves to sleep afterward.
posted by D. | 10.08.08 | 3:48 pm | 0 Comments
Filed under: Alternative, Brass, Concert, Concert Review, Emo, Garage Rock, Geek Rock, Live, Pop, Pop-Rock, Rock, Utah 
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