Weezer brought their signature blend of nostalgia and energy to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night, performing in front of a lively crowd. The concert featured a unique stage design resembling a decaying gray planet, setting the tone for a space-themed experience.
Midway through the show, frontman Rivers Cuomo addressed the audience, saying, “It’s dying. We need the ‘Blue Album’ to bring it back to life.” As he planted a Weezer flag on stage, the crowd erupted in cheers. An alien character handed him a guitar, and Cuomo raised the band’s iconic “=W=” logo, prompting fans to mimic him.
Cuomo humorously declared, “That’s one small step for Weezer. One giant leap for Weezerkind,” as fans captured selfies in the pit. The concert, filled with galactic visuals and astronaut costumes, had moments reminiscent of a children’s show, but the mood shifted dramatically when the band launched into “My Name Is Jonas” and proceeded to perform the entire Blue Album, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.
The show began with two songs from Everything Will Be Alright in the End, an album praised by many as their best since Pinkerton. The setlist included fan favorites like “Hash Pipe” and “Pork and Beans,” as well as a rendition of “Burndt Jamb,” which fell flat due to technical issues.
Kicking off the Pinkerton segment, the band delivered powerful performances of “Pink Triangle” and “Across the Sea,” which received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Cuomo’s early lyrics have often been criticized for not aging well, but his willingness to embrace the awkwardness of youth adds charm to his performances. At 54, he sang about being a jealous and insecure young man with genuine warmth.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the Blue Album set, showcasing the band at their tightest. During “Undone,” they humorously referenced McSorley’s, a famous Manhattan bar. A mosh pit erupted during “Surf Wax America,” and Cuomo expressed gratitude to the fans.
“Thirty light-years. Thanks for sticking with us all the way,” he said, reflecting on the impact of the Blue Album on his life and Weezer’s career.
The concert concluded with the euphoric “Only in Dreams,” leaving fans with a sense of nostalgia. As the band wrapped up their set, it was a reminder of the unpretentious joy that Weezer has brought to alternative rock over the years.
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