This post was updated on Oct. 25 at 8:42 p.m.
Weezer Concludes “The Gathering” Tour in Los Angeles
Weezer wrapped up the North American leg of its “The Gathering” tour at the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night, delivering a captivating performance that resonated with fans. The concert showcased only four tracks from their new album, the Gold Album, which debuted on August 21, 2023. Instead, the band leaned heavily into its classic catalog, offering a 26-song setlist that spanned their most beloved hits from the ‘90s and early 2000s.
Opening Acts Set the Stage
The evening began with the Silversun Pickups, who performed a five-song set filled with their signature pop punk revival tracks. The band ignited the crowd with the fan-favorite “Lazy Eye,” warming up the audience for the main act. Following them, The Shins took the stage without much introduction, blending folk rock with harmonious duets, including “Heartworms” and a spirited cover of R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).” By the time Weezer was ready to perform, the arena was buzzing.
A Dynamic Set and Memorable Visuals
Weezer kicked off their set with “Shine Again,” illuminating the audience with football-stadium-style lighting and a picturesque stage design featuring a white picket fence and a backdrop of the LA mountains. The second song from the Gold Album, “C.E.O.,” further emphasized the band’s approach to fan expectations, as lead vocalist Rivers Cuomo sang, “Wish I could do something new / But no one wants to hear that / They just want the classics.” This lyric effectively encapsulated the band’s strategy for maintaining fan engagement, favoring older hits over new material.
Navigating a Divided Fanbase
Weezer’s fanbase is well-known for its divisions, often debating the merits of the band’s early work compared to its later releases. Despite these differing opinions, Saturday’s concert primarily catered to long-time fans. High-energy performances of older favorites like “Hash Pipe,” complemented by episodic pyrotechnics, resonated strongly with the audience, showcasing the band’s enduring appeal while also highlighting the occasional incongruity of elaborate effects in power pop.
Acoustic Interlude and Guest Appearances
The band changed gears with a heartfelt rendition of “Long Time Sunshine,” performed around an imagined campfire setup. This stripped-down segment provided a moment for the audience to soak in acoustic versions of beloved tracks, including “In the Garage.” Adding variety to the set, Nikki Monninger from Silversun Pickups joined Weezer for “We Might as Well Be Strangers,” a duet from the Gold Album, alongside the B-side “I Just Threw Out the Love of My Dreams.” This trifecta of collaborations showcased Weezer’s versatility and the strength of their duet capabilities.
Maintaining Momentum with Classic Hits
As the concert progressed, songs like “Undone – The Sweater Song” highlighted a focused atmosphere with minimalist blue lighting to complement the performance. In contrast, other numbers like “The Good Life” and “Lonely Girl” were accompanied by elaborate visual backdrops that, while visually stimulating, sometimes detracted from the music itself.
Interactive Stage Presence
The band’s performance seemed scripted at times, incorporating light-hearted skits and visual gags, such as faux power outages and playful stage antics. While these elements added a layer of entertainment, their integration felt somewhat misaligned with the overall alternative rock aesthetic the band is known for. Still, the chemistry on stage was palpable, and the energetic crowd responded enthusiastically.
Conclusion
Weezer concluded the concert with an uplifting rendition of “Island in the Sun,” as pool floaties made their way through the audience. By not overly promoting their latest album, the band demonstrated a keen awareness of what their audience craved. With a balance of nostalgia and skillful performance, Weezer delivered a memorable evening that both celebrated the past and acknowledged the present.
