Weezer | Nashville, TN
On a vibrant September evening, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville came alive with a sonic blend of nostalgia and new energy as Weezer headlined an unforgettable show, supported by the legendary Flaming Lips and the iconic Dinosaur Jr.
Dinosaur Jr. kicked off the night with a powerful set that showcased their signature blend of fuzzy guitar riffs and introspective lyrics. J Mascis, with his unmistakable drawl and guitar wizardry, led the band through a set that felt both timeless and fresh. Classics like “Feel the Pain” and “Start Choppin” had the crowd thrumming with energy, while their heavier tracks drew nods of approval from longtime fans. The mix of soaring melodies and the band’s raw, grunge-infused sound was a perfect way to set the tone for the night.
Next up, The Flaming Lips took the stage, delivering a psychedelic spectacle that felt like stepping into an alternate universe. Frontman Wayne Coyne mentioned to the fans how he was playing shows with Dinosaur Jr. twenty years ago, and how exciting it was to be reuniting with their longtime friends for another tour. He also had a list of every show he ever played in Nashville and fans were excited to be present for another unforgettable show. With their signature confetti explosions and whimsical visuals, Coyne and his band mesmerized the audience. They launched into “Do You Realize??” early in the set, and offered the song to a friend who had just lost someone. They elicited an emotional sing-along that filled the arena with a sense of unity and joy. The performance was both a visual and auditory feast, as the Lips effortlessly blended the surreal with the heartfelt. It was a reminder of why they are considered one of the most innovative bands in rock.
As the lights dimmed for Weezer, the anticipation was palpable. There was a spaceship onstage, and as soon as the timer started, fans screamed their hearts out. We could hear the entire arena screaming the countdown, and then… the takeoff! The spaceship flew into the ceiling and the band took the stage. “Anonymous” and “Return to Ithaca” started the night, easing the fans into the incredible set. Frontman Rivers Cuomo’s charisma shined brightly, effortlessly engaging with the audience as they dove into a setlist that spanned their extensive catalog. As the projections traveled through the galaxies, the band played different albums. The first part of the set included the major hits from all eras, highlighting nostalgic songs like “Pork and Beans,” “Hash Pipe,” and “Perfect Situation.” Weezer’s ability to balance old favorites with newer tracks was impressive. A robotic voice announced that we had reached the Pinkerton belt, and fans started screaming even louder. The band’s second album is a favorite amongst old fans that have been following the band since the beginning. The arena was filled with nostalgia while fans screamed the lyrics to every song. “Getchoo,” “Pink Triangle,” and “Across the Sea” were a few of the hits that were part of the set. A brief pause for the members of the band to change, while the robotic voice announced the landing in the Blue Planet. Fans all around the arena were dying with anticipation, because one of the most iconic albums ever released was about to be played in its entirety. While the band played “My Name is Jonas,” I saw fans all around hugging each other and celebrating their shared love for the band. The show reached a thrilling crescendo with a raucous rendition of “Say It Ain’t So,” where the audience erupted and the band even paused so the fans could sing by themselves. I had chills all over, one of the most impressive moments of the night. The band closed the night with “Only In Dreams” and left fans teary eyed with nostalgia. Overall, Weezer, along with The Flaming Lips and Dinosaur Jr. delivered a night of music that felt both nostalgic and invigorating. The combination of these three iconic bands made for a remarkable concert experience, reminding everyone in attendance that they’ve still got it. Here’s to another 30 years of Weezer!
