 Foozer delivered
Sometimes it's nerve-wracking getting ready to go to a concert.
I've wanted to see Weezer for over a decade, and by the time I hear Weezer is playing, the show is already sold out.
Since I'm now an employed journalist, I can sometimes sleaze my way into a few free press tickets.
Weezer and the Foo Fighters teamed together for a tour dubbed "Foozer," and the tour came to the Pepsi Center in Denver Friday night.
And although I was set to review the show, that still didn't take away the anxiety of seeing one of my all-time favorite bands. I wasn't concerned what clothes I was going to wear or the quality of my tickets. I really just hoped I wasn't going to be the oldest guy in a mob of young teenagers.
Since both the Foo Fighters and Weezer recently came out with new albums, I also wondered if I'd get to hear any of my favorite songs.
I knew most of my personal favorites from Weezer's sophomore release "Pinkerton" (which many critics, fans and even the band members hate - but I adore) probably wouldn't make the set list. At least, I hoped they'd throw in a few classic favorites from "The Blue Album."
The opening band - The Kaiser Chiefs - was pretty good.
During The Kaiser Chiefs' set, the stadium was not even close to half-full. Then I worried, "Do kids not like Weezer or the Foo Fighters any more?"
But when roadies started hanging up Weezer's set, people packed every nook and cranny of the Pepsi Center.
I've always gone by the rule that you never wear the shirt of the band to their concert, but I would guess about a third of the audience was wearing Weezer shirts.
Weezer opened with "My name is Jonas" and played every hit they've ever had, along with some fan favorites. They delightfully mixed in new stuff with old stuff, pleasing both rookie and veteran fans.
Lead singer Rivers Cuomo is known for not wanting to be the star of the band. He tossed lead vocals to other members of the band, and shyed from the spotlight by switching instruments on almost every other song. It shows he's both humble, and incredibly talented.
Cuomo moves around a lot for such a small guy, and he looks like he's accepted his onstage rock star persona more than any interview will lead you to believe.
Foo Fighters frontman, Dave Grohl, was in contrast, 100-percent rock star.
The Foo Fighters grabbed everyone by the eardrums and forced them to rock. Their set was faster and louder than Weezer's. They also mixed in old and new songs.
Grohl also traded center stage to jump behind the drums for a song. Some of us hoped he'd play a Nirvana or even a Tenacious D song just for fun.
Seeing two consistently hot bands comes at a price though. Tickets (for those who actually paid) cost an average of about $45 plus Ticketmaster fees. Parking was $9, beer was $6 and t-shirts set you back another $17.
Maybe attendees could afford it though. And for the most part, the crowd looked like they were in their 20s - which is my age group - so I wasn't the oldest guy there.
Both bands played just about every song I wanted to hear.
If you missed "Foozer," get your ass on a bus heading toward the next show, or be sure to prepare extra early for the next time either band comes to town. |
