 FOO FIGHTERS, WEEZER
Metal pop and nerdy-boy rock seldom go together, but pairing the Foo Fighters with Weezer for a co-headlining tour was genius. The night was all about loud-ass, ground-shaking music. Weezer relished in the rock star forum and came on stage armed with a laser light show, smoke machines and an elaborate stage decorated with artwork from their latest album, Make Believe. Surprising staunch Foo fans who regard Weezer simply as a band with goofy song titles, lead singer Rivers Cuomo quickly established himself as a powerhouse guitar god. The odd little Harvard student was jaw-droppingly amazing. The band cranked out “My Name is Jonas” and “Don't Let Go,” and each member shared vocals for the Foo Fighters' “Big Me.” They intertwined their skills and shared instruments, giving everyone a shot in the spotlight. Cuomo even found Joey, a loyal fan in the mosh pit, to strum guitar and help sing during “Undone — The Sweater Song.” Confetti fell from the ceiling as the band's trademark Van Halenesque “W” symbol hung in the background, bringing the set to a close as the group played “Buddy Holly.” Hidden in the dim shadows under flickering LED screens, Dave Grohl breathed life into his guitar as the opening chords of “In Your Honor” filled the arena. The notes rained on the crowd before Grohl roared the first line, “Can you hear me?” into the darkness. Necks snapped in unison as happy headbangers were pounded by the thunder brought on by Grohl's fellow Foo Fighters. “Okay, watch this shit,” he panted before ripping into the wettest guitar lick of a lifetime at the end of “All My Life.” The band's momentum never slowed down as each member gave a little blood for the cause.
“Pop quiz time,” Grohl joked. “In what beautiful state was your good friend Dave Grohl born in?” before drummer Taylor Hawkins took the mic for “Cold Day in the Sun” off the new album and let the Warren native take a seat behind the drum kit, where he masterfully relived his days in Nirvana and QOTSA. Drenched in hard-earned rocker sweat, Grohl manned the stage alone for most of “Everlong” before the band concluded with “Monkey Wrench.” |
