 Foo Fighters, Weezer Bring Good Old-Fashioned Rock to Worcester
In a musical landscape dominated by putrid nu-metal, mindless screamo and more cheesy pop than you can shake a stick at, it's easy to assume that good old-fashioned rock music has fallen by the wayside. Luckily, those wishing to escape the scourge of the latest Nickelback release could find refuge inside the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass. Saturday night. Playing to a supercharged crowd, both Weezer and the Foo Fighters showed that the mainstream is still safe for those who enjoy rock as it's meant to be: loud, passionate and catchy as hell.
Following a solid set by openers Hot Hot Heat, Weezer took the stage to deafening cheers. Opening with "My Name is Jonas," the band proceeded through an hour-long set that mixed beloved classics with more recent fare. New songs from the band's recent release "Make Believe" stood up surprisingly well against the old favorites. The single "Beverly Hills" provided an infectious chorus hook and "Perfect Situation," included a scintillating guitar solo courtesy of front-man Rivers Cuomo. Though lacking the depth and craftsmanship of past Weezer, the newer songs proved to be big arena-worthy anthems.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of their performance was the sense of enjoyment Weezer brought. Notoriously introverted, Cuomo made a concerted effort to engage the crowd, going as far as to attempt a Jagger-esque strut across the stage. In his awkwardness he exemplified the quirky fun that drew many fans to Weezer in the first place. Later he performed a solo acoustic version of "Island in the Sun" on a platform in the back of the arena, bringing a thrill to the hearts of fans not lucky enough to be close to the main stage.
Musically the band was tight, with guitarist/keyboardist Brian Bell, bassist Scott Shriner and drummer Pat Wilson providing a solid backdrop for Cuomo's spot-on vocals. They performed interesting variations on some of their songs, including a new-wave version of "Don't Let Go." Cuomo and Wilson exchanged places for "Photograph," as well as a raucous cover of Blur's "Song No. 2." In all, Weezer delivered a satisfying and powerful performance that fans both new and old could enjoy.
If Weezer's set provided a formidable challenge, then the Foo Fighters proved to be up to the task. Spearheaded by a frenetic Dave Grohl, the band rocked with fervor and intensity. Grohl's blistering screams and head-banging stage antics served to contrast Weezer's comparably low-key approach.
Playing a set culled from the entirety of their five-album catalogue, the Foos also proved to be adept performers. Grohl, guitarist Chris Shiflett, bassist Nate Mendel, and drummer Taylor Hawkins were all on the same page, playing like true veterans. Though at times the sound lacked definition in newer songs such as the opener "In Your Honor", it was for the most part a well-balanced mix of crunchy guitars, driving bass and tight drumming. During a break in "Stacked Actors," Grohl ascended the platform in the back of the arena, from which he exchanged bluesy guitar improvisations with Shiflett, who remained on stage. Grohl once again showcased his guitar playing during the lead sections of the finale "Monkey Wrench," elaborating on his part with blistering off the cuff riffing.
The Foos were at their best during their more melodic numbers, rolling out hit after hit in crowd-pleasing fashion. Grohl's see-sawing vocals shone on "This is a Call" and "Learn to Fly." Pop hooks balanced with primal screams on "DOA" and the kinetic "Breakout." In all, the set was representative of their lengthy and varied career, with songs ranging from power-pop to hard rock.
In all, the concert was a tour de force in the art of the power chord. Both bands showed how the simplicity of pop-rock could be elevated to grand heights. As Grohl told the crowd, it truly was a "big-ticket event." This was two great bands at the height of their touring powers, bringing the glory of rock music to the masses. |
