Entry by : Chris
=W= Show Experience: Fourth show (7/25/01 at the Y100 Feztival at the Tweeter Center, 9/26/01 at the Spectrum in Philly on the Midget Tour, and 7/26/02 at the Tweeter Center in Camden on the Enlightenment Tour.
Having paid more than I wanted to for tickets because of whatever the Ticketmaster crisis was, I wanted to make sure that this show was worth every single penny I spent. And it exceeded anything I could
have expected.
I got to the Electric Factory around one o'clock. There were no more than 20 people in line at this point. And so the waiting began, meeting some cool people, laughing at that one scalper, eating pizza, peeing on brick walls, seeing Karl, and listening to terrible music from the YSP SUV, with a few exceptions (the new foo fighters and GNR). Once they started playing Make Believe, it was better though. A little after six we were told to form two lines, and a little after seven we were allowed in.
The seven hour wait paid off, as I ended up on the rail right in front of Scott would later be. After some more waiting, Ringside came out...and this is something I'd like to talk about. There has been incredible disrespect towards these guys and I don't think that it is justified. They are by no means a great band, I wouldn't even consider them a band I'd listen to again in the future, but they did not suck and were not the worst band I've ever seen live in about fifty or so concerts I've been to. And I think the singer had every right to mock the crowd, why should he have to just accept the insults and whatnot. If you have a chance to yell at him, at least give him the courtesy to respond. And that's all I have to say about that.
And then after not much waiting at all, it was time for what I've been waiting almost three years for. They opened with Tired of Sex, and for me that set up the whole night for greatness. I was impressed with the sound, and being so close to the band added so much to the show. Having only seen them at arenas and ampitheaters, the electric factory took a Weezer show to a whole new level. I had no complaints
with the setlist with the exception that I wanted them to play forever.
A lot of people have a problem with Rivers' stage presence on this tour. Having seen them on the Enlightenment Tour, this was definitely a major change. However, it seemed similar to the early Midget Tour, and since this was a smaller setting, I didn't think it was a problem at all. The main difference from the Midget Tour, though, was his voice. Before when he was in his shy/passive stage manner, his voice
also sounded weak. But at this show, it was the best I had ever heard from him. And I will take a strong voice over typical Rivers stage antics any day (if you can call them antics, but in a calm Rivers like way...).
Scott is the man, an excellent showman, and seemed genuinely appreciative of the fans, especially those of us right in front of him. I ended up getting a pick from him too.And once again Pat was great, despite a few minor mishaps, and was funny as usual. Brian, well, he's just that good. And even with the minor mistake he made singing Getchoo, that was awesome.
Highlights of the show would have to be Jonas, Say It Aint So, Undone, and The Good Life. The crowd sing-alongs during these songs were unbelievable. It was amazing to be part of something like that.
I was also able to get the setlist thrown out from in front of Scott's mic. That was a cool thing to get. Plus, I've got a massive bruise from the rail.
This is a show that I will never forget, amazing... |
