SunFest stage

Review: Weezer Wednesday

In the hours after Weezer’s Wednesday headlining SunFest performance, I found myself [once again] lost in the depths of the interwebs– watching video after video of the nerd rock band. Come on, there is a special place in all of our hearts for Weezer– the geek rock band from Los Angeles. We know all the words to all of their songs, as they beg to be sung out loud. Rivers Cuomo, the band’s very endearing and seemingly self-conscious leader, is all of us– and last night he was our SunFest King. (Literally. He had a crown and cape on, people.)

With no small talk or sheepish introductions, Weezer took the Ford Stage and belted into “Hash Pipe.” The crowd went wild. With a bright, glowing “W” behind the band, the group continued with hits “My Name is Jonas,” “I Want You To,” and “Pork and Beans.”

After all, they were in West Palm Beach to play their most popular songs. I credit their California roots when I say Weezer’s music is best suited for areas touched by the tide. The band’s quick, quirky, sing-a-long songs are a staple for beach gatherings and pool parties. Next to the salty Intracoastal, the band gave us everything we wanted.

The band also played their brand new single, “Feels Like Summer.” If you’ve heard the song in passing, you’ll think it’s loud and perfect for mid-July. But a closer listen will reveal a darker story– an ex-lover who has passed away.

The band played “Beverly Hills” and “Island in the Sun,” of course. And also “King of the World,” “Say It Ain’t So,” and Pinkerton’s “El Scorcho.”

They ended with “Buddy Holly,” and singing louder than Cuomo was his adoring crowd.

Set List:

  1. Hash Pipe
  2. My Name is Jonas
  3. I Want You To
  4. Pork and Beans
  5. Feels Like Summer
  6. Perfect Situation
  7. Thank God for Girls
  8. Beverly Hills
  9. Undone
  10. Island in the Sun
  11. King of the World
  12. Say It Ain’t So
  13. El Scorcho
  14. Buddy Holly