***Photos and Review By: Monika Oberscheven-Smith***

***Photo By: Monika Oberscheven-Smith*** *(Weezer: Pat Wilson)*

Weezer's epic return to Australian stages in 2013 was a monumental event, eagerly anticipated by fans like me who were ready to dive into the sea of their music. Armed with youthful enthusiasm and some travel connections, I seized the opportunity to catch them live in Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne TWICE, Sydney, and Perth, soaking in their melodies and electrifying performances.

But let's fast forward to the present, eagerly awaiting their return to Australian shores, especially the highly anticipated first show in Melbourne. The suspense is building, the excitement is mounting, and the stage is set for an unforgettable Weezer experience Down Under.

Picture this: the stage adorned with a glimmering array of lights, casting an electrifying aura across the sea of eager faces on a Melbourne crowd who entered the stadium, from the chilly night air bathed in the glow of countless stars, entering the intimate embrace of the John Cain Arena. It was a rendezvous with destiny, a date marked with red ink on the calendar—Friday, October 6th—a day destined to echo through the annals of music history.

The crowd's anticipation buzzes through the air like a tangible entity. Suddenly, the lights dim, and a hushed excitement envelops the venue, hanging in the air like a secret waiting to be revealed.

In the lead-up to the grand spectacle, an electrifying energy surged through the crowd, an unspoken camaraderie shared amongst strangers. A familiar tune, Toto's "Africa," emerged from the speakers, serving as the overture to an impending sonic journey. The entire arena was a buzzing hive, humming with anticipation of what was to come.

***Photo By: Monika Oberscheven-Smith*** *(Weezer: Rivers Cuomo)*

Then, as if a bolt of lightning had struck, the stage came to life with the grand entrance of Weezer. The clamor of the crowd erupted into a deafening roar, echoing off the closed roof, creating an acoustic cathedral. The initial chords of "My Name Is Jonas" reverberated through the air, setting the adrenaline pumping, and the crowd roared in exhilaration.

From that moment, the night became a symphony of music and lights, an immersive experience that transcended the ordinary. "Beverly Hills" followed suit, igniting a spirited chant that reverberated through the very foundations of the arena. It was a call and response, a conversation between the stage and the sea of ardent fans.

"Return to Ithaka" came next, a showcase of Rivers Cuomo's guitar prowess. The intricate fretwork painted a vivid soundscape, a testament to the mastery of musicianship on display. It was a moment of musical communion, where the barriers between artist and audience melted away.

The unmistakable chords of "Good Life" strike, but this time, there's a twist—it's an abridged version, with the omission of the second verse. The energy is palpable as the song kicks into gear, the essence of the song compacted, and yet, the crowd is swept away on a tidal wave of enthusiasm. The air is electric, and the crowd's fervor builds, setting the stage for the night's vibrant musical journey.

As the last echoes of "Good Life" fade, the opening chords of "Pork and Beans" surge forth, accompanied by a thrilling '1 More Hit' intro. The crowd erupts, caught in the exhilarating wave of music and a frenetic energy that seems to pulsate from the very core of the stage. It's a musical explosion that leaves everyone breathless, each note a detonation of pure sonic delight.

The night explodes into "In the Garage," this time in its abridged form without the second verse. The essence of geeky nostalgia and teenage dreams is distilled into a few minutes, yet it encapsulates the soul of the song so perfectly. The arena becomes a haven for the outcasts and the dreamers—the very essence of Weezer's charm.

Then, a monumental moment unfolds: Weezer presents "Strutter," a KISS cover, live for the first time, a precursor to their opening slot for KISS in Sydney the next day. The crowd is transported into a time machine, the essence of '70s glam rock and the powerhouse charisma of KISS, all channelled through Weezer's unique style. It's a homage, a bridge between generations of rock and roll, and the crowd is in awe.

***Photo By: Monika Oberscheven-Smith*** *(Weezer: Scott Shriner)*

As the night continued its crescendo, "El Scorcho" burst forth, and the arena turned into a fervent cauldron of nostalgia. Memories of '90s alt-rock resurfaced, and the crowd swayed in unison, lost in the cacophony of guitars and heartfelt lyrics. Each song was a brushstroke in a musical masterpiece, painting a canvas of emotions and memories.

Weezer's recent live performance of "Photograph" marked the long-awaited return of a fan favourite to the live stage. The anticipation in the air was electric as the familiar chords filled the venue, transporting fans back in time. Rivers Cuomo's emotive vocals combined with Brian Bell's impeccable guitar work, Scott Shriner's solid basslines, and Patrick Wilson's precise drumming, creating an unforgettable musical tapestry. The crowd joined in, singing along and sharing in the joyous reunion with this beloved track. Weezer's performance was a testament to their enduring talent and the timeless appeal of their music, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all in attendance.

Weezer's live rendition of "Undone - The Sweater Song" was a nostalgic journey back to the '90s, with Rivers Cuomo's vocals and the band's energetic performance capturing the essence of the original track. The crowd swayed and sang along, engulfed in the warmth of nostalgia and the enduring charm of this classic hit.

The stage transforms into an intimate setting as "Susanne" takes the spotlight, the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar, Brian wielding an electric one, and Scott lending his smooth backing vocals. It's a moment of quiet serenity amidst the musical storm, the embodiment of raw emotion and acoustic purity.

And then, a singular figure, Rivers Cuomo, stands alone with an acoustic guitar, captivating the arena with the first verse of "Only in Dreams." It's a solitary, poignant moment before the band joins in, a gradual swell of instruments and vocals that builds into a majestic crescendo. The audience is transported through the ethereal journey that the song is, a dreamscape painted with musical notes.

"The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)" was a revelation—a sonic opus that unfurled in multiple dimensions. The audience was transported to a realm where music was a language of its own, transcending mere notes and lyrics. It was a euphoric communion of artist and admirer, a fusion of energies that left an indelible mark.

With "Island in the Sun," offering a vibrant and sun-soaked experience. The catchy melody and feel-good vibes effortlessly whisked the audience away to an imaginary tropical paradise, and as the crowd danced and sang along, the uplifting energy and the timeless sound of this beloved track created an unforgettable live moment.

"Perfect Situation" was an electrifying journey through raw emotion and rock anthems. Rivers Cuomo's passionate delivery and the band's energetic performance brought the song to life, captivating the crowd and elevating the concert to an unforgettable, anthemic experience.

***Photo By: Monika Oberscheven-Smith*** *(Weezer: Brian Bell)*

"All My Favorite Songs" takes an unexpected twist as Brian steps forward, singing the AJR verse from the remix. The fusion of voices adds a surprising layer to the song, giving it a fresh and exciting flavor. It's a testament to Weezer's versatility and their willingness to experiment, leaving the crowd with a newfound appreciation for this beloved track.

"Say It Ain't So" was a soul-stirring tribute to '90s alt-rock, showcasing Rivers Cuomo's powerful vocals and the band's tight instrumentation. The crowd was enraptured by the raw intensity and nostalgic echoes of this iconic hit, a highlight that left a lasting impression on the concert.

"Hash Pipe" was a high-octane thrill, bursting with the signature energy and edgy guitar riffs that define the song. The crowd was electrified by the infectious groove and Rivers Cuomo's dynamic vocals, turning the performance into an adrenaline-fueled rock anthem that had everyone on their feet.

The night hurtled towards its zenith, culminating in an encore that ignited a final burst of musical rapture. "The Waste Land" and a tantalizing tease of "Surf Wax America" left the crowd yearning for more. And then, in a triumphant finale, as the concert reached its crescendo, Weezer's electrifying performance of "Buddy Holly" sent waves of elation through the crowd, a grand finale that left us both thrilled and a little sad that it had all come to an end. The nostalgic '90s rock and roll vibe was infectious, and the entire venue was alive with a blend of singing and pure enjoyment, an unforgettable moment that lingered in the hearts of all lucky enough to be there.

For those lucky souls who bore witness to this historic event, it was an odyssey—a musical pilgrimage that will be etched in their hearts and souls forever. The rest, fear not, for when Weezer graces Australian shores again, an invitation to this enchanted realm awaits, a chance to be a part of musical history in the making. FOMO will not prevail; we shall be there, standing amidst the roaring crowd, immersed in the magical world of Weezer.

In each carefully crafted note, in every chord struck, and with every lyric sung, Weezer weaves an unforgettable tapestry of musical wonder. It's a night where the boundaries of time and space blur, leaving the audience in a state of musical euphoria, eager for the next verse, the next chord, and the next magical performance from these musical maestros.

***Photo By: Monika Oberscheven-Smith*** *(Weezer: Brian Bell & Rivers Cuomo)*

To reminice.

The excitement was palpable back in 2013, knowing that it had been a staggering 17 years since they last graced our shores, and at the time I was only 13 years old at the time oblivious to gigs going on in Sydney. So In 2013 I said to myself “Who knows when they'd make their next appearance Down Under?” So, I embraced the adventure, immersing myself in the music and forging newfound friendships with fellow Weezer aficionados during the 2013 tour.

The magic didn't stop there. I had the incredible privilege of stepping into the backstage realm, meeting the band in Sydney, and even attending the exclusive floating ‘The Island’ show on Sydney Harbour which is a floating pontoon with a bar, tiny stage and booming speakers where part of the Weezer members ran a DJ set. The thrill continued in Perth, where I had another chance to connect with them again behind the scenes.

Though I had a hunch about their impending return to Australia, over a decade later, Weezer graced us once more, and this time, their arrival was a beacon of hope and musical jubilation, echoing through the hearts, minds, and voices of devoted fans.

One of my most epic memories of travelling and a lifetime highlight was when I set sail on the Weezer Cruise 2.0 in 2014, an unforgettable journey to the Bahamas even having our own "Island In The Sun” beach concert. Amongst the sea breeze and vibrant tunes, I bonded with fellow Weezer enthusiasts, forming lasting friendships that still hold strong today. And to top it off, I had the pleasure of hanging out with the incredibly kind-hearted Pat Wilson who is hands down one of the sweetest, and most incredibly wonderful humanoids I have met on the planet.

In conclusion.

Weezer. I have one request:

Come back sooner rather than later, please and thank you!