The Gathering tour was a long-anticipated family BBQ. Fans of all generations packed the almost sold-out Chase Center Arena. Weezer, the geek-pop-rock band, connects to the fun side of everyone. Frontman Como Rivers mentioned the warnings for listening and “thank you anyway.” Everyone knew every word of every song, vintage or fresh; every word in tune and as loud as possible. No one mentioned this wasn’t a sing-a-long, and a few times during the song “Beverly Hills,” my section of the stadium was louder than the band.
It is still a mystery how fans are selected for the “air-guitar” feature, but Anastasia Gorski from the upper deck was fabulous during ‘Buddy Holly.”
Just after “Pork and Beans,” while Cuomo was on the drums, Patrick Wilson (drummer) picked up a guitar riffed as if it was a 1982 heavy metal concert. Cuomo ran over,
reminded Patrick it was 2026, and he returned to his beautiful gold drum kit. What would happen to the Weezer world if Patrick’s metal riff continued? Only smiles from me.
The Shins
The shiny happy side of the Shins came out 30 seconds in on the 1st song, with the audience blissfully swaying with their cell phones in the air. It all ended with an all-out release of madness when they closed the set with REM’s “It’s The End of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine).
Silversun Pickups
The night started with the Silversun Pickups. Despite the many months they were touring their latest record ahead of “The Gathering” tour, their energy could give the local power company shutdown notice. “Lazy Eye,” despite the song title this band energy could put PG&E out of business. Hair flying like the original headbanger days. Everyone should see them play more than once.
