Weezer at TD Garden in September 2024 felt like stepping into a pop-rock kaleidoscope: familiar, slightly chaotic, and endlessly fun. There’s something magical about seeing a band that has been shaping alternative rock since the ’90s occupy a massive arena while still managing to feel intimate. Rivers Cuomo and the gang have spent decades perfecting the balance between nostalgia, new material, and quirky showmanship, and on this night, it all came together. The crowd was electric — a mix of longtime fans who still remember the first Blue Album and newer listeners discovering the band’s more recent experimental work — and the energy never let up for a single song.
The show opened with “Anonymous,” a track from their more recent catalog, and it immediately set the tone: Weezer was here to remind everyone that they weren’t just a nostalgia act. The heavy riffs, punchy hooks, and Rivers’ distinctive vocals hit hard, and even in a cavernous arena like TD Garden, the sound felt tight and alive. Fans sang along to what they knew, and quickly got acquainted with what they didn’t, creating that electric mixture of excitement and curiosity that makes live shows so thrilling.
From there, the band jumped into “Return to Ithaka,” a track that leaned heavily into their more experimental tendencies. The crowd responded enthusiastically, clapping along during the choruses and enjoying the unexpected twists. It was a perfect way to showcase that Weezer’s catalog isn’t just singles and fan favorites — they still take chances and embrace quirkiness on stage.
“Dope Nose” came next, including a snippet of “Troublemaker,” which gave the song a playful, self-aware twist. Weezer thrives on these little surprises — nods to other tracks, little jokes in the middle of songs — and it adds an unpredictable edge to the setlist. The arena bounced with energy as the riff kicked in, Travis’ drums driving the pace and Brian Bell’s guitar lines weaving through Rivers’ vocals with perfect harmony.
“Hash Pipe” and “Pork and Beans” followed, reminding the audience why Weezer’s combination of catchy hooks and slightly irreverent lyrics has endured for so long. “Pork and Beans” included the “1 More Hit” intro, a cheeky reminder of the band’s self-aware humor and commentary on pop culture. It was a fan favorite moment, with the crowd singing every line back at the stage, arms in the air.
“Beverly Hills” and “Burndt Jamb” continued the momentum, the latter featuring a snippet of “Everybody Get Dangerous,” adding another playful twist to a setlist that was already hopping between eras. By now, it was clear that Weezer wasn’t just going through the motions — every song had been carefully considered, with small surprises and references scattered throughout to keep fans on their toes.
The mood shifted slightly with “Island in the Sun,” a track that feels like a collective sigh of joy whenever it’s performed live. Its melodic simplicity and warm, breezy feel created a brief moment of calm before the band ramped up again with “Any Friend of Diane’s” and “Perfect Situation.” These songs were tight, energetic, and reminded everyone that even their lesser-known tracks can hit hard when performed live.
“Run, Raven, Run” included the “Pacific Sunset” portion, which added a touch of cinematic drama to the set. “Pinkerton Asteroid Belt” segued into “Getchoo,” a playful nod to their fans who have followed the band’s deep cuts for years. The flow between songs was seamless, almost like a musical narrative, moving between humor, intensity, and nostalgia with effortless grace.
The mid-set was anchored by “Why Bother?” “Pink Triangle,” and “You Gave Your Love to Me Softly,” three tracks that showcased Weezer’s knack for combining emotionally raw lyrics with instantly memorable melodies. The arena sang along during the choruses, but there was also a sense of quiet appreciation for the lyrical content — a rare balance in a stadium setting. “Across the Sea” followed, one of Weezer’s most storytelling-driven tracks, and its intimate, almost confessional tone was perfectly juxtaposed against the grandeur of TD Garden.
After a brief video interlude featuring “Blue Voyage Landing,” the band hit the classic Blue Album sequence, starting with “My Name Is Jonas.” The arena erupted, everyone singing along to the instantly recognizable opening riff. “No One Else” and “The World Has Turned and Left Me Here” followed, and by this point, the crowd was fully locked in, waving, singing, and bouncing in unison.
“Buddy Holly” and “Undone – The Sweater Song” felt like emotional anchors, tying the night together with their timeless charm. The audience sang every word back at the stage, phones raised for the obligatory lighters-and-lights moment, a collective tribute to a song that shaped an entire generation of fans. “Surf Wax America” and “Say It Ain’t So” were next, with their driving guitars and heartfelt choruses maintaining momentum while also giving fans moments to connect with the music on a personal level.
“In the Garage” and “Holiday” brought a mix of humor and exuberance, perfectly capturing Weezer’s unique balance of self-aware silliness and genuine rock craft. “Only in Dreams” closed the main set, giving the audience a final soaring, cathartic moment. The slow build, the intricate guitar work, and Rivers’ emotive vocals made it a powerful, almost cinematic finale — the kind of song that lingers in your head long after the lights come up.
Weezer at TD Garden in September 2024 was a masterclass in how to balance a deep catalog, humor, and fan service in a large arena setting. The band moved effortlessly between eras, delivering hits, deep cuts, and surprises with energy, precision, and charm. The pacing of the setlist, the seamless transitions, and the thoughtful inclusion of snippets and interludes made the night feel like a carefully orchestrated journey through the Weezer universe.
From the opening chords of “Anonymous” to the closing notes of “Only in Dreams,” the band reminded everyone why they’ve remained relevant for over three decades. They’re a band that doesn’t just rely on nostalgia; they embrace it, play with it, and deliver it in ways that feel fresh, exciting, and, above all, fun. TD Garden was transformed into a space of shared joy and catharsis, where fans new and old came together to celebrate the quirks, heart, and brilliance of Weezer.
Setlist
Anonymous
Return to Ithaka
Dope Nose (with “Troublemaker” snippet)
Hash Pipe
Pork and Beans (with “1 More Hit” intro)
Beverly Hills
Burndt Jamb (with “Everybody Get Dangerous” snippet)
Island in the Sun
Any Friend of Diane’s
Perfect Situation
Run, Raven, Run (“Pacific Sunset” portion only)
Pinkerton Asteroid Belt / Getchoo
Why Bother?
Pink Triangle
You Gave Your Love to Me Softly
Across the Sea
Blue Voyage Landing (Video interlude)
Weezer (The Blue Album):
– My Name Is Jonas
– No One Else
– The World Has Turned and Left Me Here
– Buddy Holly
– Undone – The Sweater Song
– Surf Wax America
– Say It Ain’t So
– In the Garage
– Holiday
– Only in Dreams