Pixies/Weezer Show Review
It was storming like crazy in the Phoenix area on Sunday. A quick jaunt up north to Scottsdale from Mesa (an errand that should have taken, like, an hour tops) turned into a two-and-a-half hour struggle through high speed winds, dust storms, rain, and hail. Look, it was probably nothing compared to other places; but here in Arizona, we are not used to weather. Really, of any kind. Anyways, by the time the journey back home was over, it was about time to go to the Pixies/Weezer show at Ak-Chin Pavilion in the West Valley. Ak-Chin Pavilion is an outdoor venue. Considering the state of the weather, I think I was understandably worried that the show would be called on the account of rain. But once we (my girlfriend Hailey and I) reached the area, a still, calm, humid air prevailed. There was even a nice breeze. It was a perfect catharsis after some stressful driving. I was ready to have fun.
And then halfway through the Pixies set, I was bitten on one of my fingers by some kind of crawling insect when I tried to brush it off my leg. It wasn’t not painful. I might have become a little too alarmed. My finger is still numb. But that’s neither here nor there. By this point, I had been enjoying the eclectic mix of songs that make up the Pixies’ entire discography. I was at the show for Weezer, but I have every Pixies record, so it’s not like I was disinterested in the pioneering alternative band. They ratcheted up the heaviness for much of their set, something jarring for this “rock fan” turning to more poppy sensibilities. It was great though. It’s hard to resist the energy of a live show, especially when a group as legendary as the Pixies are on stage. Black Francis’ voice showed some wear, in hindsight after learning this was the last stop in the tour. But new bassist Paz Lenchantin was an exciting addition to the band. It was a good set.
It was clear much of the audience was there for Weezer, though, an interesting departure from the band’s appearance at the same venue last year with Panic at the Disco. The entire audience took to standing for Weezer’s whole set, a courtesy not really paid the Pixies nor, indeed, Weezer when they co-headlined with Panic. Weezer’s set was awesome. The stage changed, from the opening of “Buddy Holly” in a recreation of Arnold’s from HAPPY DAYS (1974–1984) and the band’s music video to a garage backdrop for “In the Garage.” Frontman and singer Rivers Cuomo performed with energy and changing outfits, and came out to the crowd atop a scooter. He performed “Island in the Sun,” acoustically, in front of a mic in the middle of the crowd, as well as a cover of “Take on Me.” That was perhaps the most surprising aspect of the show, which honestly was modeled quite similarly to last year’s appearance in terms of set list and stage decoration. In addition to “Take on Me,” Weezer performed covers of “Happy Together,” weaving it into Green Day’s “Longview,” and of course performed Toto’s “Africa.” OK, maybe that should have been expected.
The band actually only played one song from their latest album, PACIFIC DAYDREAM (2017), which they were ostensibly touring for. “Feels Like Summer” was also performed at last year’s show, and I was a little disappointed by the lack of recent material, especially from WEEZER (WHITE ALBUM) [2016]. I have a feeling I might be in the minority on that, considering the reaction to the band’s biggest hits. It’s a tale as old as time, I guess. At the end of the day, however, it was a great time. Weezer still puts on a fun live show even though they’re approaching the collective age of 50 (53-year-old bassist Scott Shriner notwithstanding). And Shriner is great! As with the band’s historic success, the show was quite often Cuomo’s, but the other members got chances to shine in fun ways. It’s a special feeling to see any band live, but to see your favorite, at what I consider to be a peak not rivaled since the beginning, is an awesome experience. I hope they put out another album soon and come back to Phoenix. I just want them to be indoors next time. It’s hot here and I don’t want to get bit by something again.
