California Kids Hit The Sands
So I guess last-minute concerts are sort of becoming a recurring theme for us.
Dylan and I managed to snag up two Weezer tickets and a press pass when they played The Sands in Bethlehem on December 3rd. I was a little surprised the band wasn’t playing a big venue in Philadelphia, but when we got there, I totally understood why they needed more space than anything the Fillmore or the Electric Factory could offer.
The Sands is a cool place. The stage was set up to recreate their cover of the White Album, all beach everywhere. Their iconic W logo hung above the drum kit, magnificently lit. When we got there, we picked up our press pass and then hung out in a private section of the venue with other photographers. We were both ridiculously excited, because who knew it would be that easy? Dylan is really taking to concert photography, and I asked him to tell me more about how he felt shooting Weezer:
"Wow. Okay. So I took pictures of one of my favorite bands of all time, in a spot that you can't even pay to get to. I always see those people with their cameras running around in front of the rail at the big shows we go to, and now I was one of them. The hype was crazy. While most of the other guys taking pictures were on the rail doing strictly business, I was jamming and singing along and snapping away with a constant smile on my face. I'd been waiting for more than four years to see these guys, and I'd missed them every time they came around. Being so close, I could admire Rivers' sticker collection on his guitar, which was pretty cool. He's got a tiger riding a pony and a little Boba Fett that were some of my favorites. After the three song shooting limit, I went back to join Em in the crowd and sing along to all of their songs with her. I was extremely impressed with the whole experience, and I can't wait to see them again."
Copyright © Dylan Eddinger Photography
Weezer is one of those timeless bands that I can imagine will be around for a long, long time — in the best way. These guys are artists. Rivers Cuomo’s voice is enigmatic and unchanged. Listening to him sing is like talking to an old friend - his sound is so familiar and hearing his old songs feels like coming home. They could have been touring for the Blue Album by the sound of it if I’d closed my eyes.
While I’ll admit I’m not as well-versed in Weezer’s discography as Dylan is, I still had a blast at this show. They played a killer set, including hits from their most famous works. Their newest release, the one that I am the most familiar with, the White Album, was heavily featured throughout the night. The lights dimmed and one by one Rivers, Patrick, Brian, and Scott took the stage and embraced the eruption of applause as they opened with "California Kids." They followed with "Hash Pipe" off of the Green Album, and - of course - "My Name Is Jonas" from their debut, the Blue Album.
Weezer is a fun band, and they gave us a fun show which is exactly what I expected. All four guys have great stage presences, and they made us feel welcome and at home in that huge venue. They made us feel like we were all just there to jam together. When they played "Island In The Sun," the whole band sported leis and Rivers traded his electric guitar for an acoustic with a beach scene painted on the front. Halfway through, Rivers stopped singing and turned the mic to us so we could finish the chorus for him.
To end the night, everyone walked off stage, but of course we all knew they'd be back. Rivers reappeared and sat down at the keyboard and surprised us all with a solo, stripped down version of our personal favorite, "El Scorcho." It was chills-inducing and beautiful and I never saw it coming. To close their encore, the rest of the band came together for "Buddy Holly."
Everyone knew the words, everyone was moving, everyone was alive.
Copyright © Dylan Eddinger Photography
A Weezer concert, so I've been told, always feels like a once in a lifetime experience. I'm happy we made the two hour drive to Bethlehem for this one. If Weezer makes it back to Philly sometime soon, you know you'll see us up front again.
Keep up with the rest of the tour on their Instagram, and pick up the White Album, out now! For more of Dylan's pictures from the show, check out our Photo page, and be sure to follow us on Instagram for more updates about upcoming concerts we'll be attending.