There were so many surprises at Saturday's Weezer show at the KeyArena, that it's hard to know just where to start.
But perhaps the most significant was witnessing the unrivaled chemistry among its four members and the multi-faceted talents that each possessed. They dressed as a unit, starting out in white coveralls then moved into matching red track suits. They played as a democracy, each singing songs, each playing a variety of instruments and none, per se, claiming the focal point of the audience. In fact, while lead singer Rivers Cuomo could claim the alpha male role on the team - most of the songs are his and it is his voice that people recognize - it was drummer Patrick Wilson who truly stole the show - and not by playing the drums.
Wilson, in keeping with Weezer's college/nerd image, wore glasses, has a little bit of a spare tire and isn't dripping with charisma. He played drums beautifully, commanding the tempo and locked in with his bandmates. But suddenly, the guy who could have been standing in front of you in the supermarket line earlier in the day, hands his drumsticks to Angels and Airwaves drummer Adam (opening act and partner in side band Special Goodness), steps down stage with an electric guitar and with the rest of the band behind him, starts ripping into Pink Floyd's "Time" and topping it with a spot-on Gilmour riff.
It was such a pleasurable jolt to the show that one couldn't help smile out of recognition of a great song and in acknowledgement of Wilson's execution. It was, by far, the highlight of the evening.
Wilson added to his name by cranking out, again on guitar, "Automatic," a great song with a catchy hook, and which is featured on the band's newest self-titled album, commonly referred to as the "Red Album."
There were other surprises too. Namely the band's entry into the first encore by inviting at least 30 local musicians on stage. They were contest winners and they played everything from guitars and ukuleles to trumpets and dulcimers. With Cuomo conducting, they regaled the crowd with ultra hits "Beverly Hills" and "Island in the Sun." It was a truly unique experience.
Another sweet surprise was Cuomo's tackling of Nirvana's "Sliver." It was somewhat of an homage to the band and Kurt Cobain, heavy influences on him and his decision to make a go of it as a musician. "Without you Seattle, there might not have been a Weezer," he shouted.
"The Greatest Man That Ever Lived," another gem from the "Red Album," might have been the hardest to perform live as it has several parts, tempos and features four-part harmony a cappella, but the group, Cuomo, Wilson, guitarist/keyboardist Brian Bell and bassist Scott Shriner, pulled it off seamlessly.
The band's penchant for teamwork and a seeming lack of ego, along with songs perfect for keg parties, make Weezer one of the more likeable groups out there. Their honesty, connectedness with one another and the audience, was genuine and refreshing.
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