Karl's Corner - 10/06/2005

...MB '05 Tour: Day 109: Foozer/Wee Fighters 13: Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
Deep in Michigan's 'oven-mitt' territory, where I believe weezer has never been before. The Van Andel Arena is a really good facility in the middle of what looks to be a very nice small city. Though it wasnt necessarily packed to the rafters (with stacked actors) tonight, the crowd was loud and had a ton of spirit and heart.
Once again the quality of the bill can't be overstated. The Kaiser Chiefs totally have it together with wicked songs and serious stage presence, both on and off the stage with some 'jumping down in the pit' tactics. And the Foo Fighters are consistently killing it, night after night, with an utterly ballistic show. Cheers to everyone, as every night is a real pleasure to behold.
In between these two, weezer has been honing their show to a razors edge, and tonight they were pretty darn great, if I do say so myself. The band had a great time. Weezer has always been a band who makes adjustments along the way, though the changes have often been subtle in the past. But 2005 has been a major year for developing the stage show, and it really pays off with nights like tonight where everything comes together. The crowd totally helped out this vibe tonight. At one point, Scott asked them, "Do you guys put something in the water here to give you energy?" Later, I asked Scott what he thought of tonight's show, and this is what he had to say: "Tonight...man... Tonight was like a fantastic breath of fresh air, I felt like we were playing in front of a crowd who were so stoked and happy, cheering, like we were their dose of fresh oxygen. I was amazed by their support and enthusiasm. I could totally feel the love in the room. It reminded me of some of the epic shows of the tour, like Dublin or Mexico City. Thank you Grand Rapids."
Thanks to Gregor, tonights "Undone" volunteer, who nailed it...oh wait, here's Gregor now:
"...the show tonight was visually and audibly amazing. =w= put on the show of their career.
tell Brian thank you for picking me out of the masses to help play "undone" and that our jumping synchronization is unmatched. It was the crowning acheivement of my life, i knew someday only knowing 3 chords would pay off. Watching Rivers and Scott thrash to their knees will always be thought of as the moment god touched me. hats off to the whole crew for a night no one there can forget, "Big Me" never sounded good. gratefully yours, gregor"
and heres a fan reaction from some self described "old geezers" (more in the comment section and add your own)
"...Weezer Tickets (floor).........$97.50
Gas to get there...................$45.00
Kleenex & Band-Aids for smashed nose & bloody lip from unknown body surfer.....$2.00
Seeing Weezer live..........PRICELESS
I have to tell you the concert was priceless. My last big concert was REO Speedwagon in the 80's-(wow that looks scary in print!) The crowd induced smoke smelled the same :), the ears ringing for hours afterward and the excitement of the crowd, (although most were 20 years younger than us) was the same. It made us feel young, but not young enough to be on the floor 20 feet from the stage and experiencing the body crushing mob again....We were amazed at the music-they sounded so good live!! Some bands just can't play live and sound like their videos or cds. Not so with Weezer. We were not disappointed in the least. Transition from song to song was smooth, the band made the audience feel like they were part of the performance-nice touch to bring up a guitarist to perform with them and hearing all the songs we have listened to on cd was a dream come true. See, even old geezers do love Weezer. We will definitely see them again, although we may choose a safer distance for the next go-around. Congrats on a great concert!" ---Debbie
Big ups to the parking lot people!
Large size picture: .
The (updated 10/07/05).
(Note: are bootlegs - do not buy them if you see them! *updated 10/7*)
...These 2 shows have just been added! Note they are Weezer headlining shows, not Foozer shows. we dont know the opening act(s) yet.
10/29 - Fresno, CA - Selland Arena - On sale sat at 10am
10/30 - Las Vegas, NV - Hard Rock - on sale friday at 10 AM
...Weezer on the Howard Stern Show Monday 10/17!
...Weezer on AOL Sessions on Wednesday 10/19!
...Weezer on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno Thursday 10/20!
Category:Karl's Corner - October 2005