Tonight was the climax of the New York Super Weez Week. Not the final performance but the big one, down at the Hammerstien Ballroom, where Weezer played once before back in 1994, opening for Lush. The Hammerstien is a great if somewhat rough old ballroom, a perfect mid size venue to rock out in and give everybody a good sight line and decent sound. Sort of like the Palladium in L.A. but with less acoustical dead spots.
Being a Halloween show, costumes were encouraged, and many were spotted in the audience. Though many came as a "Weezer Fan", which is fine too! Onstage, the band got into the spirit of things, starting the show in their wicked bug costumes from the "Yo Gabba Gabba" show taping from a few weeks back. Then they had about 20 fans come on stage and help them get their costumes off, WHILE they played "Undone"!
Tonight we had some special guests onstage. No guest rapper for Cant Stop Partying, but Leighton Meester did the duet thing with Rivers on "I Want You To", while Nat Wolff from The Naked Brothers Band helped out on guitar for that song. Odd side note: check out the recently released DVD of "Inside" at Blockbuster, its a pre Gossip Girl Leighton role, directed by a certain Jeff, once better known for his weezer fandom on the old RCB boards!
Tonights opening bands were excellent: PT Walkley, followed by Matt and Kim.
Shoutouts to WeezerChild Hayley, and Doug and Andrew from WSIN 1590am, Southern Connecticut State University Radio, as well as Alex Greenwald from Phantom Planet (on hand to rehearse for his role in tomorrows Alexa Chung performance), and Chris Shaw, engineer on the Blue Album at Electric Lady studios, way back in '93. And a special shout out to Jason Neely, who shot the photo of his dog Sidney which graces the cover of "Raditude" now! He was given exclusive access to shoot the band during their soundcheck today. It was great to see everybody, costumes or no!
Today the band headed down to the Manhattan studios of Alloy.com to do an acoustic performance of "(If you're wondering if I want you to), I want you to" plus answer intrview questions in front of a small audience. It was a low key and pleasant affair that will appear on Teen.com in the coming days. Then Rivers went down to VH1's studios to do an interview that will be broadcast soon.
Raditude is nearly here! Its being released this coming TUESDAY 11/3! And be sure to check out YouTube's homepage that day for the Weezer Snuggie Infomercial premiere, as well as other cool Weezer video stuff!
And people - the Weezer Snuggie is now available when you pre-order Weezer's new album Raditude! All the info you need to choose the fan package that's right for you is on our Preorder page, which also serves as a handy guide to all the Raditude variations that are available. Dont miss the Weezer Snuggie, or the limited zebra striped Weezer Snuggie if you are feeling especially frisky! And the limited edition 100 page photo book filled with exclusive photos of the band at work and play and other crazy pix from tour and elsewhere, 50 photos of which were taken by me, Karl, the rest by another weezer insider with an all access pass and a huge camera: Daniel, AKA Dan The Man. Anyway, all these great weezer items and more are available via the Preorder page, check it out!
NINTENDO PRESENTS THE BAND HERO™ “FIRST TO PLAY” EVENT WITH FAN SIGNING BY RIVERS CUOMO OF WEEZER
Nintendo presents the “First To Play” event at the Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Plaza to celebrate the release of Band Hero™. At the event, everyone will be able to jam on the highly anticipated, new video game Band Hero available in stores on Tuesday, November 3. Fans will be able to shred on both the console and Band Hero for Nintendo DS™ Lite for a first time preview of the game!
The first 50 rockers in line will walk away with a copy of the game before it is even released! The event will also include a signing by Weezer lead singer Rivers Cuomo in addition to Band Hero giveaways throughout the day.
Sunday, November 1, 2009 11:00 a.m. Event will begin 3:00 p.m.Rivers Cuomo Signing 4:00 p.m. Event will end
WHERE: Nintendo World Store 10 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10020
...Sonya Lee (the gifted pianist from the last few shows) is in an upcoming play in Manhattan. We've heard it's excellent, come check it out if you can! "What Not to Say, and Other Disturbing Tales" Starring Sonya Lee & Rachel Hardin! Monday, November 2, 8 PM @ ARS Nova Theatre 511 West 54th Street Tickets $10
...Here's an Entertainment Weekly exclusive teaser video clip on the set of "Yo Gabba Gabba", the excellent kids TV show, where weezer recently spent the day filming a special segment dressed up in bug constumes, performing the track "All My Friends Are Insects"! It was a very cool day indeed, where we learned about important things like accepting others even if they are very small or otherwise different than ourselves.
...All Alexa Chung audience spots have been taken, thank you to everyone who emailed back. To those who didnt get in, better luck next time, and to all, the performance will be on Mtv soon of course.
...Reminder: Go to AskWeezer.com and send Weezer your questions for the unique Twitter Interview to be conducted on 11/10!!!
...Be sure to tune into the Dave Letterman show tonight, AND tomorrow night for back to back performances by Weezer with Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra!!
Well, when you do two Letterman shows in one week, its kinda cool how familiar things start to feel... "Hey Paul, good to see you again!" and all that. It's cool how Dave's crew and people have a tight family and they are very welcoming. Paul Schaffer and the CBS Orchestra are all real nice and it was so fun watching them and the weez collaborate and work out how the jams would go. Guys like Paul, Will Lee and Anton Fig are real heroes to Weezer, so its a double pleasure to work with them. Todays performance was "(If you're wondering if I want you to), I want you to". Tommorrow (Friday) is "I'm Your Daddy", which was part of the Halloween episode taped on Monday. Both turned out really nice!
* Reminder: Go to AskWeezer.com and send Weezer your questions for the unique Twitter Interview to be conducted on 11/10!!!
...Well the NYC craziness continues! Today Rivers went down to Billboard Magazine to do a photo shoot with Jermaine Dupri, for the cover of Billboard, which will be out 11/13. Victory! Then the whole gang reconviened at the PC Richard and Son theatre on Avenue Of The Americas near Canal St., for the Stripped / iheartradio secret show, which went down exclusively to a small audience of contest winners. After some interiviews and photoshoots with iheartradio, I had the pleasure of introducing the guys onstage. Todays set started acousticly like yesterday, with classical accompniment on a special cover of Coldplay's "Vida La Vida". Then the classical players were thanked and in came the rest of the band for the electrical portion of the short but very energetic and fun set.
Note you can check out the show starting Thursday 10/29 on the I Heart Radio iPhone/Blackberry app. More will be added in a week or two. Also you can check out more photos and videos from the show on iheartradio.com.
...Heres two articles on what Rivers was up to on Sunday before he flew to New York: Band Hero commercial shoot, in the style of Risky Business!
...Weezer will be on FUSE Distortion next week! The premiere is FRIDAY 11/6 @ 3pm, the repeat is Saturday 11/7 @ 2am.
...Weezer's recent performance on Jimmy Kimmel will air on November 23rd.
Upcoming tour dates: 12/1 – Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom 12/3 – Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom 12/5 – Toronto, ON – Air Canada Center 12/7 – Boston, MA – Agganis Arena 12/9 – Washington DC – Patriot Center 12/10 – Philadelphia, PA – Susquehanna Center
...First off, many mysteries about the many variations of Raditude preorders are now clarified and organized here: http://www.weezer.com/raditude/
...Special Note to NYC fans who want to try to get into Letterman when weezer is there! the show tapings are/were MONDAY 10/26 and THURSDAY 10/29. the Monday taping will air Friday, while Thursday = Thursday. Ergo, no Weezer actually at Letterman on Friday.
...Well its been a hell of a busy week so far here in NYC! We flew into town Sunday, although Rivers came early Monday on a red eye due to filming a commercial in L.A. (youll see, soon enough). Monday we went to Letterman in the morning and the band rehearsed with Paul Schaefer and his gang. Then in the afternoon, we returned to the Ed Sullivan Theater to actually tape the show, which will air this coming Friday as the Haloween episode. Some good suprises in store for ya!
Then we went to a rehearsal space in midtown near the Hudson so the band and some special guests could rehearse the acoustic sets for the Sirius XM show on Tuesday, and the Stripped performance on Wednesday.
Tuesday (today) came and we went down to the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, for the Sirius XM "Artist Confidential" show which went out live to air on satellite radio. Rivers opened the set with a special cover of the Killers' "Human" with accompanying piano, cello and violin players as well as our MD Jim on lite touch drums. Then the rest of the band came out for the rest of the set of weezer songs. Inbetween the performances, the band was interviewed by the Siruis XM Artist Confidential host Lou Brutus, who asked the tough questions that people want to know about.
Then Rivers went down to the Fuse TV studio to tape a segment for their alternative show. Not sure when that airs but should be soon. Everything is happening all at once!
**Special Note to NYC fans who want to try to get into Letterman when weezer is there! the show tapings are MONDAY 10/26 and THURSDAY 10/29. the Monday taping will air Friday, while Thursday = Thursday.
...Tonight was one for the history books, as Weezer and Wax shared the stage for the first time in 16 years. Weezer and Wax came up in L.A. at about the same time, but Wax barreled out of the gate, securing a loyal fanbase immediately with their high energy shows and great vibe, while Weezer thrashed about getting its act together, fighting for an audience and swimming against the tide of the LA club scene, which at the time was still mostly leftover Sunset Strip glam metal weirdness and jammed out funkiness. Weezer and Wax shared a lot of history before the two bands even existed, sharing members in prior bands, and so everybody was rooting for each other to do well. Wax became the band to beat, and Weezer took real inspiration from their showmanship and work ethic. When Wax got signed in '92, it was a milestone, the first band we personally knew to do this - proving it was possible.
Fast forward a few years and Weezer had followed suit, starting the long saga that continues today. Meanwhile Wax put out 2 fine albums and had an Mtv hit with their "Southern California" video by Spike Jonze - the infamous "man on fire" video. But about a year after that, Wax seemed to have had their plug pulled and they stopped touring.
Fast forward many more years, and we know what happened to Weezer. But meanwhile the members of Wax had gone on to do a bunch of various things. Joe Sib was in 22 Jacks and then became a SoCal radio personality. Dave "Burdie Cutlass" Georgeff started the sweet rock band Sign Of The Fox which is still going today. Tom "Soda" Gardocki has helmed several great bands including Soda and His Million Piece Band. And Loomis found himself an indispensable member of the Jackass family - whose founding member Johnny Knoxville - or P.J. Clapp The Knoxville Strongarm as we all knew him back in '93 - came up and introduced Wax tonight. 2009 has brought a long awaited Wax reunion, and happily a Weezer/Wax show again at long last. A lot has changed, but its great to know some things can still be experienced, pretty much as they once were. (ok, so theres a trampoline and Chamillionaire, but its still Weezer, dammit!)
Yes, I said Chamillionaire, of "Ridin Dirty" fame, who came out during "Can't Stop Partying" and laid down some wicked rapping of his own, making a unique version of the song instead of copying Lil' Waynes part from the album version. This was a reprisal of his efforts at the recent AOL Sessions, but as those havent been aired yet, it was technically the world wide debut of Weezer with Chamillionaire. It was a sight to see!
Also reprising her guest role from Kimmel and AOL was Sara Bareilles, who did the duet thing with Rivers on "(If you're wondering if i want you to), i want you to", to great effect both sonically and visually.
The whole show was kind of magical - theres something about the Palladium - it does have some bad spots acoustically, even post renovations, but the vibe of the room is just stellar for a great rock show - which in this writer's opinion, it was.
...today in Hollywood CA, Weezer took the outdoor stage after the regular show's taping for a 5 song set, split between songs destined for airtime, and songs just for the kids in the parking lot to rock out to. The Weezer performance was taped today but will not air till sometime later, in November. We are waiting on the exact airdate.
The show that taped tonight (fyi) had Terry Bradshaw and Catherine Keener as guests, but Quentin Tarantino came down to the show to check out the weez, so in the spirit of doing the right thing, he escorted Catherine onto her show appearance and was a most welcome bonus guest at her side. The musical guest was Echo and the Bunnymen, who did their set indoors on the El Capitan's lobby stage down the hall from the Kimmel set. They were great.
But then came the additional musical guest, Weezer, outside in the back Kimmel parking lot on the big stage. The guys had prepared a special version of their current single "(If you're wondering if I want you to), I want you to", with Sara Bareilles doing a duet with Rivers as they traded off verses and harmonized on the rest. Sharp eyed fans may have noted an additional guitar player beyone Brian and Pat on stage for that song. That was Jim, who has been helping the guys get organized musically for the upcoming tour and in the meantime helping out here and there on guitar where needed. He is not a new band member, but in the upcoming shows he or other guitar players may guest on the occasional song depending on whats needed. All in the spirit of collaboration and mixing it up a bit.
The rock was handed down, with the fans in the parking lot as well as Quentin T. on the VIP couch soaking it in and having a ball. Next stop: The Hollywood Palladium, tomorrow night! And then to NYC!
...meanwhile heres some info on what happened yesterday, as the band taped their 3rd AOL Sessions with Sara Bareilles, Kenny G, and Chamillionaire! Dont miss the picture gallery! (these new AOL Sessions will be made available TBD)
iheartradio is giving 200 of the biggest Weezer fans a chance to see them perform in NYC’s most exclusive venue on 10.28. In the tri-state area? Want to go? Simply enter to win at this link. Transportation not included.
SoCal Weezer fans - COME MEET WEEZER!!!! WEEZER WILL BE SIGNING COPIES OF THEIR LATEST RELEASE “RADITUDE” AT THESE LOCATIONS!!! (limited space available)
11/5 at 7pm Hot Topic Hollywood & Highland 6801 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028-6144 (323) 462-2590 ** PASS DISTRIBUTION WILL BEGIN ON 11/3 AT HOT TOPIC HOLLYWOOD & HIGHLAND LOCATION ON 11/3/09**
11/6 at 6pm Tilly’s 81 Fortune Dr # 133 Irvine, CA 92618-3083 (949) 788-0781 ** PASS DISTRIBUTION WILL BEGIN ON 11/3 AT TILLY’S IRVINE, CA LOCATION ON 11/3/09**
11/7 at 7pm Best Buy 13017 Peyton DR Chino Hills, CA (909) 591-3076 ** PASS DISTRIBUTION WILL BEGIN ON 11/3 AT BEST BUY CHINO HILLS,CA LOCATION ON 11/3/09**
Check out Weezer's NEW VIDEO for "(If you're wondering if I want you to), I want you to", exclusively on Babelgum.com! Note that Babelgum's weezer page has a ton of related features too, like interviews with Rivers and director Marc Webb, behind the scenes at the video shoot, and more! Be sure to click on the "Teaser" clips, which have now been expanded to include yours truly's action packed 'webisode style' version of the video!
...be sure to check out music.aol.com FRIDAY 10/23 for a special announcement! Weezer - the band who hunkers down and then comes out to blitz you with new stuff!
...San Francisco: The Regency Ballroom - Myspace put on quite an event this night, organizing things to fall in place just right for the fans and band. The Regency Ballroom is a great venue, that perfect mid-size for sweaty rock madness. Being a free show, the line to get in formed real early, at about 6 AM according to those first in line. Apparently the tenderloin district isnt too fun to camp out in overnight, so i dont blame the peeps for playing it safe. Meanwhile, weezer had some business to take care of down in LA that day, and multi-tasker Josh Freese was just getting off of another gig that afternoon, so the only realistic solution for getting up to the show in time to make a soundcheck was chartering a G-4 private jet. Yes, weezer is all about practicality, but with pizazz! In any event, it was real sweet snacking on cheese and crackers at 650 mph, making it from LA to SF in 45 minutes! And then the rock began. Openers Natalie Portman's Shaved Head rocked strong, setting the stage (literally) for the Weez attack. 3 Raditude songs in the set tonight along with the usual mix of old and recent and some cover action. The energy was big tonight, things got smashed, splintered and squashed!
(click on any photo for a full size version)
Tour dates for Weezer; more to be announced:
10/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Palladium (opening act: Wax!) 10/31 – New York, NY – Hammerstein Ballroom 12/1 – Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom 12/3 – Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom 12/5 – Toronto, ON – Air Canada Center 12/7 – Boston, MA – Agganis Arena 12/9 – Washington DC – Patriot Center 12/10 – Philadelphia, PA – Susquehanna Center
...Folks, feast your eyes on this here weezer info attack!
WEEZER’S NEW VIDEO FOR “(IF YOU’RE WONDERING IF I WANT YOU TO) I WANT YOU TO” PREMIERES TODAY ON BABELGUM
TWO BACK-TO-BACK PERFORMANCES ON THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, OCTOBER 29TH AND 30TH
BAND ANNOUNCES FIRST TOUR DATES IN SUPPORT OF RADITUDE
Weezer, 2008 Grammy Award Winners for best music video, will premiere their video for “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To,” the first single off of their latest release Raditude, on October 20th. The video will be available exclusively on Babelgum for one week. It features actress Odette Yustman (“Cloverfield”) as the gorgeous femme fatale who visits the sleepy town of Weezerville and throws the locals- played by duplicate versions of the band members- into chaos.
In addition to the video, fans will also be able to watch behind-the-scenes footage and an interview with acclaimed director Marc Webb, whose credits include the beloved breakout film “500 Days Of Summer” and music videos for My Chemical Romance, Regina Spektor and Green Day. This isn’t Webb’s first experience working with Weezer; he directed the band’s video for “Perfect Situation” which featured actress Elisha Cuthbert.
In support of Raditude, Weezer announces a string of tour dates, kicking off October 24th at the Palladium in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles and New York City shows have already sold out. Tickets for the remaining dates go on sale next week. On October 29th and 30th, Weezer will appear for back-to-back performances on The Late Show With David Letterman. Weezer releases Raditude on November 3rd. On the same day, they will introduce the Weezer Snuggie, the band’s personalized version of the now-famous blanket with sleeves.
Tour dates for Weezer; more to be announced:
10/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Palladium (opening act: Wax!) 10/31 – New York, NY – Hammerstein Ballroom 12/1 – Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom 12/3 – Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom 12/5 – Toronto, ON – Air Canada Center 12/7 – Boston, MA – Agganis Arena 12/9 – Baltimore, MD – UMBC Fieldhouse 12/10 – Philadelphia, PA – Susquehanna Center
...Other info:
...SF peeps may be asking "when is it ok to line up for the Myspace show on Wednesday (tomorrow)?" The answer is: First thing tomorrow, or if you are feeling frisky, go for it late tonight! Stay safe, bring marshmellows!
..."In the Time Magazine 2010 almanac on p. 97 within an article called "Play that Funky Music" there is a discussion about the video game Guitar Hero. 'Five colored buttons on the "neck" of the guitar are used together with the "strum" button to play along with songs by bands such as the Rolling Stones and Weezer.' There it is, Weezer and the Rolling Stones in the same breath." -Thomas L. Bell Professor Emeritus Department of Geography University of Tennessee
...Today's pic is of a future rocker named Rivers Jonas Wade.
...Folks, some more info for ya. Rivers has continued his studio work this week on Pinkerton Deluxe and Odds And Ends things that needed tidying up. Those albums will apprear fairly early in the new year, it looks like now. Meanwhile the band has started...» Full Story
People, I been driving for days, on a cross counrty trek. Just found the internet after a long search! Some things to know:
...taste the weezer rainbow - blue + green + red = just $19.99 on itunes, available Now!
...Rivers has been in the studio last...» Full Story
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