I went to the Weezer concert Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden and wow, was I blown away! But then again, I knew they’d be awesome because they’re just a great band capable of anything.

It amazes me that they’ve never played here before. But then again, they’re laid back West coast Californian dudes used to that Hollywood lifestyle. No wonder one of their biggest hits is appropriately called, “Beverly Hills.” On cue towards the end of what was a magnificently played 20-21 set song list, here came their calling as an entire orchestra was brought out. I swear to God there had to be like 35-40 people with instruments all on the stage getting loud cheers from the energized New York crowd.

This was so weird but also pretty cool. How often do you see that many people on one stage just for a couple of songs? They also belted out “Island in the Sun” to perfection with different kinda solos. Was it a clarinet or sax? Who knows? All I knew was this was a chaotic fun filled scene where everyone seemed to be so happy as did the crowd. I was seated on the left side in 311 facing the stage. Boy. The floor was jumping the entire show and eating this up. I bet that would’ve rocked. I’ve never had floor seats before. I think pretty soon that shall change.

I just loved the atmosphere. Such energy given off by one of the very real bands left from the 90’s. The chemistry and stage presence of the rambunctious unpredictable Rivers Cuomo was on display for everyone to see. Boy. He sure is nuts. The whole concert, he’s going back and forth jumping up and down on a trampoline while jamming his guitar and belting out lyrics which pretty much everyone knew. Pure energy.

They all came out in matching white outfits. I swear it looked like one of their videos. But eventually, the lead singer stripped it off into a red jumpsuit which they all played in for the rest of the show until he finished the last few including the encore in a blue soccer t-shirt with the number 26. Though I couldn’t figure out what the heck it said cause I was too far up. Not that I cared.

They had two opening acts though I didn’t catch the first which was at 7:30 and probably played till 8. Angels & Airwaves came on at 8:30 and played eight songs including recognizable hits “Everything’s Magic,”The Adventure,” and “The War.” Here are a few of the others I was able to figure out:

“Breathe”
“Secret Crowds”
“Start the Machine”

They’re fronted by former Blink-182 lead singer Tom DeLonge and have been together for four years since Blink’s breakup when he took a break and formed AVA which is the abbreviation and also his daughter’s name. Most notably, former bandmate/drummer Travis Barker was critically injured along with celebrity disc jockey DJ AM in a plane crash last Friday which killed four crew members instantly due to burns and inhalation in South Carolina. Amazingly, they’re expected to make a full recovery from second and third degree burns. Let’s keep them in our prayers.

Before I get to the rest of Weezer’s virtuoso performance, I will say that Blink-182 was a decent band featuring hits like “What’s My Age Again?-comical video,” “All The Small Things,” “I Miss You,” “Adam’s Song,” “First Date,” and “Man Overboard.” Their sound worked perfectly meshing well with DeLonge’s vocals. He has more of a squeaky voice than others which is why I’m not sure if AVA is better. They have a different sound. More complex including different instruments like keyboards to go with the drums, guitars and bass.

I think Blink was more simplistic due to their punk/pop-ish style of letting it all fly which explains shorter songs and some of the funniest videos you’ll ever see. AVA is more in depth and possesses stronger lyrics from DeLonge where he’s trying to show more emotion and widen his vocal range. I’m just not certain it works as well as his former band did. They were really popular. Though Angels & Airwaves got a nice reception when they came on and took the stage. Still, when you got a NY rock crowd, they’re looking for a louder heavier sound featuring guitar solos which is what makes Weezer so compelling. They are also a bundle of energy and I just didn’t get that same vibe with AVA. I will say everything was played tip top and DeLonge tried his best but also seemed a little quiet maybe due to being the opening act. Plus it was their first time at the Garden and it can be intimidating.

One thing about us New Yorkers. Whether it’s our sports teams or the bands/groups we go see, we can be awfully critical and tough to impress which might explain why there were even some boos when Weezer brought out DeLonge to help sing “Undone-The Sweater Song.” Many probably questioned whether he could work well with Cuomo and ratchet up the level for one of their most popular songs. But he didn’t do poorly singing along the verses and Rivers even praised him which was cool. Still, the best part was where Rivers talked to his ‘mates reenacting the beginning of the song about being a “party band” and having a good time. I loved it!

They didn’t take the stage till 9:49 but once they got on, the crowd went nuts with most getting out of our seats. And after a minute of doing some final tuning, they sure didn’t disappoint starting with a powerful rendition of “My Name Is Jonas,” off their first ever album (Blue). God. That song kicks serious ass and sounded unbelievable. Everyone was singing along. It really was great and an awesome way to begin a show which lasted an hour and a half. It’s weird cause I’ve been listening to that album a lot recently and this song has really grown on me. Truth be told, there’s not one bad track on that album.

What I learned last night was that everything they play really does sound off the charts which is when you know you got to see a great rock band. It all flowed and they never let up. That’s just not their style. Cuomo also goofed around a little. You could tell he was in a great mood and having so much fun which is how it should be at such a venue for a big show.

They belted out “Perfect Situation,” fairly early which got huge pops including from yours truly as it’s always been one of my favorite songs. The lyrics are so strong and sung with such purpose. They hit every note and the crowd was right there with them making for so much joy. Best part:

Tell me there’s a logic out there
Leaving me to better prepare
For the day that something really special might come
You tell me there’s a hope for me
I don’t wanna be lonely
For the rest of my days on the earth

It doesn’t get much better. It’s got so much emotion in it and can really apply to anyone.

They also played new hit “Pork and Beans” off their red album to strong approval. It really sounded good. Another very funny song including the mention of Timbaland being able to produce artists that reach the top of the charts. But they really don’t care and do their thing. They’re gonna do what they wanna do! Watch the video. It’s even better.

“Hash Pipe” was also played quite well and loud as usual. Another newbie “Troublemaker” kicked complete ass.

“El Scorcho,” off Pinkerton sounded tremendous. The crowd got really into it. Cuomo was good all night about involving them gesturing to the people on the floor and going back and forth working everyone into a frenzy. He has great stage presence. Also played were “The Good Life,” and “Pink Triangle” which I feel is the best from that album.

Of course also played was another one of their best “Say It Ain’t So,” from the blue album fairly early on and man, did it completely rock! It’s so hard to pick one song with them because they really are an amazing live band. But anytime you get their oldest most popular stuff, you can’t go wrong and we ate it up.

It’s tough to pick my favorite part but hearing them do two great covers was really something. First, it was Oasis’ “Morning Glory” which sounded eerily similar with Patrick Wilson on vocals while Rivers banged away on drums. And that’s a tough song to pull off because of the distinct funky sounds. But wow. Did it come close.

During the encore, after a record player was used as a prop playing, Cuomo came out and drop kicked it off the stage to plenty of laughter before the band went right into a strong cover of Nirvana’s “Sliver.” A nice tribute which they pulled off quite well.

Everyone knew what they’d conclude with but the song/video featuring Happy Days which put them on the map in the beginning. And they didn’t wait going right into “Buddy Holly” ripping through it with ease finishing off in style with the electric guitars flat on the stage still blaring. I love the way they did this video. It’s just perfect and explains so much about this quirky/nerdy rock band who first came on the scene. And really, right there I knew they’d stick around. Sometimes, you can just tell much like I did with Green Day after that vintage Woodstock performance where Billy Joe Armstrong is getting mud tossed his way and doesn’t even care jamming his electric to “When I Come Around.”

Weezer also treated us to the one and only “Suzanne” which was used prominently at the end of one of my fave comedic flicks Mallrats. It was never ever released on any album. In face, there are a bunch of unreleased tracks which you can discover over at YouTube. Believe me. They could’ve easily made a couple of more albums as the stuff was top notch.

Well, I remembered almost everything they played from the show which speaks to how great it truly was. Definitely one of the best concerts I ever went to.

Here’s some friendly advice. See them if ya can!