ACL Live Shot: Weezer

Photo by John Anderson

The big bright W was hung onstage, the crowd was electric, and all frontman Rivers Cuomo had to do was say "My name is Jonas" and the crowd exploded. After that opener, Weezer delivered all the hits, among them "Beverly Hills," "Island in the Sun," and "Buddy Holly." Through them all, the band seemed to have the time of its life. The bandmembers' honest enjoyment and energy made even the sitting section jump up to watch. The only time the band seemed bored was during current single "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To," but they quickly snapped back. Weezer's always been music for the nerdy teen, and it was heartening to see a wide generational mix in the audience. Adults and kids alike couldn't help but be charmed by Cuomo's ridiculous stage banter, which was largely sung and went in and out of Spanish, not to mention his sweater vest worn in 85-degree heat. The tweens dancing in the crowd were a promise that Weezer will live on with the next crop of angsty youth. After all, there's nothing quite like singing along to "Undone – The Sweater Song" as dusk falls over Austin.