Austin, we have lift off!
Austin was treated to an epic night of rock as Weezer, Dinosaur Jr., and The Flaming Lips took the stage for an unforgettable show! Fans packed the Moody Center with an electric energy, ready for a night of nostalgia and rock ‘n’ roll. With Weezer playing their iconic Blue Album in full, excitement was at an all-time high. Add the unique sounds of Dinosaur Jr. and the psychedelic energy of The Flaming Lips, and it was clear we were in for something special.
The lineup was a perfect blend of indie rock legends, making it a night to remember. From start to finish, the crowd was on their feet, singing along to every word, every riff, and every beat. It was a celebration of timeless music and a reminder of why these bands have stayed at the forefront of the rock scene for decades. We were there to bring you exclusive coverage, from epic live shots to an in-depth review.
DINOSAUR JR.
Dinosaur Jr. kicked off the night with an explosive set that reminded everyone why they’re considered pioneers of the alternative rock scene. J Mascis’s guitar work was nothing short of phenomenal, his fuzzy riffs and solos tearing through the Austin air. The band’s energy was raw and powerful, as they launched into hits like “Little Fury Things,” “Feel the Pain,” and “Freak Scene.”
Mascis’s laid-back yet intense presence, paired with Lou Barlow’s heavy bass and Murph’s pounding drums, created a wall of sound that had the crowd headbanging from the start.
Their blend of grunge and distortion-filled rock was a perfect way to set the tone for the night. The crowd responded with wild enthusiasm, feeding off the band’s energy. Each song felt like a journey, as Mascis’s guitar solos sent chills down the spine, while Barlow and Murph kept the rhythm tight and driving. Although their set was very short, around 25 minutes only, it was clear that Dinosaur Jr. still had that same fiery passion they did when they first exploded onto the scene. Their set was loud, raw, and filled with the kind of energy only true rock veterans can deliver. The perfect opening act to lead into the psychedelic wonder that was The Flaming Lips.
THE FLAMING LIPS
The Flaming Lips followed, transforming the stage into a surreal, psychedelic wonderland. Wayne Coyne, ever the showman, started his show even before their performance. The energy in the venue reached new heights as Coyne led the band into a mesmerizing performance filled with light shows, inflatable robots, and larger-than-life visuals. Tracks like “The Spark That Bled,” “Suddenly Everything Has Changed” and “She Don’t Use Jelly” had the crowd in a euphoric trance, with everyone singing along as neon lights and colorful balloons filled the air.
The Flaming Lips’ set was more than just music—it was a full sensory experience. Coyne’s emotional connection with the audience was evident as he thanked fans for their endless support, creating a sense of unity and joy. He even took the time to read all the names of the venues and shows they had ever played in Austin since the ‘80s! Their psychedelic rock sound paired perfectly with the visual spectacle they brought to the stage, making their set a vibrant, kaleidoscopic journey through sound and color.
They finished their set with the iconic song “Do You Realize” creating a magical and beautiful atmosphere inside the Moody Center. Every second felt like a celebration, and the crowd loved every second of it. The Flaming Lips delivered a performance that felt magical, leaving the audience in awe and perfectly primed for the night’s headliners—Weezer.
WEEZER
Finally, it was time for Weezer, and the crowd erupted as the spaceship took off, leaving Rivers, Brian, Patrick, and Scott on the “Blue Planet.” The band wasted no time diving straight into great songs as the first notes of “Anonymous” rang out. Followed by “Return to Ithaka,” “Dope Nose,” and “Hash Pipe. Rivers Cuomo was in top form, effortlessly hitting every note while shredding on his guitar. Fans screamed along to every song, from the quirky “Buddy Holly” to the emotional “Say It Ain’t So,” reliving the magic of the iconic Blue album that was played full from start to finish. The band’s tight performance was a testament to why they’ve remained rock legends for decades.
The stage transported the audience to a “blue planet” with large, floating planets and rocks on the sides, giving the show a cosmic feel that matched Weezer’s iconic sound. The visuals on the large screen behind the stage made their performance an incredible trip through their music.
It’s a small step for Weezer, but one giant lead to Weezerkind! Rivers said, while planting the Weezer Flag on the blue planet surface.
Cuomo’s playful energy had the crowd smiling from ear to ear as he delivered classic riffs and heartfelt vocals.When “Buddy Holly” kicked in, the entire venue exploded, but with “Undone – The Sweater Song” started, the entire venue sang in unison, creating a powerful moment of connection between band and fans. It was a night of pure nostalgia and joy, with Weezer proving that their Blue Album is as timeless and beloved as ever. The night ended on a high note with the crowd begging for more, a testament to the unforgettable energy Weezer brought to Austin.
This was a night that Austin fans won’t soon forget. From Dinosaur Jr.’s gritty, distortion-filled set to The Flaming Lips’ mind-bending psychedelic experience, to Weezer’s flawless performance of the Blue Album, the evening was a celebration of rock history and timeless music.
Each band brought their unique flavor to the stage, creating a perfect blend of sound and energy. The mix of nostalgia and pure rock power made this show one for the ages—an unforgettable night of music that will be talked about for years to come.
WEEZER – Austin – 09/27/2024
- Anonymous
- Return to Ithaka
- Dope Nose
- Hash Pipe
- Pork and Beans
- Beverly Hills
- Island in the Sun
- All My Favorite Songs
- Perfect Situation
- Run, Raven, Run
- Pinkerton Asteroid Belt
- Getchoo
- Why Bother?
- Pink Triangle
- You Gave Your Love to Me Softly
- Across the Sea
- Blue Voyage Landing
- My Name Is Jonas
- No One Else
- The World Has Turned and Left Me Here
- Buddy Holly
- Undone – The Sweater Song
- Surf Wax America
- Say It Ain’t So
- In the Garage
- Holiday
- Only in Dreams
