22 Mar Weezer Teaser

On January 19, 2012, I climbed aboard my first (and only) cruise ship. The massive Carnival cruise was docked in Miami, preparing to set sail for Cozumel, Mexico. As I understand it, many ships make this relaxing voyage, however the boat I boarded was not your average floating excursion. It was Weezer Cruise.

For five glorious days, I sailed across the beautiful Atlantic Ocean with some of my dearest college friends…and 17 bands. 17. Folks, it was a floating music festival. (Fun fact, SunFest act WAVVES was ALSO on Weezer Cruise!)

If there is any band deserving of a cruise, it’s Weezer. The band is older than some of my friends– forming in Los Angeles back in 1992. Although the original lineup has shuffled just slightly, the band is well known as Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Wilson, Brian Bell, and Scott Shriner. (I’m deliberately not mentioning their instrument of choice because, frankly, I don’t know if they have one. All of Weezer’s members are insanely talented multi-instrumentalists and singers.)

• The Grammy Award-winning band has released 11 studio albums to date, and there’s a good chance your favorite candy-colored album and song reveals your age:
• Did you grow up humming “Buddy Holly,” “Say It Ain’t So,” and the “The Sweater Song?” You’re probably in your mid-30s and have a strong affinity for Weezer’s debut, self-titled album affectionately referred to as the Blue Album.
• If you grew up extra attached to “Hash Pipe” and “Island in the Sun,” both off of Weezer’s Green Album, I would guess you’re in your late 20s– having fallen into Weezer in high school.
• The same could be said about those who cherish “Beverly Hills,” the band’s chart-topping 2005 single off of Make Believe. (I know I was just graduating high school when this dropped.)
• If your first taste of Weezer was the band’s Red Album or White Album. My guess is you’re exiting high school/entering college.
• And lastly, do you fiercely love “The Good Life” and “Pink Triangle?” Well, that just means you have good ears at any age. The band’s second album Pinkerton is one of the best– of all time.

What I’m trying to say is: You’ve grown up with Weezer. The band’s extensive catalog and irresistible singles are a necessary foundation for all music lovers. They help define generations. Even if you’re not a rabid fan (shhhh), you’re required by pop culture to understand Weezer’s success story and remember that accomplished music critics can be wrong (side-eyes Pinkerton).

Prior to 2012, I had only half-heard Weezer’s power pop punk songs, but the cruise changed everything. I experienced Weezer at their finest– and heard Pinkerton in its entirety. I even snagged a picture with the band! They are impossible not to love.

This May, Weezer will return to the sea to perform for all of us at SunFest. You must not miss their legendary performance. Get there early. Wear your favorite ugly sweater (maybe cut the sleeves off?) and sing along to every word.

I’ll see you soon, friends!