Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The affectionally nicknamed “Blue Album” put Weezer on the mainstream map 30 years ago, but it remains as relevant as ever today thanks to never-ending airplay, TikTok trends and countless power pop/punk rock bands following in its footsteps.

Given the milestone anniversary, it’s only fitting to find front man Rivers Cuomo, guitarist Brian Bell, drummer Patrick Wilson and bassist Scott Shriner taking a space and science fiction-themed “Voyage To The Blue Planet,” who alongside The Flaming Lips and Dinosaur Jr., sold out the Allstate Arena for what felt like a mini Riot Fest.

Prior to setting the time machine to the very beginning, Weezer caught everyone up to speed on what’s been happening since getting started, which was certainly no easy task, but one the group passed with flying colors after selecting anthems such as “Hash Pipe,” “Pork And Beans,” “Beverly Hills” and “Island In The Sun,” amongst others from its contagious catalogue.

Despite not connecting to the same commercial extent as any of the above, 1996’s darker “Pinkerton” project is an undisputed cult classic and was represented by no less than five deeper tracks, giving die-hards a chance to scream their affections before the rest of the crowd went just as crazy for the main event.

“My Name Is Jones,” “Buddy Holly,” “Undone – The Sweater Song,” “Surf Wax America” probably tied the decibel meter until “Say It Ain’t So” shot it into the stratosphere, though those who stayed “In The Garage” to the very end were rewarded with a “Holiday” of a jam session that could come “Only In Dreams.”

Wayne Coyne led The Flaming Lips across about an hour of trippy psychedelics and indie oddities, including both parts of “Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots” and the underground staple “She Don’t Use Jelly.”

Blowup balloons and lasers were also in ample supply, raising the stakes during a completely unexpected yet cleverly decoded version of Madonna’s “Borderline,” and of course, “Do You Realize??” in all its cosmic grandeur.

Distortion-drenched noise rockers Dinosaur Jr. made sure the masses were ready for the rest, running through “Little Fury Things,” “Feel The Pain,” “Start Choppin” and “Freak Scene,” plus The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,” which is exactly how it felt to have all three alternative acts together under the same revved up roof.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

For additional information on Weezer, visit Weezer.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Allstate Arena include Groupo Frontera (Sept. 7); Kacey Musgraves (Sept. 12); Leo Dan (Sept. 14); (G)I-DLE (Sept. 15); Ana Gabriel (Sept. 27); Chicago Salsa Festival (Sept. 28); Meghan Trainor (Oct. 5); Myke Towers (Oct. 6); Camilo (Oct. 10); Los Temerarios (Oct. 17); Christian Nodal (Oct. 18); Ramon Ayala (Oct. 19); Seventeen (Oct. 22-23); Iron Maiden (Oct. 24); Chayanne (Oct. 27); Los Temerarios (Nov. 7-9); Marc Anthony (Nov. 22); Mariah Carey (Nov. 27); Fuerza Regida (Dec. 5); Pancho Barraza (Dec. 6); Andrea Bocelli (Dec. 11); Pentatonix (Dec. 12) and Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Dec. 23). For additional details, visit Rosemont.com/Allstate/.

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