Weezer with Flaming Lips and Dinosaur Jr. at Scotiabank Arena

Scotiabank Arena transformed into a haven for alternative rock fans as Weezer’s Voyage To The Blue Planet tour landed in Toronto Sunday night.

As the countdown ticked away to the launch time, smoke filled the atmosphere as the booster rockets ignited. The Space capsule with afterburners blasting, lifted off revealing the band inside. It was one small step for Weezer, one giant leap for Weezerkind.

Known for their ability to blend earnest storytelling with powerful riffs, Weezer’s performance was a celebration of their extensive catalogue. Our journey through the Weezerverse started off with Anonymous and Return To Ithaka from Everything Will Be Alright In The End. A galaxy of hits ensued, including Hash Pipe, Pork & Beans, Beverly Hills and Island In The Sun, leaving fans breathless in the vacuum of the arena.

Before our destination could be reached we needed to pass through the Pinkerton Asteroid Belt. Full of crunchy power pop songs like Getchoo, Pink Triangle and You Gave Your Love To Me Softly delivering a pounding visceral sound upon the crowd. Barely making it through the asteroid belt unscathed, our journey continued.

Rivers Cuomo’s voice, a beacon to the Weezeroids filling the inner space of the venue. With his trademark glasses and a laid-back demeanour, he spun yarns of space lore folk tales about the Blue Planet. It is dying and only one thing can save it…”The Blue Album”. Planting a flag bearing the “Flying =W=” on the surface of the planet, the band disembarked on their mission. Leading into My Name Is Jonas, we had lift off.

It is the 30th anniversary celebration of this album. Nostalgic singalongs were undeniable on fan favourites, Buddy Holly, Undone (The Sweater Song) and Say It ain’t So. The infectious pop sensibilities of The Blue Album leave an enduring legacy among other intergalactic stalwarts.

It can’t go without saying that Dinosaur Jr., with their stripped down set up, played a smouldering set to start the evening off. Playing a concise setlist consisting of Little Fury Things, Feel The Pain, Start Choppin, Freak scene, Just Like Heaven and Gargoyle.

The Flaming Lips also provided a spectacle as usual. With colourful lasers and props decorating their songs with a pure sensibility of love. Celebrating the life of a fan’s Mother who had recently passed, Wayne Coyne started into a dedication of Suddenly Everything Has Changed. Meanwhile a fan in the audience was having a health situation of their own. Wayne stopped the show, orchestrating Crew and Security to attend to the fan’s safety. It was a tense and beautiful moment. The fan was reportedly in good health later. The show resumed without missing a beat.

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt 1 & 2, She Don’t Use Jelly and The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song got things back on track. A slick version of Madonna’s Borderline was definitely a highlight for me and the serene Do You realize made for a divine closer.

Music is a powerful healer and that was on full display tonight.

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Be sure to check out Live Nation Ontario to see all of the other great acts that they will be bringing to Toronto this year.