Weezer and Modest Mouse take their "Indie Rock Roadtrip" to Madison, Wisconsin (Show Review)

Breese Stevens Field

Madison, Wisconsin

June 14th, 2023

By Bryan McCabe

Weezer are undoubtedly one of the most iconic alternative/indie rock bands to leave their mark on the music world in the past 30 years. Given their legendary status, there was no question that catching their “Indie Rock Roadtrip!” tour this summer is a must. This tour was going to be the band’s first stop in Madison, WI in over 4 years, so the excitement to finally get to see them along with Modest Mouse for the first time was palpable. It was a particularly hazy night in Madison, but that didn’t stop 10,000 fans from selling out the stadium.

Modest Mouse, the indie rock sensation, graced the stage in Madison, treating fans to an evening of sonic exploration and raw emotion. With their distinctive sound, eclectic instrumentation, and charismatic frontman Isaac Brock, Modest Mouse delivered a captivating performance that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. Their performance was an auditory journey, as they seamlessly navigated through their expansive discography. They effortlessly blended their hits, like the infectiously catchy “Float On” and the brooding “Dashboard,” with lesser-known gems and deep cuts that delighted die-hard fans. The band’s versatility shone through as they effortlessly transitioned from upbeat, guitar-driven anthems to more introspective and melancholic tracks, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

Now finally, Weezer, came out to electrify the stage at Breese Stevens Field, delivering an unforgettable performance that had the crowd on their feet from start to finish. The night was filled with their infectious energy, timeless hits, and a few surprises along the way. Weezer proved once again why they are considered one of the greatest rock acts of our time. As the crowd’s cheers grew louder, the familiar chords of “My Name Is Jonas” filled the air, marking the beginning of a wild ride that would take us through Weezer’s extensive catalog. Rivers Cuomo, the band’s enigmatic frontman, bounded onto the stage, captivating the audience with his dynamic presence and trademark geeky charm.

From the very first note, the band displayed an incredible tightness and a raw, unfiltered energy that reverberated throughout the venue. It was clear that Weezer was here to give the fans an unforgettable experience, and they did not disappoint. The band seamlessly transitioned from one hit to another, from the catchy hooks of “Hash Pipe” and “Say It Ain’t So” to the anthemic chorus of “Island in the Sun.” Each song was greeted with thunderous applause and sing-alongs that filled the stadium.

What made Weezer’s performance truly special was their ability to inject new life into their classic songs. They didn’t just stick to the studio versions; instead, they offered fresh arrangements, extended guitar solos, and surprising musical twists that left the crowd in awe. The interplay between Rivers Cuomo’s vocals and the blistering guitar work of Brian Bell was nothing short of phenomenal, highlighting the band’s exceptional musicianship. The crowd was especially excited to hear fan favorite deep cuts such as “Susanne” and “O Girlfriend”, the latter which hadn’t been performed live in over 20 years. As the night drew to a close, Weezer delivered the grand finale the crowd had been waiting for: an encore featuring their ultimate crowd-pleaser, “Buddy Holly” The entire stadium erupted into a frenzy of dancing and singing, as Weezer closed out the show on an exhilarating high note.