Fresh Out Of Batteries
There’s something magical about music that transports you back in time, and few albums have done that for me quite like Weezer’s Blue Album. Released in 1994, it was a defining soundtrack of my high school years—an era of flannel shirts, grunge, and the rise of alternative rock. So, when I found out that Weezer was celebrating the 30th anniversary of Blue Album with their “Voyage to the Blue Planet” tour, I knew I had to be there.
This past weekend, I made my way to Toronto's Scotiabank Arena for the Toronto stop of the tour. The night was a nostalgic tribute to one of the most iconic albums of the 90s, and as soon as I entered the venue, I felt like I was back in high school, flipping through mixtapes and CDs with Weezer right at the centre of it all.
The night kicked off with a short but loud set from Dinosaur Jr., a band that carved out their own place in 90s alt-rock. Their 20-minute set was full of fuzz and feedback—exactly what you’d expect from J Mascis and company. It felt like a proper prelude to the nostalgia that was about to hit in full force.
Next up was The Flaming Lips, whose eccentricity and colourful energy brought the arena to life. They had about 40 minutes to show us why they’re considered one of the most unique live acts out there, and they didn’t disappoint. Giant balloons and inflatable creatures filled the stage—it was a weird and wonderful spectacle, with a highlight being their cover of Madonna's "Borderline," which I hadn’t been familiar with before.
Island in the Sun
Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for—Weezer hit the stage, and from the first note of "My Name is Jonas," I was instantly transported back to 1994. Rivers Cuomo, sporting his signature nerdy look, reminded us why Weezer had such an undeniable impact on the 90s music scene.
The Blue Album was a game-changer. It came at a time when grunge was dominating the airwaves, but Weezer offered something different—a mix of catchy power-pop hooks, introspective lyrics, and geeky charm that made it okay to be a misfit. Tracks like "Undone - The Sweater Song" and "Buddy Holly" were more than just hits—they were anthems for a generation of kids who didn’t quite fit into the mainstream.
As they played through the Blue Album, each song brought back vivid memories. The slow burn of "Say It Ain't So," which I used to blast in my room on repeat, felt just as powerful live. And hearing "Only in Dreams" close out the set was surreal, especially when the confetti rained down. It’s hard to put into words just how impactful this album has been on my life and countless others.
Only in Dreams - Confetti Blast
Weezer’s Blue Album wasn’t just about the music. It was about the culture it inspired—the embrace of awkwardness and individuality in a world that often valued the opposite. The album’s success proved that rock could be introspective and still fun, that you didn’t have to conform to the angsty grunge stereotype to make meaningful art.
Weezer went on to release more albums and evolve as a band, but there’s something about the Blue Album that feels timeless. Even three decades later, the songs hold up, and judging by the energy in the crowd at Scotiabank Arena, the impact of Weezer’s early work is still very much alive.
Weezer’s “Voyage to the Blue Planet” was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of a pivotal moment in 90s music, and for me, a personal trip down memory lane. If you grew up with Weezer like I did, this tour is a must-see. It’s a reminder of why we fell in love with the band in the first place, and how those songs still resonate with us today.
Nostalgia might be a tricky thing to capture, but when it’s done right, it can be incredibly powerful. Weezer did it right.
