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Band Timeline
1992
Formation of Weezer
Weezer was formed in Los Angeles on February 14, 1992, by Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Wilson, Matt Sharp, and Jason Cropper. The band originated after Cuomo moved to Los Angeles from Connecticut and transitioned from metal to alternative rock influences. The members previously played in various small bands before officially becoming Weezer. Their early sound was influenced by alternative rock bands like Nirvana and Sonic Youth. They played their first show on March 19, 1992, and took the name 'Weezer' from a nickname given to Cuomo by his father.
1994
Release of Debut Album 'Weezer (Blue Album)'
In May 1994, Weezer released their self-titled debut album commonly known as the Blue Album. It became a multi-platinum success, propelled by hit singles such as 'Undone – The Sweater Song', 'Buddy Holly', and 'Say It Ain't So'. The album's music videos, particularly for Buddy Holly which was widely acclaimed, helped the band gain mainstream popularity. The Blue Album is now considered a classic and one of the best albums of the 1990s, setting a strong foundation for the band's career.
1996
Release of 'Pinkerton' and its Initial Reception
Weezer's second album, Pinkerton, released in 1996, marked a departure from the polished sound of their debut to a darker and more abrasive style. Although the album was a commercial failure upon release and received mixed reviews, it later achieved cult status and critical acclaim. Pinkerton's raw and emotional lyrics resonated deeply with many fans and music critics years after its initial release, and it is now often ranked among the best albums of the 1990s. The release period was also marked by lineup changes and internal struggles.
1998
Hiatus Following Matt Sharp's Departure
After the Pinkerton tour, the band's founding bassist, Matt Sharp, left Weezer. This event was significant as it triggered a hiatus for the band. The departure reflected tensions and changes within the group, marking a pause in their public presence and creative output. During this hiatus, the band members pursued other projects and took a break from recording and touring, which lasted until their eventual return in the early 2000s.
2001
Return with 'Green Album' and New Lineup
Weezer made a comeback in 2001 with the release of the Green Album. This album featured a new bassist, Mikey Welsh, and showed a more pop-oriented sound aimed at regaining commercial success. Key singles like 'Hash Pipe' and 'Island in the Sun' helped the album perform well, reestablishing Weezer's place in the rock scene. The Green Album received mostly positive reviews and marked the transition into a new phase for the band, blending catchy melodies with their rock roots.
2002
Release of 'Maladroit' and Bassist Change
In 2002, Weezer released their fourth album, Maladroit, which embraced a harder rock sound than its predecessor. Though it received mostly positive reviews from critics, its commercial performance was less strong compared to previous albums. After the Green Album tour, bassist Mikey Welsh left the band due to health reasons and was replaced by Scott Shriner, stabilizing the band's lineup. Maladroit reinforced Weezer's ability to experiment musically while maintaining their core appeal.
2005
Release of 'Make Believe' and Breakthrough Single 'Beverly Hills'
Weezer released their fifth studio album, Make Believe, in 2005. The album received mixed reviews from critics; however, its single 'Beverly Hills' became a major commercial success. 'Beverly Hills' was Weezer's first song to top the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and also reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing the band's increasing mainstream appeal. The album represented a significant moment where Weezer balanced their rock identity with more accessible pop elements.
2008
Release of 'Red Album' and Grammy for 'Pork and Beans'
In 2008, Weezer released the Red Album, continuing to explore varied musical styles. The lead single 'Pork and Beans' achieved notable success by topping the Modern Rock Tracks chart. Its music video, known for its viral and pop culture references, won a Grammy Award, marking a significant achievement in the band's career. The album and its lead single underscored Weezer's ability to innovate visually and musically while maintaining relevance in the evolving music industry.
2009-2010
Releases of 'Raditude' and 'Hurley' with Mixed Reception
Between 2009 and 2010, Weezer released two albums, Raditude and Hurley. Both albums featured modern pop production and collaborations with other artists, representing Weezer's attempts to adapt to contemporary music trends. Despite these efforts, the albums received mixed reviews and moderate commercial success. These years were a transitional period for the band, experimenting with different sounds and trying to balance their core fan base expectations with evolving musical styles.
2014-2016
Return to Rock Roots with 'Everything Will Be Alright in the End' and 'White Album'
In 2014 and 2016, Weezer released two albums, Everything Will Be Alright in the End and the White Album, which marked a return to their earlier rock style combined with modern alternative production. Both albums were received more positively by critics and fans, heralding a creative resurgence. These works reaffirmed Weezer's capability of blending nostalgia with contemporary rock influences, sustaining their relevance in the alternative rock landscape.
2017
Release of 'Pacific Daydream' and Shift to Mainstream Pop
Weezer's 2017 album, Pacific Daydream, marked a shift back toward a more mainstream pop sound. This album was notable for its catchy, radio-friendly tracks, signaling Weezer's continued evolution and adaptability. While some fans preferred their earlier rock-centric style, Pacific Daydream showed the band's willingness to explore different musical directions and appeal to broader audiences in the competitive music market.
2019
Releases of 'Teal Album' and 'Black Album'
In 2019, Weezer released two contrasting albums. The Teal Album was a collection of cover songs, showcasing the band's influences and versatility in reinterpreting classic tracks. Later that year, they released the Black Album, which featured original material. These releases demonstrated Weezer's ability to balance creative experimentation with their established sound, engaging both new listeners and longtime fans with diverse offerings.
2021
Releases of 'OK Human' and 'Van Weezer'
In 2021, Weezer released two albums with distinct styles. OK Human featured orchestral pop elements and received critical acclaim for its sophisticated arrangements and heartfelt songwriting. Later that year, Van Weezer presented a hard rock sound, highlighting the band's versatility and roots in rock music. Releasing two stylistically different albums in one year emphasized Weezer's creative range and ability to innovate within their genre.
2022
Release of 'SZNZ' EP Series
In 2022, Weezer released SZNZ, a series of four EPs corresponding to the four seasons. This ambitious project reflected the band's continuous experimentation with musical concepts and thematic cohesion. Each EP explored different moods and styles suited to its season, showcasing Weezer's artistic breadth and commitment to evolving their sound in innovative ways.
Albums
Weezer
10 tracks
1994
Pinkerton
10 tracks
1996
Weezer
10 tracks
2001
Maladroit
15 tracks
2002
Make Believe
12 tracks
2005
Weezer
14 tracks
2008
Raditude
10 tracks
2009
Hurley
10 tracks
2010
Everything Will Be Alright in the End
11 tracks
2014
Weezer
10 tracks
2016
Pacific Daydream
10 tracks
2017
Weezer
10 tracks
2019
Weezer
10 tracks
2019
OK Human
12 tracks
2021
Van Weezer
10 tracks
2021
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Patrick Wilson
1992
Scott Shriner
2001
Rivers Cuomo
1992
Brian Bell
1993
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Josh Freese
2009
2012
Additional
Percussion
Mikey Welsh
1998
2001
Josh Freese
2009
2012
Additional
Drums (drum set)
Jason Cropper
1992
1993
Matt Sharp
1992
1998
Story of Weezer
Weezer: The Story of the California Rock Icons
Born in the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles in 1992, Weezer burst onto the scene with an infectious blend of power pop and alt-rock. The band's core lineup, cemented in 2001, features the songwriting mastermind Rivers Cuomo (vocals, guitar), the rhythmic powerhouse Patrick Wilson (drums), the melodically gifted Brian Bell (guitar), and the steady bassist Scott Shriner. Together, they've sold millions of records worldwide, cementing their status as rock royalty.
Their 1994 debut, affectionately dubbed the "Blue Album," catapulted them into the spotlight. With a string of anthemic singles like "Buddy Holly," "Undone – The Sweater Song," and "Say It Ain't So," the album went multi-platinum and solidified their place in music history.
However, Weezer weren't content to rest on their laurels. Their 1996 follow-up, "Pinkerton," took a decidedly darker turn, showcasing a raw, abrasive sound that initially alienated some listeners. Yet, this bold experiment, though commercially unsuccessful at the time, eventually earned its rightful place as a cult classic and a critical masterpiece.
Following a brief hiatus after "Pinkerton," Weezer returned with a renewed focus on accessible pop sensibilities in their 2001 release, "The Green Album." The singles "Hash Pipe" and "Island in the Sun" captured the hearts of fans, revitalizing their commercial success and garnering widespread critical acclaim.
Both the "Blue Album" and "Pinkerton" are now considered cornerstones of 90s rock, a testament to Weezer's ability to push boundaries and consistently deliver memorable music that continues to resonate with fans across generations.
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