Review of Weezer on the Main Stage at Oxegen on Friday
Atmosphere: Kicking off with The Sweater Song, they originally played to a few hundred loyal fans in the main field, but like geeky pied pipers, they multiplied that to a healthy throng with their trademark indie power-pop anthems. Weezer were generous enough to fill their set with their own greatest hits (Island in the Sun, My name is Jonas, Hash Pipe) and a few favourites by other bands (Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus, and Radiohead's Paranoid Android). Thanks to the band's longevity and audience-friendly hooks, the crowd was satisfyingly diverse in age and profile.
Quote: "You guys are totally rad/that's a phrase from southern Cal-i-forn-i-a" (from an apparently improvised mini-song)
High: The band finished their set with Buddy Holly, and then preceded to all gather around the drum kit and play a communal solo.
Low: This writer would've loved to hear their best song, Photograph.
Verdict: A triumphant, life-affirming set from the indie-rock icons
Rating: 4 stars