Although sharing the same stage on several occasions, never have two of the most influential rock bands in modern American musical history joined ranks for a blockbuster summer tour. With careers spanning decades, Weezer and Pixies have managed to defy time catering to an aging fan base while being discovered by those who grew up playing Guitar Hero.

In this case, the influenced will play with the influencer. With cues of Pixies musical stylings dotting Weezer’s work, both bands mastered the quiet/loud dynamic with Pixies being a pioneer of this songwriting method. It also factored into other 90’s rock bands such as Nirvana and Radiohead, through to modern rock acts such as Arcade Fire and Kings of Leon.

While an underground phenomenon in America, Pixies gained notoriety across the pond in Europe. Commonly described as a mesh of alternative, punk, and surf rock, Massachusetts-based Pixies formed in the late ‘80s, releasing four albums before disbanding in 1993. “Here Comes Your Man,” “Gigantic,” and “Monkey Gone to Heaven” were the notable singles which burst forth off their major-label-recorded album, “Doolittle.” However, the ditty they’re most commonly known for is “Where is my Mind?,” an obscure tune from their first album, “Surfer Rosa.” They reunited in 2004 and have been on the road since, having released their sixth album, “Head Carrier,” in 2016.

As for their much anticipated summer tour with Weezer… “We’re all big Weezer fans,” said Pixies’ Black Francis, “so we’re really looking forward to this summer.  We have a lot of respect for Weezer, they’re not afraid to take risks with their music.”

Rivers Cuomo, front man and primary songwriter for Weezer, has diligently maneuvered the group’s ability to remain relevant over their 25-year course. With the release of their 11^th studio album in October 2017, “Pacific Daydream” delivers a fresh, sometimes melancholy, sound that unfolds like a beach towel under the summer sun. Without losing sight of their signature sound, they delve deeper into the trend of electronic addition rock that has become palpable among Top 40 stations. The No. 1 single, “Feels like Summer,” captivates the listener, becoming a fitting anchor for the rest of album that features songs like “Happy Hour” and “Get Right.”

Weezer was one of the most prolific and unique rock bands that helped fill the void left during the mid-90s after the untimely departure of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain. With an album that felt as if every song became a hit on the radio, and is still played as such to this day, “Undone – The Sweater Song,” “My Name is Jonas,” and “Say It Ain’t So,” only warmed up the masses before “Buddy Holly” solidified the Blue Album’s spot in rock infamy.

Opening for both acts is the indie alt-rock band The Wombats. Forming in Liverpool, England in the early 2000s, this three-piece has reached moderate success in the mainstream with such hits as “Techno Fan,” “Tokyo,” and “Jump into the Fog” off their first release, “The Modern Glitch,” in 2010. Their second album “Glitterbug” reached similar success becoming their first to chart in the U.S. reaching 81 on the charts. Their latest release, “Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life,” dropped in February of this year.

Expect soaring guitar riffs, crunchy melodies, and a descent into your earliest memories of rock and roll. This show is sure to fire on all cylinders.

Presented by Live Nation, the tour starts June 23 in Tampa, Florida, wraps in Phoenix, Arizona August 12 and includes Dallas June 27, The Woodlands June 29 and Austin June 30.
Cover photo courtesy Jeremy Cowart