The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer delivered an electrifying, sold-out performance at The O2 London on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The night was a testament to the enduring appeal of both bands, who have carved out significant places in rock history.
The evening kicked off with a supporting set from Teen Mortgage, setting the stage for what was to come. Weezer then took the spotlight, captivating the audience with their unique blend of nostalgic geek rock and power pop. The crowd was immediately engaged as the band opened with “My Name Is Jonas.” The energy only escalated with their cover of Hole’s “Celebrity Skin,” and continued through hits like “In The Garage,” “Hash Pipe,” and “Buddy Holly,” which closed their set on a high note.
As the anticipation built, Smashing Pumpkins took to the stage, led by the iconic Billy Corgan. Original members James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlain were joined by new guitarist Kiki Wong, creating a powerful lineup. They began their set with “The Everlasting Gaze,” a fan favorite from 1999, and seamlessly transitioned through a mix of old and new tracks. The band even threw in a cheeky cover of U2’s “Zoo Station,” much to the delight of the audience.
The Smashing Pumpkins’ set was a masterclass in live performance, featuring classics like “Today,” “Tonight, Tonight,” “Ava Adore,” “Disarm,” and “Bullet With Butterfly Wings.” Each song was met with enthusiastic singalongs and headbanging from the crowd. The band also played “Rhinoceros” from their debut album “Gish” and “Gossamer” from the “Zeitgeist” era, before closing with the anthemic “Cherub Rock” and “Zero.”
Despite their different musical styles, Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins proved to be a perfect match for a joint tour. Both bands showcased why they have remained relevant for decades, delivering performances that prompted both nostalgia and excitement. The audience was left in awe, having experienced a night of unforgettable music.
The tour continues with dates in Glasgow at the OVO Hydro, followed by a performance at Manchester’s Co-Op Live, and concluding at Cardiff Castle. Fans in these cities can look forward to similarly electrifying shows.
Weezer’s setlist at The O2 included a mix of their biggest hits and fan favorites: “My Name Is Jonas,” “Beverly Hills,” “Dope Nose,” “Undone – The Sweater Song,” “Pork and Beans,” “All My Favorite Songs,” “Pink Triangle,” “Island in the Sun,” “Perfect Situation,” “The Good Life,” “Celebrity Skin” (Hole cover), “Burndt Jamb,” “In the Garage,” “Anonymous,” “Say It Ain’t So,” “Run, Raven, Run,” “Hash Pipe,” “Only in Dreams,” “Surf Wax America,” and “Buddy Holly.”
Smashing Pumpkins’ setlist was equally impressive, featuring: “The Everlasting Gaze,” “Doomsday Clock,” “Zoo Station” (U2 cover), “Today,” “Thru the Eyes of Ruby,” “Spellbinding,” “Tonight, Tonight,” “That Which Animates the Spirit,” “Ava Adore,” “Disarm,” “Springtimes,” “Mayonaise,” “Bullet With Butterfly Wings,” “Empires,” “Beguiled,” “1979,” “Birch Grove,” “Panopticon,” “Shame” (snippet), “Jellybelly,” “Rhinoceros,” “Gossamer,” “Cherub Rock,” and “Zero.”
The night was a celebration of rock music, with both bands delivering performances that will be remembered by fans for years to come. The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer proved that their music transcends generations, bringing together fans old and new for a night of pure rock bliss.
