Aren’t these people on hiatus?
Think so. In fact, we know so. Weezer announced last year that they would take an extended break after the release of their self-titled album (named ‘The Red Album’ by fans).
New material was in preparation, they said, but Weezer had no plans to record it. Live plans were also shelved, with the band said to be exhausted by the strains of recording with Jacknife Lee and then heading out on the road.
All of which makes the new performance something out of the ordinary. Weezer played the launch of a new mobile phone, entertaining guests at the private party with a selection hits, rare songs and oddities.
The band chose to debut their new five strong line up with Josh Reese – once of Guns ‘N’ Roses and Nine Inch Nails – on drums. The band seemed on entertaining form, perhaps because they are noted fans of new technology.
Weezer released the iPhone application ‘Christmas With Weezer’ late last year. The band recorded six versions of Christmas carols which were bundled alongside a game based on ‘Tap Tap Revenge’.
Amongst the highlights of the recent performance were a mash up containing MGMT’s ‘Kids’ mixed with ‘Poker Face’ by Lady Gaga.
Rivers Cuomo is a noted fan of wacky cover versions, but even this is a step in the unknown for the alt rockers. The Weezer frontman performs a straight faced rendition of Lady Gaga’s track, even doing the “bluffin’ with my muffin” comedy rap.
Lady Gaga has been one of the year’s chart sensations thus far. Her debut album raced to number one, while tracks such as ‘Just Dance’ soundtracking the year’s opening months.
The band are currently in the studio working on their new album with long time collaborator Jacknife Lee.
