Weezer Rocks Phoenix November Nights Festival with Nostalgia and Surprises
weezer concert phoenix: The inaugural November Nights music festival brought an unforgettable night of alt-rock to Chase Field in downtown Phoenix on Saturday, Nov. 16. Headlined by Weezer, the event featured a star-studded lineup that included a Sublime reunion, Third Eye Blind, Rebelution, Violent Femmes, and DJ Z-Trip. The festival also marked a milestone celebration for Weezer, commemorating the 30th anniversary of their seminal self-titled debut, affectionately known as the Blue Album.
A Unique Spin on the Blue Album Anniversary
Fans attending the Phoenix show were eager to hear Weezer perform the Blue Album in its entirety, a highlight of their Voyage to the Blue Planet Tour. However, the band deviated from the full-album tradition, omitting fan favorites like “The World Has Turned and Left Me Here” and “In the Garage.” While some fans saw this as heresy, Weezer compensated with a dynamic setlist spanning their iconic discography.
The Phoenix audience was treated to a few surprises, including the inclusion of “The Futurescope Trilogy: II. Anonymous” to kick off the show and snippets from other eras of Weezer’s catalog. However, the omissions continued as they dropped “Across the Sea” from the Pinkerton segment and skipped over “Return to Ithaka,” “Burndt Jamb,” and “Run, Raven, Run” from the opening act of their set.
A Setlist of Classics and Deep Cuts
Despite the cuts, Weezer delivered a high-energy performance that blended nostalgia with modern rock vibes. Here’s the setlist from November Nights in Phoenix:
Opening Set
- “The Futurescope Trilogy: II. Anonymous”
- “Dope Nose” (with “Troublemaker” snippet)
- “Hash Pipe”
- “Pork and Beans”
- “Beverly Hills”
- “Island in the Sun”
- “Perfect Situation”
Pinkerton Asteroid Belt Set
- “Getchoo”
- “Why Bother?”
- “Pink Triangle”
- “You Gave Your Love to Me Softly”
A Night of Alt-Rock Glory
The November Nights festival was more than just a celebration of Weezer’s legacy. With acts like Third Eye Blind delivering their iconic hits and Sublime reuniting for a nostalgic set, the event felt like a time capsule for fans of ’90s and 2000s alternative rock. Rebelution added a reggae-infused vibe, while Violent Femmes brought their punk-folk charm. DJ Z-Trip rounded out the experience with electrifying beats that kept the energy high throughout the evening.
Weezer’s Legacy Marches On
Though some fans were left longing for the full Blue Album experience, Weezer’s performance at November Nights showcased the enduring power of their music. The night was a testament to the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots, solidifying their place as one of alt-rock’s most beloved acts.
As the Voyage to the Blue Planet Tour continues, fans can only hope for more surprises—and perhaps fewer omissions—in the remaining shows.