Weezer performs at the United Center in Chicago on Sept. 22, 2026.
When Weezer hosts a party, anything can happen. Spaceships can appear, bonfire sing-alongs may spontaneously occur, and a golden shimmer might inhabit everyone in attendance.
All this and more took place at The Gathering Tour stop at Chicago’s United Center on Sept. 22. The show began with a gorgeously noisy set from Silversun Pickups whose big sound transfixed fans that arrived early. “Lazy Eye” concluded their performance with a spacey jam under a hazy orange aura.
Silversun Pickups perform at the United Center in Chicago on Sept. 22, 2026.
“Be nice to each other tonight. Be nice to each other forever. Decency is punk as fuck,” said lead vocalist/guitarist Brian Aubert.
The Shins followed with a hit-filled setlist of their own. “Simple Song” kicked things off before “Australia,” “So Now What,” “Kissing the Lipless” and more delighted fans.
“It’s good to be here. We’re very happy to be playing with the Silversun Pickups and Weezer the Mighty” said frontman James Mercer.
The Shins perform at the United Center in Chicago on Sept. 22, 2026.
Cellphones raised in the air during “New Slang” as flashlights illuminated the stadium. The Shins closed things out with “Sleeping Lessons” which featured a perfect build-up before an outro tag of R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine).”
The headlining set was introduced with a video featuring young fans booking a gathering by Weezer. The band – Rivers Cuomo (vocals, guitar), Patrick Wilson (drums, for the most part, more on that later), Brian Bell (guitar), and Scott Shriner (bass) – happily obliged. Their stage’s set design rivaled that of a Broadway production with a backyard setting that evolved – and featured many surprises – throughout the night as fans, many clad in gold, perpetually held Ws in the air.
Fans enjoy as Weezer performs at the United Center in Chicago on Sept. 22, 2026.
The thing about Weezer is, they are not a one album band or even a two or three album band. Each of their 20 studio releases has its own super-fans who will swear up and down that it is the greatest album of all time. At various points, Cuomo would shout-out one of their titles and different pockets of the packed house would abrupt in cheers.
Pinkerton is celebrating its 30th anniversary and songs like “No Other One” and “The Good Life” animated old-school fans. “El Scorcho,” which was a massive sing-along, featured some geographical lyric changes including “Goddamn you half-Illinois girls” and “I asked you to go to the Pumpkins concert.” Before “Pink Triangle,” Cuomo pushed back at critics from the past saying, “In 1996, the critics advised against this song. They’re idiots.” Judging by the enthusiastic response of fans, the song was a bona fide hit, then and now.
“C.E.O,” – which featured a Gold Cam on the giant video screens to highlight the best fan looks of the night – “The LA Sound,” and “Shine Again” were a few live standouts from the Gold Album and “Slob” was dedicated to the Maladroit fans.
One of the coolest portions of the show came when “an unexpected” power outage inspired the band to get creative. A cozy bonfire appeared on stage left and the band played an intimate version of Cuomo’s song “Longtime Sunshine” featuring Bell on the clarinet. The acoustic jam continued with “In the Garage” during which Cuomo impressed with his harmonica chops. Soon after, Cuomo showcased his versatility once again by playing the drums during “Pork and Beans.” Where was Pat during all this you ask? Well, he was absolutely shredding the electric guitar, melting the faces of everyone in the front row and beyond.
Weezer performs at the United Center in Chicago on Sept. 22, 2026.
Another fun surprise came when Silversun Pickups bassist Nikki Monninger appeared from “a portal” inside the on-stage house to add some “feminine energy” to the mix. Her vocals sounded pitch perfect on “We Might as Well Be Strangers,” “Go Away,” and “I Just Threw Out the Love of My Dreams.” Monninger wasn’t the only cameo appearance in Chicago. Eagle-eyed fans could also spot the silhouette of Kermit the Frog in the window of the on-stage house during “Keep Fishin’,” the video for which famously features The Muppets.
“Beverly Hills,” “Say It Ain’t So,” “Buddy Holly,” and “Island in the Sun” were further highlights of this fun-filled night.
The Gathering finds Weezer at their very best. The band’s humor, camaraderie, and love for their fans are in the spotlight just as much as their seemingly endless collection of hits. Check out photos of Weezer, The Shins, and Silversun Pickups performing in Chicago below and click here to pick-up tickets to future tour dates. More information can be found at Weezer.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
