10 Things You Didn’t Know About Weezer
You probably know that Weezer have three separate albums called 'Weezer' that are designated by the background colors on their covers (i.e., 'The Blue Album,' 'The Green Album' and 'The Red Album'). But did you know that 'Pinkerton' was originally going to be a sci-fi rock opera? It's one of the 10 Things You Didn't Know About Weezer.
- Samir Hussein, Getty Images
Samir Hussein, Getty Images Their first show was opening for Keanu Reeves’ band
Weezer formed in Los Angeles in 1992. Later that year they played their first show, opening for 'The Matrix' star's band Dogstar, which was also just getting started at the time.
- Brad Barket, Getty Images
Brad Barket, Getty Images Their debut album was produced by the tall, skinny guy in the Cars
Weezer wanted to produce their debut album, but their record company wanted them to go with a pro. So they decided on Ric Ocasek, who led the classic-rock-leaning New Wave band the Cars.
- YouTube
YouTube The ‘Buddy Holly’ video features one new cameo from a ‘Happy Days’ cast member
The groundbreaking video for 'Buddy Holly,' which was directed by Spike Jonze, integrated old clips from the '70s TV program 'Happy Days' with new footage of the band. The show's Al Molinaro makes an appearance.
- Larry Ellis, Hulton Archive, Getty Images
Larry Ellis, Hulton Archive, Getty Images ‘Pinkerton’ was originally going to be a sci-fi-based concept album
Following 1994's self-titled debut, Weezer planned to follow it up with a science-fiction rock opera called 'Songs From the Black Hole.' A few of the songs eventually ended up on 'Pinkerton.'
Rolling Stone readers named ‘Pinkerton’ one of the worst albums of 1996
Even though it's considered a classic today and a pivotal record of the era, Weezer's second album bombed when it was released in 1996. It was even called one of the year's worst albums in a readers poll.
- Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
Frank Micelotta, Getty Images There’s a nod to cult TV show ‘Mystery Science Theater 3000’ on ‘The Green Album’
The band pays tribute to 'Mystery Science Theater 3000,' a TV show about a guy stranded in outer space with robots who watch and comment on bad movies, with a photo in 'The Green Album''s booklet.
Fans were asked to choose the songs for ‘Maladroit,’ but the cuts were rejected by the band
After 'The Green Album,' which the band's fans made a hit, Weezer posted demos of new songs on their website and asked visitors to pick the songs for their next album. Like most things Internet, it was an epic fail.
They covered Neil Diamond for the last ‘Shrek’ movie
Weezer recorded a cover of Neil Diamond's 'I'm a Believer' for the final Shrek film, 'Shrek Forever After,' in 2010. The song was a hit for the Monkees in 1966. Smash Mouth also covered it in the first 'Shrek' movie.
They also covered the Cars for the second ‘Cars’ movie
Perhaps a nod to Ric Ocasek (who produced their first and third albums), or maybe they just like the song, Weezer recorded the Cars' 1984 hit 'You Might Think' for the 2011 movie 'Cars 2.'
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