Weezer, the Flaming Lips, and Dinosaur Jr at Nationwide Arena
On September 7, 2024, Nationwide Arena in Columbus became a “space hub” of nostalgia and innovation as Dinosaur Jr., The Flaming Lips, and Weezer delivered their "Journey to the Blue Planet" tour. This concert, an audacious blend of alternative rock, psychedelic experimentation, and pop-punk anthems, lived up to the hype.
Dinosaur Jr. opened the evening with their blend of fuzzed-out guitars and introspective lyrics. J Mascis’ iconic, distorted riffs blasted through the arena while Jay Barlow flailed around rhythmically in mismatched socks. Dinosaur Jr. remains a cornerstone of alternative rock with their raw intensity.
The Flaming Lips followed with a condensed version of their typically eccentric and visually dazzling spectacle. Wayne Coyne, ever the showman, led the audience through a mesmerizing journey of lights and sounds and of course a few pink robots. Their performance is always an immersive experience that is both whimsical and profound.
Even if you have seen Weezer perform live before, this was by far, their biggest spectacle. Their performance was split into three acts while they took part in their “Journey to the Blue Planet”. As they have done in several of their past shows, the backdrop display was a huge part of their stage performance — this time, blasting off and taking us throughout the galaxy. Patrick, Scott, Brian, and Rivers brandished spacesuits, each with their own individual patch scheme. Their ability to blend nostalgia with fresh, upbeat energy ensured that their performance was both a celebration of their past hits and a showcase of their continued relevance in the alternative rock scene. The Journey to the Blue Planet may have only lasted a few hours, but it took 30 years to get here, and will likely be remembered for decades to come.