Guide Note

Weezer is an Alternative Rock band who came to prominence in the mid-1990's with their unique brand of hard-rock riffs and power-pop melodies.

Fast Facts

1. Members: Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Wilson, Brian Bell, Scott Shriner
2. Former Members: Jason Cropper, Matt Sharp, Mikey Welsh
3. Hometown: Los Angeles
4. Years Active: 1992 - Present
5. Discography
6. Debut LP produced by Cars frontman Ric Ocasek
7. Their logo was inspired by the Van Halen logo
8. Rivers graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard University

History

Formed in Los Angeles in 1992, Weezer released their self-titled debut album in 1994. Usually referred to as The Blue Album, the album was produced by The Cars' Ric Ocasek and went on to sell over 3 million copies. Music videos for 2 of the albums' hit singles ("Undone - The Sweater Song" and "Buddy Holly") were directed by Spike Jonze and went on to become two of the most popular videos in the history of MTV.

Pinkerton

Weezer followed up the massive success of their debut with the critically and commercially unsuccessful album Pinkerton. Although it was poorly received initially, the album has since gone on to achieve "Cult" status and is now generally regarded as one of their best.

Moving On

Following the critical drubbing that they received for Pinkerton, Weezer went on a three-year hiatus before releasing their second self-titled album in 2000 (commonly referred to as The Green Album). After following that up with 2002's Maladroit, Weezer began working on a number of demos and recordings that would eventually become 2005's Make Believe. Riding on the success of the hit single "Beverly Hills", Make Believe went on to become one of Weezer's most commercially successful albums to date.

The Red Album

Weezer's third self-titled album (this time called The Red Album) is scheduled for release on June 24, 2008 and features the newly leaked single "Pork and Beans".