Weezer famously made it acceptable to be geeky, and the band's fans lived its hip-to-be-square mantra at this feel-good show, dancing dorkily and cheering wildly without even attempting to maintain a cool sense of detachment. But while it was pleasantly novel to see people having fun at a concert instead of dodging mosh bullies (most metal shows) or nodding to the beat in an almost imperceptible show of approval (an indie-rock tradition), that alone didn't necessarily distinguish this audience from the screaming tweens at an 'N Sync show, all of whom are undoubtedly enjoying themselves as well. The moment of truth came when Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" and Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" came on between sets and the concertgoers sang along at the top of their lungs, unapologetically embracing a tune that was never respectable and a classic that's been off-limits for the with-it kids ever since it was soiled by
Wayne's World. For anyone who's ever cheered aloud during
Revenge of the Nerds or, better yet, one of its sequels, it was a tear-jerking moment, a karaoke bonding session for the gawky masses.
