Weezer's history, and their ascension to their current status as rock gods, isn't the standard rags-to-riches, meteoric rise to fame and fortune story that is so often heard. There have been rumors of the band having broken up, critics panning their albums (Rolling Stone called Pinkerton, Weezer's second record, the worst record of 1996), and lead singer/guitarist Rivers Cuomo's apparent battles with writers block. They don't fit the rock and roll star mold - none of the guys would seem to be bound for sex symbol status

When they hit the stage at Long Beach Arena, none of it matters, least of all to the crowd, a melting pot of all cultures, races and age groups. There are parents who brought their kids and kids who brought their parents and most age groups are represented. They're all into it and singing along to every song - hits or not.

Maybe it's that Cuomo is sort of the ultimate every-man that anyone can relate to. He writes songs that you can't help but like, but he's not paving some new road or part of the latest carbon copy genre. You won't hear Rivers Cuomo rap or growl, he's not hitting the scene with a porn star and/or Fred Durst, and he's probably able to go shopping at the local super market and not get mobbed by fans.

Looking far more like an accountant than a rock star, Cuomo lead Weezer through the classic "Undone" and "Buddy Holly" as well as the new hits "Hash Pipe" and "Island In The Sun." Each song has that perfect emocore feel, while having the type of hook that sticks in your head long after the song is over. It all sits somewhere in the middle of pop, grunge and stadium rock.