Featuring Silversun Pickups, The Shins, and Weezer
By photojournalist Justin Abramo with J Abramo Photography
Walking into Benchmark arena on 14 October 2026 to review Weezer’s The Gathering Tour was somewhat of a pinch me moment in my life. First off, the shear history, from Lighting Hockey to all the famous acts that have graced that stage is really something inspiring. This was my first time shooting a show at Benchmark and I was equally impressed by just how nice the staff and event coordinators were to myself and fellow photographers. I hope to be back soon to catch other shows!
Man…what a night of music! Now before I dive into the deep end with this review – I must caution you. If you’re looking for a long, drawn out, analytical run down of Weezer’s catalog – I’m not your guy. However, I will give you my perspective and impression of their show based on the music and the overall response of the crowd. Bottom line up front – Weezer came loaded with a 20+ setlist that spanned their entire career! Most, if not all, were the bangers that we all know and love. More on that later!
Of course, “the gathering” really wouldn’t be much of a gathering without some outstanding opening acts put on by the Silversun Pickups and The Shins. Unfortunately, I couldn’t catch each opening artist’s entire set due to the house rules of three songs and out. And by out, I mean, like really out! Fellow photographers and I were whisked away and taken to a room which was super quiet and far away from the action where we remained until the next band was ready to go live. It was a stark contrast to go from the lights and sound to absolute quietness, but it gave me enough time to reflect on the three songs.
The last time I caught a Silversun Pickups show was in Norfolk, VA back in 2011 during the height of their Swoon album period. I was completely blown away by the power of this band and have followed them since. They opened with “Well Thought Out Twinkles” from their 2006 album Carnavas, and I was genuinely impressed that, after all these years, they still rocked it with the same intensity. The rapid, machine gun sounding drumbeats and heavy guitar chords given out by Christopher Guanlao and lead guitarist Brian Aubert really set the tone for what was to follow.
Brian Aubert sounds – exactly the same. I don’t think his voice has aged a bit and is still the unmistakable calling card of the Silversun Pickups along with the heavy bass tones and backing vocals of bassist Nikki Monninger as well has the deep synthesizer work from keyboardist Joe Lester.
They quickly transitioned into “The Wreckage” from their seventh album 2026 album Tenterhooks. This song is really becoming one of my favorites from their recent work, and I could honestly listen to it on repeat. Their third song, “Circadian Rhythm (Last Dance)” from their 2015 album Better Nature brings me back to past relationships and always has a place in my heart. The band really hit on all cylinders, in my opinion, and I was grateful to have the opportunity to capture their photos and reminisce a bit on some of my favorites from their catalog.
The Shins opened with “Simple Song” from their 2012 album Port of Morrow, instantly bringing back old family memories. I even rewatched the music video in the photographers’ holding room—proof of how deeply certain songs can hit. Next came “Australia” from 2007’s Wincing the Night Away, a song I didn’t recall knowing, followed by “Gone for Good” from 2003’s Chutes Too Narrow. James Mercer (lead vocals, guitarist), Yuuki Matthews (bass, backing vocals), Mark Watrous (guitar, backing vocals), Patti King (keyboards, backing vocals) and Jon Sortland (drums); delivered a tight, technically polished set that makes me want to revisit the band’s catalog.
The opening intro to Weezer’s set and the corresponding stage setup really sets up the concept for The Gathering Tour. In the intro video, which was about 3 minutes long, a young boy named Nicholas was being picked on by some older neighborhood kids because he was drawing some “weird symbols” and “W’s with wings” symbolic of Weezer’s album artwork. They called him a loser, so Nicholas stated, “well if I’m such a loser, why is Weezer playing at my house tonight”? I won’t spoil it for you, just look up the charming three-minute (Nicholas Intro) video; you won’t be disappointed!
Once I was done with my three initial songs for Weezer (Shine Again, Surf Wax America, and Keep Fishin’) I had to quickly pack up my photography gear and head up a couple levels to turn it back in and find my “reviewer” seat, which was in a great location, by the way. Thank you Benchmark staff!! It was in an awesome spot with clear view of the entire stage. This will be my personal go-to spot for future concerts that I attend on my own. I’m pretty sure I missed Hash Pipe because I briefly caught a couple notes as we were ushered out of the main area – bummer!
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve never been a huge Weezer fan, but I think that’s something I need to work on because I was really impressed with this band. Of course, I knew all the bangers that had dominated the radio market over the years, but I was really quite shocked at just how deep this band goes. Each song tied into the “Gathering” concept and the stage setup and video backdrop paired well with band members Rivers Cuomo (lead vocals, guitar), Brian Bell (rhythm, keyboards, vocals), Scott Shriner (bass, backing vocals), and drummer Patrick Wilson’s artful story telling.
I’m not going to cover the entire setlist, but I will tell you that they definitely brought out some rarely played songs “Slob”, “Lonely Girl”, “Keep Fishin’” as well as their more widely known hits like “Undone”, “Buddy Holly”, and “Beverly Hills”. Half-way through the set, sparks flashed and the power “went out” which led the band to break into an acoustic set alongside the firepit while River’s was on hold with the power company. This, of course, was all part of the act but they really pulled it off because I overheard concertgoers grow concerned when the lights went out. At the end of the acoustic set, Rivers finds a transfer switch on the stage electric pole and turns the power back on. After the power was restored, the band received a package from FedEx with Rivers old drum kit which led them to “Pork and Beans” with Rivers behind the kit and Patrick on guitar. Later in the set, Silversun Pickups’ very own Nikki Monninger popped out of the Nicholas’ house and joined the band for three songs: “We Might as Well Be Strangers”, “Go Away”, and “I just threw Out the Love of my Dreams”. I’m 100% sure I may have missed a song here or two so please feel free to add your favorites in the comments section for the ones that I missed.
I have to say this again, because I think it bears repeating…Weezer nailed the story line from start to finish. The entire stage setup played an essential part in the “gathering” and it was masterfully executed from start to finish with Rivers running and doing a cannonball into the pool behind Nicholas’ house at the close of the last song “Island in the Sun”. The stage production, visuals, and overall concept and set list was awesome and I highly recommend making a road trip to their next “gathering”.
One thing I will say about Weezer, and really the other bands as well. All three bands have had very little to no turn-over during their careers. Each of them has amassed a huge collection of music over the past 20 years and have had great success. It shows in everything they do, the sound quality they put on during live shows, the production quality in each of their sets – it’s top-notch! What’s even more surprising to me, was just how many younger fans were in the audience. Just from my observation, the age span was probably between 8 – late 50’s! I think that really says a lot about the enduring quality and legacy of their respective music catalogs.
