The band headlined Chicago’s Riot Fest after Blink 182 cancelled

Weezer covered Blink 182’s ‘All The Small Things’ during their headline set at Chicago’s Riot Fest on Friday (14 September).

The Los Angeles band stepped in to headline after Blink 182 were forced to cancel their fall tour due to drummer Travis Barker’s health issues.


Rivers Cuomo addressed the crowd before the song, reportedly saying that Weezer has learnt the punk classic especially for the show as a tribute, only to find out that Young the Giant – who played just before Weezer at Riot Fest – also covered the same song.

Cuomo said, “But we’re gonna do it anyway, because you can never have too much Blink in your life. Let’s see what it sounds like Weezer-style.”

It wasn’t the only cover of the night, with the band also playing Black Sabbath’s ‘Paranoid’, the Turtles’ “Happy Together” and a-ha’s “Take On Me.” The band also brought out their hit version of Toto’s Africa.

Weezer finally covered ‘Africa’ earlier this year after a fan account begged them to do so. The single was a surprise hit and is now even getting a vinyl release.

The band have recently been on the road with Pixies and The Wombats and have been seen recreating their classic ‘Buddy Holly’ video live on stage.

Recently Mac DeMarco responded to calls for him to collaborate with Weezer.