"The concert I attended debut-wise was that of Weezer, and remarkably, they're performing again tonight, with Olivia Rodrigo sharing the stage at Lollapalooza"
In a thrilling turn of events at this year's Lollapalooza, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo shared the stage with legendary alternative rock band Weezer, marking a significant milestone in Rodrigo's career. This collaboration, reminiscent of her first ever concert experience, saw the two musicians perform iconic tracks from Weezer's Blue Album, including "Buddy Holly" and "Say It Ain't So."
Rivers Cuomo, Weezer's frontman, used a custom-made Warmoth Stratocaster during "Say It Ain't So," adding an extra layer of authenticity to their performance. Rodrigo, on the other hand, opted for a Fender Mustang electric guitar, a departure from her custom-made purple Music Man. Her joy was evident throughout the performance, etched across her face in a smile that mirrored the excitement of a fan meeting her idols.
The collaboration between Rodrigo and Weezer is a testament to the pop sensation's appreciation for classic rock music. Weezer, who were the first band Rodrigo ever saw live, have been a formative influence on her artistic development. This collaboration, therefore, represents a dream come true for Rodrigo, who is helping to give guitar solos a resurgence in the mainstream.
Rodrigo's set at Lollapalooza was not her first notable collaboration of the summer. She has also collaborated with David Byrne, Ed Sheeran, and Robert Smith of The Cure, highlighting her connections with diverse influential artists across genres. Her performance of The Cure's song during a recent show in Ireland underscores her commitment to bridging the gap between pop and rock music.
Meanwhile, Weezer's history dates back to their first ever gig, supporting Keanu Reeves' Dogstar. The band's influence on guitar music remains undeniable, as evidenced by their shred-friendly choices for their recent shows. Weezer's bassist, Scott Shriner, is set to play the villain in their forthcoming film, adding another layer of excitement to their legacy.
Rodrigo's performance at Lollapalooza has been met with widespread acclaim. Michael Astley-Brown, Editor-in-Chief of a certain website, called her "this generation's Eddie Van Halen," a testament to her skill and influence on the guitar-driven pop music scene. The icing on the cake was Robert Smith, the lead singer of The Cure, joining Rodrigo on stage during her set at Glastonbury 2025.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Olivia Rodrigo and Weezer at Lollapalooza marks a significant moment in the resurgence of guitar solos in mainstream music. Rodrigo's influences, including Weezer, The Breeders, Hole, Sleater-Kinney, L7, and Babes in Toyland, have shaped her unique sound, which blends pop songwriting with classic rock elements. As she continues to perform and collaborate with influential artists, Rodrigo is poised to lead a new wave for guitar music.
[1] Rodrigo, O., & Roan, C. (2025). Sour Demos. Geffen Records. [2] Rodrigo, O. (2025, July 30). Olivia Rodrigo at Lollapalooza 2025. Chicago, IL. Retrieved from https://www.lollapalooza.com/lineup/olivia-rodrigo
- Olivia Rodrigo, during her performance at Lollapalooza, showcased her proficiency on a Fender Mustang electric guitar, demonstrating her skill and influence on the guitar-driven pop music scene.
- Weezer, during their performance at Lollapalooza, made use of an amp to deliver their iconic guitar chords, reminding audiences of the band's undeniable impact on guitar music.
- Rivers Cuomo, frontman of Weezer, played a custom-made Warmoth Stratocaster during the performance, adding an extra layer of authenticity to their music.
- Rodrigo's collaboration with Weezer at Lollapalooza is a testament to her appreciation for classic rock music, particularly Weezer, who have been a significant influence on her artistic development.
- In addition to her collaboration with Weezer, Rodrigo has also worked with various influential artists such as David Byrne, Ed Sheeran, and Robert Smith of The Cure, showcasing her connections within the music industry.
- Rodrigo's lifestyle embodies a fusion of fashion-and-beauty, entertainment, and music, as she continues to pave the way for a new wave of guitar music.
