Weezer Hits 20-Album Milestone With ‘The Gold Album’
Weezer will release their 20th studio album, The Gold Album, on August 21. The group has maintained a relatively stable lineup, with bassist Scott Shriner marking his 25th year with the ensemble. According to reporting from Rolling Stone Music Now, the project was co-produced by Klas Åhlund and Kenneth Blume. The release follows the momentum of lead singles “Shine Again” and the Wednesday-assisted “We Might As Well Be Strangers.”
How Does Songwriting Influence Weezer’s Modern Catalog?
Patrick Wilson says his approach to songwriting has become increasingly detached from the band’s legacy. In an interview on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, Wilson noted that he wrote “Shine Again” without specific intent for the band. “I think of nothing,” Wilson said. “I didn’t even think it was a Weezer song. One day I was like, ‘Oh.’ It all just poured out.”
Why Is Viral Success Changing the Band’s Strategy?
The unexpected resurgence of the 2015 track “Go Away,” featuring Bethany Cosentino, has shifted how Rivers Cuomo views the band’s extensive back catalog. Cuomo stated that the song’s viral success proves that any track in their library could find a new audience years after release. “Maybe five years from now there’ll be some new platform, and people will go back through our catalog and find something else,” Cuomo said. This philosophy directly influenced the inclusion of Karly Hartzman on the new single “We Might As Well Be Strangers,” a collaboration Cuomo says he was “blown away” by after seeing her creative process firsthand.
The band has maintained a relatively stable line-up for most of their existence.
What Is the Future of Weezer’s Live Performances?
Patrick Wilson is currently undergoing physical therapy to address physical burnout and posture-related issues that led to Josh Freese filling in on drums for last year’s tour. Wilson intends to return to the kit for the band’s 2026 shows. “I’m 57. I’m just trying to get straightened out so that we get through the tour and we’ll be the classic version,” Wilson told Rolling Stone. While he currently has no plans for Freese to return, he admitted, “I won’t lie, I love playing guitar.”
Will There Be a ‘Pinkerton’ 30th Anniversary Celebration?
Despite the success of the band’s 2024 tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of their Blue Album, there are no particular plans to commemorate Pinkerton’s 30th anniversary in September. Wilson expressed skepticism regarding these milestones. “Why is 30 such a thing? You would think 20 and 25 — but no, it’s always 30. [Maybe] because you’re 45 when you’re celebrating it, because you bought it when you were 15.” The band is currently focused on the new record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who produced Weezer’s 20th album, ‘The Gold Album’?
The album was co-produced by Klas Åhlund and Kenneth Blume.
Is Patrick Wilson returning to the drums for upcoming tours?
Wilson stated he is undergoing physical therapy with the goal of returning to the drum kit for the band’s 2026 tour dates.
Are there plans for a ‘Pinkerton’ 30th-anniversary tour?
No, the band has no particular plans to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pinkerton this year.
Who is the newest member of Weezer?
Bassist Scott Shriner is the newest member of the band, having joined 25 years ago.