haters

A Grassroots Campaign Works to End Weezer

Vulture certainly understands the mindset of Weezer supporters: Back in September, before the release of Hurley, we wrote: “Owing to Ratitude, Maladroit, Make Believe, the red and green albums, and Rivers Cuomo’s solo material, there are few things more terrifying to longtime Weezer fans these days than the prospect of a new Weezer album.” That means we probably should have seen this coming: Yesterday, an enterprising Seattle man named James Burns announced a movement to bribe Weezer into breaking up. He wants $10 million. Here’s his open letter to the Weezer fan base:

I have never been a fan of this band. I think that they are pretty much horrible, and always have been. Even in the early 90’s.

But this isn’t about me. This is about the Weezer fans. They are our brothers and sisters, our friends, our lovers.

Every year, Rivers Cuomo swears that he’s changed, and that their new album is the best thing that he’s done since “Pinkerton,” and what happens? Another pile of crap like “Beverly Hills” or “I’m Your Daddy.”

This is an abusive relationship, and it needs to stop now.

I am tired of my friends being disappointed year after year.I am tired of endless whimsical cutesy album covers and music videos.

I’m sick of hearing about whatever this terrible (and yes, even if you like the early stuff, you should be able to admit that they are wretched now) excuse for a band is up to these days.

If all 852,000 of you (really?) who bought “Pinkerton” pitch in $12, we will meet our goal.

I beg you, Weezer. Take our money and disappear.

Is that funny and accurate? Yes! Is it poorly timed? Also yes! Weezer is still rolling out dates for the snob-pleasing Memories Tour, where they’ll be playing Pinkerton and Blue Album stuff. That means nobody wants to see the band break up right now. Still, it’s an interesting experiment in community-based meanness toward rich musicians. Which leads to the obvious question: What band should get the public breakup campaign treatment next?

Want to See Weezer Break Up? Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is! [Stranger via Pitchfork]

A Grassroots Campaign Works to End Weezer