Nerd-Chic

Rather than premiering their new album, Weezer chose to remind the crowd that amassed for their free performance at the Del Mar racetrack just how good their old stuff is. They played a hit-heavy set with five tracks from their classic 1994 "Blue Album," including sing-alongs such as "Say it Ain't So," "Surf Wax America," and "Undone (The Sweater Song)."

Singer Rivers Cuomo, sporting his usual nerd-chic thick-rimmed glasses, dedicated a song to fans who've ever been teased for wearing a Weezer T-shirt. He also gave a shout-out to the Casbah, where the L.A. band played early in its career and performed a secret show in 2000.

Though the first half of the set was marred by sound problems, there was nothing but smiles on the faces in a crowd illuminated by the giant, winged W gleaming from the stage.

Fans were treated to the first public performance of "Memories" from Hurley, which will be released September 14. And just to make sure no one left without hearing their favorite Weezer track song, the band rocked Pinkerton's "El Scorcho" and newer hits "Beverly Hills," "Pork and Beans," "Island in the Sun," and "Hash Pipe."

• Concert: Weezer
• Date: August 21
• Venue: Del Mar Racetrack
• Seats: standing