The singer/guitarist/songwriter of Weezer, Rivers Cuomo was born June 13, 1970, and grew up in Connecticut. Intrigued by both the sounds of heavy metal (Kiss, Van Halen) and hook-heavy punk-pop (the Pixies), Cuomo moved to Los Angeles in 1988 with hopes of forming a big-time rock band. It wasn' t until 1992, however, that Weezer was formed; the original lineup consisted of Cuomo, guitarist Jason Cropper, bassist Matt Sharp, and drummer Pat Wilson. After playing L.A. clubs for over a year, the quartet was signed to Geffen, but Cropper quit abruptly around this time (re-appearing later in the decade with Chopper One). Cropper's replacement was Brian Bell, and the band recorded their debut in N.Y.'s Electric Lady Studios with Ric Ocasek producing. As all Weezer fans know, their 1994 self-titled debut was a smash on the strength of such hit singles/videos "Undone (The Sweater Song)," "Buddy Holly," and "Say It Ain't So." The break-up of Nirvana had left a gapping whole in the power pop-punk genre, and Weezer released their debut just at the right time. After the yearlong tour wrapped up, Cuomo retreated from the music world and began studying at Harvard; growing a beard to protect his anonymity and having surgery on his leg (when he was born, one leg was shorter than the other), which resulted in Cuomo having to wear a leg brace for a while. Weezer returned with the darker Pinkerton in 1996. While the album didn't have any smash hit singles on it, it was indeed a stronger release than the debut. When it's supporting tour wrapped up, the band went on hiatus again. Bassist Sharp left to pursue his other band, the Rentals, more fully (replaced by Bostonian Mikey Welsh). With little heard from the Weezer camp by the dawn of the 21st century, many assumed the band had broken up. This didn't prove to be the case; Cuomo gave a few surprise solo shows in Boston during 1999, and in early 2000, Cuomo stated to the press that a third Weezer release was forthcoming. But the release did not see the light of day until 2001, since Cuomo was waiting for braces to come off his teeth before recording would commence. The Green Album was followed by 2002's Maladroit. ~ Greg Prator, All Music Guide
