The confidence that Cuomo now wields can be tributed to the fact that, in the five years following its real and its commercial failure, Pinkerton enjoyed something that seems almost impossible to achieve in this day and age of overexposure: a slow burn. I don't care what happens in terms of album sales, but I'd love to have you come along'. I can stand up for myself and basically say, 'This is the direction I want to in. Since then I've gained a lot more confidence. 'Everyone formulated their own theories as to why I was an asshole, and one of the guys (original Weezer bassist Matt Sharp) even left the band. 'When the second record didn't do so well, everyone wanted to blame someone, and the person to blame, obviously, was me' Cuomo recalls.

Adding to Cuomo's burdens was the ire of his bandmates, who felt that his refusal to repeat the fun-loving song and video-formula of the first album was costing them their career. Cuomo was devastated by Pinkerton's failure and the lesson it taught: that an artist could bare his soul- indeed, scream at the top of his lungs- and no one in particular will bother to listen. Weezer record Pinkerton during breaks in the academic year, but the aggressively noisy, heartrending disc failed to generate any enthusiasm at radio stations or in the industry upon release. When his promotional duties for Weezer were completed, he retreated from the rock world and enrolled at Harvard University, where he majored in music. Like many musicians who are thrust ill-prepared into the spotlight, Cuomo found himself rattled by success and worn down by the vicissitudes of life on the road. Weezer's 1994 self-titled debut had become an unqualified smash on the strength of two bubbly singles, 'Undone (The Sweater Song)' and 'Buddy Holly' and their novel Spike Jonze-directed videos. Following the 1996 release of their sophomore album, Pinkerton, it seemed the band was doomed to follow an all-too-predictable career arc. Not that any- least not the band members- could have predicted Weezer would have attained such success. In the decade since it first convened in a Hollywood rehearsal hall, the band has amassed an army of fanatically devoted fans who allow the group to make Platinum records and fill arenas without having to resort to traditional promotional measures and undue boot licking.

Everything else is just kind of an annoyance.ДЇor most bands, this sort uncooperative behavior would have devastating results. 'We focus on what we do: playing Weezer shows and making Weezer albums. 'Too many musicians kiss the industry's ass and are led around by their managers or record companies, which I think will eventually kill a band', Rivers explains following the shoot, which like our interviews, takes place in the hotel room. Rivers has spoken, and in the world of Weezer, what Rivers says is law. None of the normal rock star excuses- sore throat, extreme fatigue- are proffered. 'And I know him well enough to know that he's not going to change his mind'. 'He just doesn't want to leave the hotel', she says. Sheeny Bang, Cuomo's harried assistant- the person through which virtually all communication with the singer occurs- is appropriately apologetic but goes to great pain to stress the finality of her boss' decision.

Guitar World can still photograph him, but it will have to to be done in the hotel. The guitarist, who essentially manages Weezer himself these days, is fully aware that he agreed to the appointment, but he has suddenly changed his mind. On this day, however, Cuomo is scheduled to be at New York City photo studio for a Guitar World shoot. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue- the Weezer frontman deserves to do what he wants to do on a rare day off from the group's current arena-hopping Hyper Extended Midget Tour 2002.

Rivers Cuomo has decided not to leave his hotel. In an exclusive interview, Weezer's rugged individualist explains his need to shed his sensitive-guy image and rock like a hurricane. He use to look just like Buddy Holly but these days alternative-music icon Rivers Cuomo prefers to be compared to Ace Frehley and Van Halen.

Weezer perfect situation guitar lesson