Live report: Alternative icons Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer rock the 3Arena

In many way tonight's show is a match made in heaven. Well, perhaps somewhere south of there might be more appropriate given the bands in question's affection for down-tuned riffs. But I digress. While both headliners Smashing Pumpkins and special guests Weezer were icons of the 90s alt rock scene, they were always regarded as misfits by their peers. The former were seen as "too proggy and goth" for the cool kids, while the latter "too poppy," so I suppose it's only right that these strange bedfellows join forces to form a dream tag team of their own.

Tonight is the third show of their European tour and their date with Dublin sold out quicker than a 70s punk band. LA born, riff wrangling lovable weirdos Weezer are up first and they serve up something old ('My Name Is Jonas'), something new ('All My Favourite Songs') something borrowed (their cover of Hole's 'Celebrity Skin,' which was co-written by Pumpkins' frontman Billy Corgan) and something blue ('Undone-The Sweater Song').

Singer, guitarist and occasional Buddy Holly lookalike Rivers Cuomo is in fine form and clearly keen to make up for the fact that his band, who were founded in 1992, has rarely played our fair isle (tonight is only their fifth visit by my count).

Weezer supporting The Smashing Pumpkins at 3Arena, June 10th. Copyright Jason Doherty.

There's plenty from their self titled, now 30 year old debut (AKA The Blue Album) aired this evening and the likes of the melodic and meaty 'In The Garage' and Mjolnir heavy 'Say It Ain't So' go down a treat.

Sadly there's not much aired from cult second LP Pinkerton, but what we do get ('Pink Triangle' and rump shaking rocker 'The Good Life') is rapturously received by the diehard sitting next to Hot Press.

Headliners Smashing Pumpkins are up next and they're in a celebratory mood. Not only is it drummer Jimmy Chamberlin's 60th birthday, but their The World Is A Vampire tour is one of the hottest of the summer.

The Smashing Pumpkins at 3Arena, June 10th. Copyright Jason Doherty.

Pro-wrestling promoter and band leader Billy Corgan wastes little time hitting us with a proverbial Canadian Destroyer (look it up...) in the form of the speaker shaking 'The Everlasting Gaze.' Driven by an Iommi-sized riff, it's a heavy, hook laden effort that gets the pit going in 6.66 seconds flat.

Dressed like a Christian Brother who's just discovered Deicide, the enigmatic Billy is an electrifying performer and the last of a dying breed. Over the course of two hours, he treats us to some evergreen mongrel rock that's got plenty of bite. Highlights include a euphoric 'Today,' a triumphant 'Tonight, Tonight' and a knockout version of 'Bullet With Butterfly Wings'.

Tub thumper Chamberlin remains the best drummer in rock and his performances are full of power and precision, especially on U2 cover 'Zoo Station' and the gorgeous and gloomy newie 'That Which Animates The Spirit'.

The Smashing Pumpkins at 3Arena, June 10th. Copyright Jason Doherty.

Honourable mention must also go to new recruit Kiki Wong, who recently beat 10 000 other guitarists in an open audition to join the band and her energetic axe work adds a more metal edge to proceedings. Oh and two of Billy's kids coming onstage for a bit of a bop whenever the feeling took them was undeniably adorable.

The overdrive pedal bashing alt rock classic 'Cherub Rock' and the crowd pleasing mainstream smash hit 'Zero' end proceedings with a bang. The two tracks sound as powerful as a Big Boot from Andre The Giant and ensure that both Irish fans and birthday boy Jimmy had a night to remember.