Spanish Punk Band Airbag Loved Weezer So Much They Played Entire Sets of Covers in Their Early Years: “We Wanted to Be Like Them”

Emerging from Spain's punk scene in the early 2000s, the trio Airbag distinguished themselves through a profound admiration for the American rock band Weezer. This influence manifested not only in their musical style but also in a distinctive phase where Airbag exclusively performed Weezer cover sets, an endeavor that played a crucial role in their artistic development.

During the formative years of their career, Airbag's members—Adolfo Díaz, José Andrés, and their bandmate—committed to an occasional side project focusing entirely on Weezer’s repertoire. These performances, numbering approximately half a dozen, included a dedicated tribute to Weezer’s 2001 self-titled release, widely recognized as The Green Album. This homage extended beyond music to visual presentation, as Airbag recreated the album’s green-themed aesthetics for promotional materials associated with the tribute gig.

This period of devotion to Weezer occurred concurrently with Airbag's efforts to establish themselves within Spain’s punk rock landscape. Their debut album, Mondo Cretino, released around 2000, marked their initial foray into recording original material, yet their aspirations were transparently aligned with the style and ethos of Weezer. Early interviews reveal Airbag's ambition to emulate the American band's fusion of punk energy with melodic sophistication.

The interplay between punk rawness and melodic intricacy observed in Weezer’s work resonated deeply with Airbag. This duality became a defining aspect of their sound, influencing the trajectory of their compositions and performances. Over time, Airbag honed this balance, moving beyond replication toward a unique expression that retained the core spirit of their inspirations.

As of 2024, Airbag has progressed to their ninth studio album, Una extraña fuerza, released through the label Sonido Muchacho. This latest work underscores the band’s evolution, staying true to their roots with the integration of distorted guitar tones and melodic structures. The album stands as a testament to the band’s journey from enthusiastic cover artists to mature musicians with a distinctive voice.

Meanwhile, Weezer themselves have maintained a prolific output and active touring schedule. Their twentieth studio album, also self-titled, was released in August 2024. The band concluded the North American leg of their "The Gathering" tour in late October with a performance in Los Angeles, their hometown. Plans for an international continuation of the tour in 2027 include stops across Japan, the United Kingdom, and various European countries.

Airbag’s early commitment to celebrating Weezer’s catalog through live performances not only reinforced their musical identity but also reflected a broader phenomenon of international bands drawing inspiration from American alternative rock in the early 21st century. Their story illustrates how artistic admiration can evolve into a foundational element of a band's creative output.

While details about the exact venues and audience reception of Airbag’s Weezer-only shows remain limited, the documented evidence of their five to six tribute concerts offers insight into their formative influences. This period represents a bridge between fandom and professional musicianship, highlighting the role of tribute projects in shaping emerging artists.

In reflecting on their origins, Airbag’s members recognize that their early Weezer tributes were more than mere cover gigs; they were instrumental in defining the sound and ambition that would carry them through nearly three decades of career milestones and musical exploration.