Whenever the Iowa State Center announces a tour that plans to roll through this fair city, regardless of the bands on the bill, there seems to be a number of jaded music lovers, muttering the eternal complaint: “Why can’t we ever get a good band? Someone like Weezer?”

“I think Iowa in general has a difficult time getting bands to come through,” says Kirk Peterson, senior in animal ecology. “They must think all the corn and Iowans don’t listen to any other music between all the square dances.”

Well the prayers of these people, and of students across the ISU campus have been answered, as Weezer announced on its Web site, www.weezer.com, they will be playing the Hilton Coliseum.

Representatives of the Iowa State Center declined comment.

Weezer brought its geek-rock sound to the musical world with the 1994 self-titled debut release that came to be known as the “Blue Album.”

“They have a very upbeat, poppy sound, but it’s not the regular formulated crap you hear on the radio – the lyrics are interesting and meaningful,” says Paul Hattan, senior in mechanical engineering.

Danielle Henke, sophomore in art and design, is a fan of Weezer’s general musical appeal.

“Weezer puts out CDs where every song is good. With a lot of albums I listen to two or three songs and change the CD,” Henke says. “With Weezer you can just let it play. They are that good.”

Peterson says he has been a Weezer fan “since he destroyed his sweater.”

Peterson is excited for the show, but understands how it took so long for Ames to get the act.

“It’s about time a good national band came to Ames. I love going to concerts, but I get sick of bands I don’t really like coming in,” Henke says.

Dan Greenfield, junior in psychology, agrees.

“Finally, a rock show that does not involve frat rock, Dave Matthews or metal. Not since R.E.M. have we seen a decent national band in Ames,” Greenfield says.

“I am excited they are coming,” Greenfield says. “They are relatively normal people doing extraordinary things. They wear glasses, too.”

Weezer will be playing the Hilton Coliseum Saturday, May 4, with tickets going on sale April 6 at 10 a.m. Internet presale begins April 3. Ticket prices, opening act, and time of show are yet to be announced.