At Riot Fest with Scott Shriner: Weezer’s Bassist on Groove, Gear, and Influences

Weezer’s longtime bassist Scott Shriner caught up with us at Riot Fest for a conversation about tone, influences, and what it takes to keep the groove alive after more than two decades with one of rock’s most recognizable bands.

Scott joined Weezer in 2001 and has been part of the group’s evolution ever since. In this chat, he looks back on his musical roots in Toledo, his early love of Motown and jazz, and how players like James Jamerson, Duck Dunn, and Carol K helped shape his approach to the instrument. He also opens up about his early days touring with Vanilla Ice before landing the gig with Weezer, a transition that taught him both humility and gratitude.

At Riot Fest, Shriner walked us through his rig, from vintage P basses to classic amps and fuzz pedals that define his live tone. He keeps things raw and honest, preferring tube heads and real cabinets over modern modeling gear. The result is a sound that feels both massive and grounded, unmistakably his own.

Through it all, Scott remains as enthusiastic about bass as ever. Whether he is talking about gear, his favorite records, or new bands that excite him, that energy comes through. His advice for any bassist chasing their sound is simple: know what feels right, stay curious, and never stop playing.