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Brian Lane Bell (born December 9, 1968) is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as the rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, backing vocalist, and occasional lead vocalist of the rock band Weezer, with whom he has recorded fifteen studio albums. Bell also fronted the rock band The Relationship and was the lead vocalist and guitarist of the indie rock band Space Twins.

Moving to Los Angeles at the age of eighteen, Bell played bass guitar in the band Carnival Art, releasing three studio albums with the band before departing in 1993. Bell subsequently joined Weezer as its rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist, at the request of band member Matt Sharp. Replacing founding member Jason Cropper, Bell joined the band during the recording of its debut album, Weezer (1994). Backed by the singles "Buddy Holly", "Undone – The Sweater Song" and "Say It Ain't So", the album was a critical and commercial success.

Early life

[edit]

Bell was born in Iowa City, Iowa to parents Tom Bell, a geography professor[1] at University of Tennessee, and Linda Menasco, an elementary school assistant principal,[2] and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. He first took an interest in music at age four, when his parents took him to an Elvis Presley concert at the Stokely Athletic Centre in Knoxville.[3] Soon after, Bell became obsessed with his father's record collection, and played it constantly.[3] Bell was forced by his mother to take piano lessons, and refused to let him take guitar lessons until high school, because she "wouldn't believe that he would practice."[3] Eventually, during his freshman year in high school, Bell's parents allowed him to take guitar lessons from Knoxville musician Ben Bolt.[4]

During his first year in high school, Bell had to switch schools; "I was zoned to go to county school and my mom taught in the city, which meant I could go to a more privileged school. In doing that, I was surrounded by snobs'.[4] 'I was kind of finding myself at the time, so I decided to go to the school I was zoned for."[4] During this time, Bell had a job delivering pizzas in the Knoxville area at Stefano's Pizza. He worked with Jason Bales and Blair and Todd Mitchell (who he introduced to Queensryche's music). He worked and started playing in a band with school friends, Tim and Glenn Maloof, named Blooshroom, which Bell described as "Pink Floyd-meets-The Stooges."[5]

After completing high school at Bearden High School in 1987, Bell decided against college, feeling it would be a "waste of money."[6] At the age of 18, Bell moved to Los Angeles, California, and enrolled at G.I.T.[6] In 1991, he became a member of a band named Carnival Art, which released 3 official albums and an EP, with Bell playing bass guitar.[6][7] The band had low record sales, and were dropped by their record label, Beggars Banquet.[8]

As Carnival Art was disintegrating, Bell became acquainted with the members of Weezer. He said: "They started playing on the scene, and I instantly saw something unique in them. I didn't necessarily want to be in their band. They were for some reason, in with the wrong crowd and playing at the wrong venues. I wanted to help them out any way I could and I wanted to play a show with them."[8] In mid-1993, Bell quit Carnival Art. At home, he found on his answering machine a message from Weezer bassist Matt Sharp. Sharp called again the next day, and Rivers Cuomo took the phone and asked him to join the band.[citation needed]

Weezer

[edit]
Bell photographed in Thailand, 1997

Despite being credited for guitar and vocals in the liner notes, Bell's last-minute arrival at the Blue Album sessions meant that he only had time to re-record Cropper's backing vocals, while Cuomo re-did all of Cropper's guitar parts.[9] Besides doing back-up vocals and playing rhythm guitar, during Weezer's live performances, Bell takes on many of the multi-instrumental duties, including keyboards or harmonica.

Although all songwriting credits on Weezer's 2005 album Make Believe are credited to Rivers Cuomo, Bell wrote the intro to "We Are All on Drugs" and the dueling guitars in the solo of "This is Such a Pity."[10] Bell also contributed the song "Thought I Knew" to the band's 2008 self-titled album as well as "It's Easy," an iTunes exclusive demo that serves as a bonus track to that album. This marks the first time Weezer has officially released a song written and sung by Bell, although the band demoed and played his song "Yellow Camaro" live in 2002. The song eventually made it onto the Space Twins debut LP The End of Imagining.

In 2005, during live appearances, Bell sang lead vocals on "Why Bother?", "Smile", "Getchoo" and "Keep Fishin'". In 2008 during the band's Hootenanny Tour he began taking lead vocals on "El Scorcho". He continued singing "El Scorcho" and sang "Suzanne" as well on the band's Troublemaker Tour in 2008.

Space Twins

[edit]

Throughout the years Bell fronted his own band, Space Twins, who have had various incarnations since 1993. They have released three EPs and an LP, The End of Imagining, in 2003. Yet in 2006, Bell stated that he was "not presently pursuing" projects with The Space Twins.

The Relationship

[edit]

In 2007 Bell recorded for a side project called The Relationship.[11] The recording took place at Henson Recording Studios and Padre Terrace in Los Angeles and is produced by Weezer engineer Eric J. Sean Lennon mentioned in an interview that he will appear with Bell on The Relationship's debut record.[12] Rivers Cuomo and Bell co-wrote a song together for the project titled "Hand to Hold," but Bell does not think it will be on their debut album.[13] In May 2007 he uploaded "Hand to Hold" on the band's Myspace page. It is a reworking of the Weezer song "Private Message," which was originally in the running for inclusion on Make Believe. In March 2017, Bell announced that the band's newest album, Clara Obscura (meaning "Clear" and "Obscure"), would be released on April 18.[14]

Other projects

[edit]

Bell and Weezer drummer Patrick Wilson collaborated on a cover of the Velvet Underground song "Heroin", for the 2006 film Factory Girl.

In November 2006, Lyon Guitars (by Washburn) introduced a limited edition guitar series called "Limited Edition 2006," each of which had been hand-signed by Bell, and were in the same "strat" body style that he prefers to play.[15]

Bell has also expressed an interest in the works of William Shakespeare. During the band's downtime in 2003 and 2004, Bell and his ex-girlfriend Peggy Nunez studied Shakespeare and poetry theory at the collegiate level. They also appeared in a production of Twelfth Night, in which Bell wrote four songs, all using Shakespeare's words.[16]

Bell has appeared in one-off performances on guitar with other bands. Playing on March 17, 2006 at The Troubador in LA with Weezer tour-mates Ringside,[17] and performing "Our Lips Are Sealed", with the Go-Go's member, Jane Wiedlin, on June 1, 2006 at the Viper Room. He sat in on guitars and back up vocals for Ringside's winter '06 tour in Russia.[18]

It was announced that Bell will make his producing debut on the Ultra Sonic Edukators next album.[19]

Equipment

[edit]

As of 2014, Bell solely uses Gibson Guitars, his current main instrument being a 2001 Gibson Explorer in limited edition diamond sparkle finish, which he found in Rivers Cuomo's basement, with a chrome mirror pickguard. His main amplifier is a Matchless Independence, a three channel, hand-wired tube amplifier, providing the thick distortion that Weezer is known for.

Movie career

[edit]

In 2006, Bell made his on-screen debut, playing Lou Reed in the Edie Sedgwick biographical film, Factory Girl. Bandmate Patrick Wilson also appeared as John Cale, another member of the Velvet Underground.

Bell voiced a band member on a 'booze-cruise" and was animated as himself in the Simpsons episode "The Hateful Eight-Year-Olds", along with the rest of Weezer.[20]

Discography

[edit]
Brian Bell performing with Weezer at Musikfest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on August 5, 2019

With Weezer

[edit]
Main article: Weezer discography

With Space Twins

[edit]

With The Relationship

[edit]

With Carnival Art

[edit]
  • Dig EP (1990)
  • Thrumdrone (1991)
  • Welcome to Vas Llegas (1992)
  • Blue Food & Black Sparks EP (1992)

With Homie

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Brian Bell

View on Grokipedia
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Brian Lane Bell (born December 9, 1968) is an American musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the rhythm , , backing vocalist, and occasional lead vocalist of the band . Bell was born in , to parents Tom Bell, a professor at the , and Linda Menasco, an elementary school assistant principal. Raised in , he developed an early interest in music after attending an concert at the Stokely Athletic Center as a child, which inspired his desire to become a musician. At age 18, Bell moved to to pursue a career in music, initially playing bass in bands such as Carnival Art and the Space Twins before transitioning to guitar. In 1993, Bell joined midway through the recording of the band's self-titled debut album (commonly known as the Blue Album), replacing founding guitarist and completing the lineup alongside , , and . Since then, he has contributed to all of 's studio albums—15 releases as of 2025—providing guitar, keyboards, and vocals while occasionally co-writing songs. Outside of , Bell fronts the power pop band the Space Twins, which he formed in the early 1990s and reactivated during 's hiatuses, and led the short-lived group the Relationship, which released the album Boombox Cabaret in 2010. He has also made occasional forays into acting, appearing in films such as Factory Girl (2006) and (2023). In 2024, Bell faced allegations of inappropriate interactions with fans, though the band continued touring and performing in 2025.

Early Life

Upbringing and Influences

Brian Bell was born on December 9, 1968, in , to Tom Bell, a , and Linda Menasco, an elementary school assistant principal. His parents provided a supportive environment that encouraged creative pursuits. Bell has a younger sister, Leia Bell, a graphic designer who has created concert posters and other artwork for . Following his birth, the family relocated to , where Bell's father joined the faculty at the , and Bell spent the majority of his childhood. This move placed him in the heart of Southern culture, shaping his early worldview amid the region's blend of academic and community life. Bell's interest in music was sparked at age four when his parents took him to an Elvis Presley concert at the Stokely Athletic Center. He has described vivid memories of the event, noting in a 1995 interview that it profoundly impacted him, stating, "That kind of changed my life, seriously." This exposure introduced him to the energy of live rock performance and fueled his initial fascination with the genre through family-shared records and the local Tennessee music scene. By his high school years, this foundation led him toward more structured musical exploration.

Initial Musical Pursuits

Bell began his formal musical education in childhood with lessons, starting around the age of four after attending an concert that sparked his interest in music. His mother facilitated these lessons, during which he learned to read music notation alongside basic literacy skills, a foundation that proved enduring. In high school, Bell transitioned to guitar, beginning lessons at age 15 with Ben Bolt, a Knoxville-based musician who studied with classical guitar virtuoso Andrés Segovia. This instruction equipped him with classical techniques that he adapted to rock playing, and within six months, he was proficient enough to perform. Drawing from childhood inspirations like Elvis, Bell soon applied his skills in a high school band setting. During his time at Bearden High School in Knoxville, Bell formed his first band, Blooshroom, with school friends including Trey Counce and brothers Tim and Glenn Maloof. The group drew inspiration from psychedelic and acts such as and , blending experimental sounds in their rehearsals and performances. Blooshroom played local gigs, including high school talent shows, dances, and small venues, providing Bell with his initial experience in live and band dynamics. These formative experiences solidified Bell's commitment to music as a profession, leading him to forgo college after graduating in 1987. At age 18, he relocated to to immerse himself in the city's vibrant music scene and pursue opportunities full-time.

Weezer

Joining the Band

In 1987, shortly after graduating high school, Brian Bell relocated from his hometown of , to , , at the age of 18, where he enrolled at the Guitar and quickly became active in the burgeoning local scene. Bell's early involvement in the L.A. music community led him to join the band Carnival Art as bassist in 1991, with whom he recorded and released the debut album Thrumdrone that year on Situation Two Records. The group followed up with the sophomore effort Welcome to Vas Llegas in 1992 on , touring and opening for acts like amid the wave, before Bell departed in 1993 to pursue other opportunities. During the recording sessions for Weezer's debut album at New York's in August 1993, founding guitarist was dismissed due to personal and creative differences, prompting bandmates and to recruit Bell as his replacement after spotting his performances with Carnival Art. contacted Bell by phone with a direct invitation: "Do you want to be in our band?"; Bell, eager for the chance, received a demo tape of the band's material, overdubbed guitar parts onto it as an audition, and was promptly flown to New York for further evaluation. Bell arrived in time to contribute background vocals to several tracks on the self-titled (commonly known as the Blue Album), including "My Name Is Jonas" and "No One Else," helping finalize the record under producer before its completion in September 1993. He made his live debut with the band at Club Lingerie in during the short "Self-Punishment Tour" in October 1993, with his parents in attendance, marking the start of his integration into the group. The album's release on May 10, 1994, propelled to mainstream success, with Bell joining extensive U.S. and international tours that solidified the band's lineup and fanbase through hits like "" and "."

Role and Contributions

Brian Bell has been Weezer's rhythm guitarist, , , and occasional since joining the band in 1993. Throughout his tenure, Bell has contributed to the band's songwriting, notably co-writing elements of tracks like the intro to "We Are All on Drugs" from the 2005 album and the full song "Thought I Knew" from the 2008 self-titled album . He has also performed lead vocals on select songs during live tours, including live versions of "" starting in 2008 and "Suzanne" during performances from 2005 to 2008. Bell has participated in all 15 of Weezer's studio albums released up to 2025, including the orchestral in 2021 and the seasonal project SZNZ in 2022. In recent years, Bell has been active in Weezer's touring schedule, performing at events such as the AWS re:Play party during AWS re:Invent in on December 5, 2024; in in 2025; in in September 2025; and the Good Things Festival across in December 2025. In interviews, Bell has hinted at ongoing creative work within the band, noting that frontman is continually developing new ideas, suggesting potential future releases.

Side Projects

Space Twins

Space Twins was formed in 1993 by guitarist Brian Bell and his then-girlfriend Susan Fox, initially as a small side project alongside his commitments to , with drummer Mike Elliot rounding out the early lineup. The band originated as an informal endeavor, reflecting Bell's creative explorations outside his primary band. By 1996, the project's scope expanded when Bell recruited his high school friends, brothers Tim Maloof on bass and and Glenn Maloof on guitar, alongside retaining on drums, solidifying a more stable quartet configuration that persisted through the band's active years. This lineup evolution marked a shift from its nascent, experimental roots to a more structured ensemble, allowing Bell to serve as frontman, , and primary songwriter. The band issued three EPs during the 1990s—No Show in 1994, Osaka Aquabus in 1997, and TV, Music & in 1998—before releasing their debut full-length , The End of Imagining, in November 2003 on their independent label, Raga Drop Records. These releases captured the group's development during Weezer's late-1990s hiatus, when Space Twins became Bell's primary musical outlet. The , recorded across multiple studios including and Sound Factory, represented a culmination of several years of material refinement. Musically, Space Twins blended with alternative influences, incorporating progressive and psychedelic elements into their sound, often characterized by Bell's melodic guitar work and introspective lyrics. This style distinguished the project from Bell's role in , emphasizing his leadership as the creative force behind layered, atmospheric compositions. Following the 2003 album, Space Twins entered a hiatus around 2006, with Bell shifting focus to other endeavors, and no new releases or performances have been reported through 2025.

The Relationship

The Relationship was formed in 2006 by guitarist Brian Bell and musician Nate Shaw in , evolving from a longtime friendship that began during their teenage years at . Initially conceived as a songwriting partnership, the project allowed Bell to explore his vocal and songwriting talents outside of , with Shaw contributing guitar and shared creative input. The band's lineup has varied over time, including collaborators such as bassist Jon LaRue and drummer Anthony Burulcich, reflecting a collaborative spirit rooted in Bell and Shaw's punk and rock influences. Recording for the band's self-titled debut album took place primarily at Henson Recording Studios in , with additional sessions at Electrosound Studios. Released on November 30, 2010, via Golden State Records, the album featured a reworked outtake co-written by Bell and frontman , titled "Hand to Hold," which highlighted their ongoing creative synergy. The second full-length, Clara Obscura, followed in 2017 on Rebel Union Recordings and Lolipop Records, with production emphasizing layered arrangements and emotional depth, recorded at Valentine Recording Studios. In 2020, a limited-edition vinyl of early unreleased material from the band's formative period, titled Together Tomorrow, was issued in just 100 signed copies, serving as a nod to their origins. The band's sound fuses rock with pop sensibilities, characterized by catchy melodies, intricate harmonies, and confessional lyrics centered on interpersonal dynamics, heartbreak, and personal growth—often evoking sunny vibes amid introspective themes. Tracks like "Break Me Open" from Clara Obscura exemplify this approach, blending urgent energy with vulnerable storytelling. Since the release of Clara Obscura, The Relationship has remained inactive in terms of new studio albums or extensive touring through 2025, with Bell occasionally referencing the project in discussions about his broader musical career.

Other Collaborations

In , Brian Bell collaborated with drummer on a cover of The Velvet Underground's "" intended for the soundtrack of the film Factory Girl, a biopic about artist , though it was not included in the final release. Bell has made guest appearances with other artists, including providing guitar on several tracks for Ringside's 2011 comeback album Lost Days, alongside contributions from and . Bell was announced as the producer for the debut album of the Chicago-based band Ultra Sonic Edukators around 2010, marking his first foray into production outside ; as of 2025, the project remains unreleased with no further updates on its status. During Weezer's hiatus in the early , Bell pursued his interest in Shakespeare by appearing in a theatrical production of and composing four original songs for it, setting Shakespeare's text to music. In 2006, Lyon Guitars (a Washburn ) released a limited-edition series of electric guitars hand-signed by Bell, reflecting his endorsement of the brand during that period.

Other Ventures

Equipment

Brian Bell primarily relies on Gibson guitars for his rhythm guitar duties in Weezer, favoring their durability and tonal qualities for both live performances and studio recordings. His main instrument is a 2001 Gibson Explorer in a limited-edition diamond sparkle finish, which he has used extensively since acquiring it, particularly for delivering the band's signature chunky rhythm parts. He often pairs this with a second Gibson Explorer tuned a half-step down to accommodate Weezer's standard "Weezer tuning," allowing seamless switches during sets for songs requiring alternate voicings, such as "Island in the Sun." Other Gibson models, including a '63 and various Explorers in finishes like champagne gold and classic white, provide tonal variety across Weezer's live sets, enabling shifts from clean arpeggios to heavy distortion without compromising the band's cohesive sound. For amplification, Bell's setup centers on the Independence, a three-channel, hand-wired tube amplifier that delivers the thick, versatile central to Weezer's guitar tones. He has employed this amp for over a decade in live settings, appreciating its ability to blend clean and overdriven sounds effectively with the band's other instruments. In studio work, he occasionally incorporates the Matchless C-30, a 30-watt combo amp modeled after vintage , to capture raw, high-gain textures. Bell has incorporated keyboards into his Weezer contributions since the , handling , synth, and organ parts both onstage and in recordings to add melodic layers to the band's rock foundation. His live keyboard rig includes a Nord Lead for virtual analog synthesis, which supports atmospheric elements in tracks like those from the Memories Tour era. Additional gear, such as wah pedals (e.g., Dunlop Cry Baby) and fuzz effects (e.g., Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi), enhances his setup for expressive leads and fuzzy rhythms in performances. Throughout Weezer's career, Bell's equipment has evolved from early and models to a streamlined Gibson-centric approach by the , emphasizing reliability for extensive touring. In the , updates include integrating digital profilers like the Kemper for live shows, preserving his core analog tones while adapting to modern tour demands, as seen in setups for the and subsequent outings.

Movie and Acting Career

Brian Bell made his acting debut in the 2006 biographical drama Factory Girl, portraying the iconic musician alongside Weezer bandmate , who played . The film, directed by , chronicles the life of Andy Warhol's muse , with Bell and Wilson's appearances highlighting the Velvet Underground's influence on the era's cultural scene. In conjunction with their roles, Bell and Wilson contributed a cover of the Velvet Underground's "" to the soundtrack, blending their musical background with the cinematic portrayal. That same year, he provided voice acting for episode "The Hateful Eight-Year-Olds" (Season 31, Episode 21), voicing a member of the fictional band Sailor's Delight— a parody—alongside his bandmates, who performed an original track for the end credits. This guest spot marked Bell's entry into animated television, leveraging his musical persona for comedic effect. In 2023, Bell took on the role of Dave, a guitarist in the fictional dad-rock band Dad or Alive, in the body-swap comedy , again collaborating with his colleagues who portrayed the group's other members. The film, directed by Sam Harper, features the band in several scenes, providing Bell with a prominent supporting part in a mainstream holiday release. Beyond these on-screen roles, Bell pursued formal studies in Shakespearean acting during the early 2000s, performing in productions as a personal artistic endeavor that enriched his creative approach.

Discography

With Weezer

Brian Bell joined Weezer as rhythm guitarist during the recording of their debut album, contributing to all subsequent releases through 2025 as a core member alongside Rivers Cuomo, Scott Shriner, and Patrick Wilson. His primary roles have included rhythm and occasional lead guitar, keyboards (particularly from the mid-2000s onward), and backing vocals, with lead vocal performances on select B-sides and tracks like "Thought I Knew" from the Red Album.

Studio Albums

Bell's guitar work and vocal contributions feature prominently across Weezer's studio discography, evolving from straightforward rhythm parts on early power-pop tracks to layered synth and harmonic elements in later experimental releases. The band's albums, all crediting Bell, include:
  • Weezer (Blue Album) (1994): Bell provided on hits like "" and "."
  • Pinkerton (1996): Featured Bell's rhythm and lead guitar on raw tracks such as "" and "Why Bother?"
  • Weezer ( (2001): Bell handled amid the band's pop-rock return.
  • (2002): Emphasized Bell's heavier rhythm riffs in the punk-influenced sound.
  • (2005): Bell contributed keyboards alongside guitar on emotive songs like "We Are All on Drugs."
  • Weezer ( (2008): Included Bell's backing vocals and experimental guitar layers.
  • (2009): Bell added synth and to the pop-leaning tracks.
  • Hurley (2010): Featured Bell's vocal harmonies and guitar on introspective cuts.
  • Everything Will Be Alright in the End (2014): Bell played and keyboards, co-writing elements in the return-to-roots style.
  • Weezer ( (2016): Bell's rhythm and synth work supported the direction.
  • (2017): Highlighted Bell's keyboard contributions in the era.
  • Weezer ( (2019): Bell provided and backing vocals throughout.
  • (2021): Bell contributed orchestral-tinged guitar and keyboards.
  • (2021): Showcased Bell's lead and in the heavy metal homage.

Key EPs and Compilations

Bell is credited on several EPs and compilations, often with additional vocal or instrumental layers. Notable examples include the Alone series (2008–2011), Rivers Cuomo-led demo collections featuring Bell's early band contributions and Weezer outtakes on tracks like "I Was Scared"; EP (2002), with Bell's rhythm guitar; and Christmas EPs like (2002), where he added holiday-themed guitar and vocals. (2010) is a compilation with Bell's contributions from earlier sessions, including guitar on "Turning It On." (2019) is a covers album with Bell's guitar adaptations of classics like "." SØNZ (2022) comprises four seasonal EPs (Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter) treated as a conceptual project; Bell played guitar and keyboards across the installments, with backing vocals on tracks like "Can't Stop Partway." No major new EPs or compilations were released between 2023 and 2025, though the single "" (2024, from the Bad Monkey soundtrack) included Bell's rhythm guitar and backing vocals.

With Space Twins

Space Twins, with Brian Bell serving as frontman, lead vocalist, and guitarist, issued three limited-edition EPs in the 1990s followed by one full-length album in the early 2000s. The band's debut release was the No Show EP, a 7-inch vinyl single put out in 1994 by World Domination Recordings. It featured three tracks: "No Show," "A Brief History," and "Take My Place," recorded by Bell alongside bassist Susan Fox and drummer Mike Elliot. In 1997, Space Twins released the Osaka Aquabus 7-inch single on Duck Butter Records, limited to a small pressing that quickly sold out. The EP included "Osaka Aquabus"—a track Bell wrote inspired by a Weezer tour stop in —and the B-side "Goddess of Love." The following year, 1998, brought the TV, Music & 7-inch single, also on Duck Butter Records and similarly limited in distribution. It comprised the title track "TV, Music & " on the A-side and "" on the B-side, both showcasing Bell's songwriting and vocals. Space Twins' sole full-length album, The End of Imagining, arrived in 2003 via the band's own imprint, Raga Drop Records. The 12-track CD featured songs such as "Rust Colored Sun," "Rings of Saturn," "Yellow Camaro," and "Trudy Truelove," with Bell handling lead vocals, guitar, and production duties. No additional singles, EPs, albums, or compilations from the band have been released since 2003.

With The Relationship

The Relationship shared a series of demos and early tracks online from 2007 to 2017, primarily via , where Brian Bell uploaded over 20 songs including "You Rock My Heart," "Please Help Me," "Something More," "Together Tomorrow," and "Thought I Knew." These recordings captured the band's emerging power pop style, blending influences with modern rock elements, and built anticipation for a full release despite the lack of formal distribution. The band's self-titled debut album was released on November 30, 2010, through Golden State Records in CD format. The 10-track record included songs such as "Something More," "Please Help Me," "Thought I Knew," and "Mother Night," with Bell on lead vocals and guitar. The band's second album, Clara Obscura, was released on April 21, 2017, through Rebel Union Recordings and Lolipop Records in formats including vinyl, CD, and digital download. The 10-track record features the lead single "Break Me Open," released earlier that year with an accompanying directed by Steven Johnson, as well as "Without Me" and "Hand to Hold," the latter co-written by Bell with 's as a reworking of an earlier Weezer outtake. Critics praised the album's polished, sunny —evoking themes of love, loss, and introspection—while highlighting Bell's melodic songwriting and the band's tight instrumentation. No further albums or EPs from The Relationship have been released through 2025, following the band's effective disbandment in 2019.

With Early Bands

Brian Bell joined the Los Angeles-based band Carnival Art as bassist in 1990, shortly after the group's independent debut album, marking the start of his professional recording career. The band, known for its blend of hard rock, new wave, and experimental elements, signed with Situation Two (an imprint of ) around this time, enabling broader distribution of their subsequent releases. Bell contributed to two studio albums and two EPs with Carnival Art before departing in mid-1993 to join .
YearTitleTypeLabel
1990DigEPSpineless Voodoo Records
1991ThrumdroneStudio albumSituation Two
1991Blue Food & Black SparksEPSituation Two
1993Welcome to Vas LlegasStudio album

References

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  31. https://respectmyregion.com/weezer-bumbershoot-2025-event-recap/
  32. https://www.musicfestivalwizard.com/artist/weezer/
  33. https://goodthingsfestival.com.au/band/weezer
  34. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/weezers-bell-bears-twins-249462/
  35. https://www.discogs.com/artist/229506-Space-Twins
  36. https://www.slugmag.com/music/interviews/music-interviews/establishing-a-relationship-interview-with-brian-bell-and-nate-shaw/
  37. https://www.altpress.com/weezers_brian_bell_and_u-s-_bombs_nate_shaw_collaborate_on_the_relationship/
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/5172486-The-Relationship-The-Relationship
  39. https://weezerpedia.com/wiki/Clara_Obscura
  40. https://www.discogs.com/release/16708620-The-Relationship-Together-Tomorrow
  41. https://www.allmusic.com/blog/post/brian-bell-interview
  42. https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/the-relationships-clara-obscura/
  43. https://www.weezerpedia.com/w/index.php?title=The_Relationship
  44. https://www.nme.com/news/music/weezer-138-1357125
  45. https://www.spin.com/2006/01/weezer-covers-velvet-underground-biopic-soundtrack/
  46. https://www.antimusic.com/news/10/nov/18Ben_Harper%2C_Weezer_and_Ozomotli_Guest_on_Ringside_Comeback_Album.shtml
  47. https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/weezer-now-drug-overdose-horror-24482103
  48. https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/9115821/huge-90s-band-shakespeare-weezer-brian-bell/
  49. https://www.harmonycentral.com/forums/topic/1084038-target-artist-autographed-guitars/
  50. https://www.mixonline.com/live-sound/all-access-weezer-memories-tour-368228
  51. https://www.musicradar.com/news/rig-tour-weezer
  52. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/weezers_brian_bell_im_more_interested_in_relationship_between_the_notes_than_in_circuitry_behind_amplifiers.html
  53. https://musicstrive.com/weezer-guitar-tone/
  54. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0432402/fullcredits/
  55. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14227048/fullcredits/
  56. https://www.allmusic.com/album/weezer-blue-album--mw0000329481
  57. https://www.allmusic.com/album/pinkerton-mw0000646499
  58. https://www.allmusic.com/album/weezer-red-album--mw0000789075
  59. https://www.allmusic.com/album/raditude-mw0001379979
  60. https://www.allmusic.com/album/hurley-mw0002031815
  61. https://www.allmusic.com/album/weezer-white-album--mw0002923693
  62. https://www.npr.org/2022/03/18/1087173272/the-four-sznz-of-weezer
  63. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/weezer/115234
  64. https://www.discogs.com/release/2585053-Space-Twins-No-Show
  65. https://www.oocities.org/spacetwins27/superstdisco.html
  66. https://www.discogs.com/release/1853532-Space-Twins-TV-Music-Candy
  67. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/space-twins/tv-music-and-candy-headache/
  68. https://www.discogs.com/release/508813-Space-Twins-The-End-Of-Imagining
  69. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-end-of-imagining-mw0000694365
  70. https://www.discogs.com/master/1236796-The-Relationship-Clara-Obscura
  71. https://www.weezerpedia.com/w/index.php?title=Hand_to_Hold
  72. https://archive.beggars.com/carnival-art-thrumdrone/
  73. https://beggarsarkive.bandcamp.com/album/thrumdrone
  74. https://www.discogs.com/artist/431310-Carnival-Art
  75. https://www.discogs.com/release/2182820-Carnival-Art-Blue-Food-Black-Sparks
  76. https://beggarsarkive.bandcamp.com/album/welcome-to-vas-llegas
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