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Concert Thu Aug 26 2010
Review: Stone Temple Pilots, Charter One Pavillion 8/20
[Review submitted by reader Brennan Stacker, photos by Andy Keil]
After releasing their self-titled album in May, Stone Temple Pilots performed at Chicago's Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island, on August 20th, and they proved that, after 20+ years, their music intoxicates more than a single generation of fans. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, giving the band a renewed presence on the stage and validating their position in modern rock.
Scott Weiland of STP (photos by Andy Keil)
Dean DeLeo of STP (photos by Andy Keil)
The performance opened with "Crackerman," explosive and fast-paced with Scott Weiland amplifying his vocals with his signature megaphone gave the crowd a much- needed release after a lengthy sound check. STP quickly transitioned through "Wicked Garden," "Vasoline," and "Heaven and Hot Rods" gradually moving in and out of a guttural, grunge soundscape, sometimes reminiscent of Led Zeppelin (to whom they later paid tribute with a cover of Dancing Days.) With a diverse combo of songs, showcasing Dean DeLeo's psychedelic rock, Robert DeLeo's lounge style rhythm and blues and Scott's Jim Morrison/David Bowie inspired vocals, all that was missing was a breakout drum solo from Eric Kretz.
Robert DeLeo of STP (photos by Andy Keil)
Highlights included the moments when Dean and his Les Paul fused into one entity generating other-worldly riffs mesmerizing the crowd in numbers like "Down." The DeLeo brothers jammed together in numbers like "Pretty Penny" and "Plush." For those who noticed, Weiland crossed the stage to light a cigarette still keeping the beat with maracas, as the bass and guitar took center stage; It was completely satisfying. The unexpected highlight of the evening? Dean planting a kiss on Scott much to the joy of the crowd, resulting in a synchronized "woo" of approval.
Scott Weiland of STP (photos by Andy Keil)
As the show progressed, a growing reverence emerged from the crowd, as the band didn't just play, but radiated their love for the music, concluding with "Sex Type Thing" and a crowd-induced encore of "Dead and Bloated" and "Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper."
Bottom line: STP met the high standards that they set for themselves back in the '90s by giving Chicago the show they deserved.
-Brennan Stacker
dean / August 26, 2010 11:11 AM
Great to see that STP can still bring it live and in the studio.
Looking forward to seeing them on this tour.