Stone Temple Pilots, LIVE and Soul Asylum Review with Photos 8-22-24

   A perfect summer night, a star-studded lineup, and the picturesque Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion set the stage for an unforgettable evening of rock. Stone Temple Pilots, LIVE, and Soul Asylum came together in a powerhouse lineup that showcased the best of '90s alternative rock and delivered a show that left fans buzzing long after the final note faded.

    Soul Asylum kicked off the night with a high-energy performance that reminded everyone why their music remains so impactful. The Minneapolis rockers took to the stage with an infectious enthusiasm, launching into classic hits like “Runaway Train” and “Black Gold.” Dave Pirner’s voice, still as gritty and compelling as ever, cut through the humid Texas air with a raw intensity that set a high bar for the evening. The band’s chemistry was evident, and their ability to blend nostalgia with a fresh vibrancy had the crowd immediately engaged. Soul Asylum’s set was a testament to their enduring talent and a perfect way to warm up the audience.

    Next up was LIVE, who brought a more contemplative but equally electrifying energy to the stage. The band’s set was a sonic journey through their career, featuring anthems like “I Alone” and “Lightning Crashes”. Ed Kowalczyk’s vocal performance was nothing short of spectacular—his voice soared and swayed, conveying deep emotion with every note. The band's intricate instrumentation and dynamic stage presence kept the crowd captivated. LIVE’s ability to balance their heavier tracks with more melodic moments created a powerful contrast that resonated deeply with the audience. Their performance was a reminder of their role as one of the seminal bands of the '90s alternative scene.

Finally, Stone Temple Pilots took the stage to a roaring reception. The band, now fronted by Jeff Gutt, demonstrated why they remain one of the most influential rock acts of their generation. With original members Dean DeLeo on guitar, brother Robert DeLeo on bass and Eric Kretz on drums the band sounded just as good as it was when their signature sound hit the airways in the early 90's. Since this was going to be an evening with STP playing the album Purple in its entirety track for track they opened the show with "Meatplow". Next came the explosive energy of “Vasoline”. STP delivered a set that was both a nostalgic trip and a testament to their evolving sound. Gutt’s voice, while distinct from the late Scott Weiland’s, captured the essence of STP’s legacy with a fresh intensity. Gutt, at one point with the light shining down on him, put his hands together in prayer and paid tribute to Weiland by simply saying his name while looking upwards towards the heavens. The band’s performance was marked by a confident swagger and a masterful command of their diverse catalog, ranging from grunge anthems to more refined rock ballads.

    The highlight of STP’s set came with the encore of “Plush” and “Dead and Bloated,” where the crowd’s participation turned the Pavilion into a massive sing-along. The energy in the amphitheater was electric, with fans swaying and shouting along, completely immersed in the music. They finished the encore with "Crackerman" and "Sex Type Thing" without a minute to spare on the CWMP countdown timer to 11pm.

    Throughout the evening, the synergy between the bands was evident. Each act brought their own flavor to the stage, creating a seamless flow of high-octane rock. The sound quality at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion was top-notch, allowing every riff and lyric to shine through the warm Texas night.

    As the final notes of Stone Temple Pilots’ set faded, the crowd lingered, reluctant to let go of the night’s magic. The show was a nostalgic celebration of the '90s rock era, delivered with a vibrancy that proved these bands still have plenty of fire left in them.

    In summary, the August 22nd concert was a resounding success, a night where past and present coalesced into a powerful, electrifying experience. Stone Temple Pilots, LIVE, and Soul Asylum proved once again why their music has endured—and why live rock performances remain an unparalleled experience.

Stone Temple Pilots Setlist:
(Purple in its entirety)
Meatplow
Vasoline
Lounge Fly
Interstate Love Song
Still Remains
Pretty Penny
Silvergun Superman
Big Empty (with And You And I tease at the end)
Unglued
Army Ants
Kitchenware & Candybars
Encore:
Plush
Dead & Bloated
Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart
Sex Type Thing

Live Setlist:
Top
All Over You
Selling the Drama
Freaks
Lady Bhang (She Got Me Rollin')
Pain Lies on the Riverside
Pillar of Davidson
Shit Towne
The Dolphin's Cry
Turn My Head
White, Discussion
Lakini's Juice
Encore:
I Alone (With band intros)
Lightning Crashes

Soul Asylum Setlist:
Somebody to Shove
Misery
High Road
Black Gold
Runaway Train
Bittersweetheart
Just Like Anyone