Stone Temple Pilots and Live deliver a 30-year celebration with a few surprise guests at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA.
As summer winds down in New England, the concert scene remains electric, especially at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA. This outdoor venue has enjoyed a stellar season, featuring an eclectic mix of fresh talent and legendary acts, many of whom are revisiting the albums that shaped their careers. On this particular night, it was all about nostalgia and rock history.
Fans were treated to an unforgettable evening as Stone Temple Pilots and Live took the stage, with special guest Soul Asylum, for The Jubilee Tour. This tour, which kicked off earlier in August, celebrates 30 years of these iconic bands and their impact on the rock scene. Stone Temple Pilots performed Purple in its entirety, much to the delight of longtime fans, rounding out their set with a few extra hits. Live, equally powerful, showcased tracks from their landmark album Throwing Copper, taking the audience on a heartfelt journey through some of the most defining songs of the ’90s.
Kicking off the night was Soul Asylum, the iconic Minneapolis rockers who first made waves in the early 90s with their breakout album Grave Dancers Union. Known for their hit “Runaway Train,” the band brought high energy to the stage, delivering a set packed with the gritty, emotional sound that made them a staple of alternative rock. Frontman Dave Pirner’s distinctive voice was as raw and captivating as ever, and fans relished in sing-alongs to songs like “Misery” and “Somebody to Shove.” Their performance set the perfect tone for what would be a night filled with 90s nostalgia.
Then, it was Stone Temple Pilots’ turn. Although the band is without their original frontman, Scott Weiland – who tragically passed away in 2015 – Jeff Gutt, the band’s current vocalist, captured the essence of Weiland’s presence. His voice, energy, and movements made it feel like Weiland was still there, commanding the stage.Fans weren’t surprised by what STP opened with or their primary setlist focus, as they were featuring the play-through of Purple. Released in 1994, Purple followed the success of their debut album Core, and there was a lot of pressure for the second album to deliver. It did just that, selling over 8 million copies, winning a Grammy, and producing hits like “Interstate Love Song,” “Vasoline,” and “Big Empty.” The evolution of sound from Core to Purple showed that STP was more than just another grunge band from the ’90s – it was the beginning of something bigger.
One of the night’s standout moments came when Gutt left the stage and walked along the barrier, singing directly to fans in the first few rows. It set the tone for an interactive, high-energy performance. The venue was packed with die-hard fans belting out every word to all 11 tracks of Purple.
Another highlight of the night came during the transition from Purple to Core-era tracks when Richard Patrick of Filter joined guitarist Dean DeLeo, bassist Robert DeLeo, and drummer Eric Kretz on stage. Patrick, who was in town with Filter for a show at the Xfinity Center the next night, helped launch into the opening notes of “Hey Man, Nice Shot,” sending the crowd into a frenzy. Beyond Patrick’s cameo, it was a special moment for fans of the supergroup Army of Anyone, as the stage now featured three of the four band members: Richard Patrick and the DeLeo brothers. The only missing member was Ray Luzier, who’s currently touring with Korn. The band released their self-titled album in 2006, and the surprise reunion was a thrilling treat for long-time fans.
STP continued their set with some of the biggest hits from Core, including “Plush” and “Dead & Bloated.” The night’s final surprise came when Alice Cooper’s guitarist, Tommy Henriksen, joined the band for a powerhouse performance of “Sex Type Thing.”
From start to finish, Stone Temple Pilots delivered a performance that was a testament to their enduring ability to rock. It was a night full of energy, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments, proving once again why they remain one of the most iconic bands of their era.
But the show wasn’t over yet – Live was still to come. Taking the stage just before 10 PM, Ed Kowalczyk, sporting a Hawaiian shirt and aviators, wasted no time diving into “Top,” “All Over You,” and “Selling the Drama” – all from their hugely successful album Throwing Copper.Released in 1994, Throwing Copper produced multiple Billboard chart-toppers like “I Alone” and “Lightning Crashes.” The album sold over 10 million copies and held the #1 spot on the Modern Rock Billboard charts for an impressive 10 weeks.
However, Live didn’t limit their set to just Throwing Copper classics. They treated fans to tracks from Secret Samadhi like “Freaks,” “Lakini’s Juice,” and “Turn My Head.” They also dipped into The Distance to Here with “The Dolphin’s Cry” and went way back to their debut album Mental Jewelry, performing “Pain Lies on the Riverside.”
There is a deep history to this band. They have gone through their share of highs and lows, but they always prevail. The energy is still vibrant and alive, just as it was when four young best friends from PA decided to start this journey. Kowalczyk, the heartbeat of the band, has an amazing group of talented musicians that have joined him. Each adds dimension and character to the band. The energy of Chris Heerlein on bass and Zak Loy on lead guitar is infectious. Add Johnny Radelat on drums and Nick Jay on keys, and all of them seamlessly fall into a beautiful new evolution of the band that we all fell in love with during the ’90s.
The band played their newly released single “Lady Bhang (She Got Me Rollin’),” which features Dean DeLeo from Stone Temple Pilots. The song plays into the sounds that Live has been known for all these years while again showcasing the next step in Live’s story.
Kowalczyk joked with the crowd during “Shit Towne” that the song was about the town he grew up in, and that it still very much is a “shit town.” During “I Alone,” he introduced all the members of the band, each having their moment to take center stage and shine. He led the crowd in a sing-along to end “I Alone.” It was a great lead-in to the final song of the night.
One of the night’s standout moments came during “Lightning Crashes,” when Kowalczyk led the crowd in a powerful sing-along to the chorus. The energy in the Xfinity Center was electric, with thousands of fans belting out the lyrics in unison, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that perfectly captured the spirit of the evening.
It was a perfect way to end the night. Live continues to show they are a powerhouse in the music scene and that they are not done pushing the possibilities of what is next.
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