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Big Empty, Wicked Garden... So Glad They Showed Up Print E-mail
Written by and photos by ANDREW GOODMAN   
Wednesday, 03 September 2008
As the crowd began to get restless, so did I. Minute after minute, the crowd started get louder and louder. Some even screaming obscenities at the stage and personal attacks. Their concerns seemed obvious and to be expected knowing the somewhat risky history of the band headlining this day of Bumbershoot. What if they don’t show? Is Scott feeling okay? One never knows these days, especially if you pay attention to the rampant internet speculation that things might not be okay in the house of STP.

Stone Temple Pilots
Entertainment
Art

Bumbershoot 2008
Seattle, WA
September 1, 2008
I was talking to one security guard who told me, “Honestly, I don’t even know if he’s here.” He wasn’t… But, the crisis was eventually averted. The tour bus pulled up and moments later, Scott Weiland stood center stage singing “Big Empty” in a cowboy hat and shades. It was like jumping into a time machine and getting out in 1996 and it was awesome.

With a dazzling array of lights, screens and the power of alt. rock in their grips, Stone Temple Pilots put on a great show. After “Wicked Garden” and holding a bullhorn, Scott Weiland told a story about coming to Bumbershoot when he was younger and always feeling comfortable because of the high number of freaks in attendance. The crowd seemed to get a rise from that story because the number of crowd surfers seemed to multiply exponentially.

Underneath the glow of the Space Needle, STP graced the packed crowd with killer song after killer song. It was truly a sight to see. Scott’s energy never died down and his voice sounded as good as ever. The audience looked like they were moving in sync with Weiland and singing for Weiland as if they were trying to build him up or keep him up on his feet. There was a sense that this might be that last time we are lucky enough to see this and that would be a shame.

I look forward to the next time I see Stone Temple Pilots as opposed to the time I tell a story about a great band that used to be or worst case, about a man that used to be.

Comments
Thanks for the thoughtful entry.
Written by Guest on 2008-09-03 12:31:50
Andrew- 
I never respond to these articles. I know that by saying that I already sound insincere, but nevertheless, I'm addicted to reading up on the progress of the STP tour. 
As a massive fan I'm used to the ups and downs of the "Weiland Watch". 
When he's happy and "on" there are few that can compare, but he's got some issues, that's for sure. It clear that substance abuse continues to rear it's head and the awful death of his brother likely still consumes him.  
For a performer like Scott, who perhaps may even be dealing with a bi-poler situation, he's dealing with everything out in the open. 
It's not an excuse to let the fans down and it's even more tough to deal with when he spouts off about being " all about the fans." Here's the deal though, I believe that he DOES care, but that doesn't mean he automatically knows how to dea with his feelings.  
 
I'm aware that I'm rambling, but I sense a bit of simpatico with you. 
 
You're final thought rings true with me as well.  
I hope that STP manages to keep it together and record a new album. Their last album was amazing, one of their best. I can only imagine that months of touring will improve their studio vibe. 
Scott's solo album and tour's success in November will likely determine STP's schedule. 
Thanks again for your thoughtful entry.
STP Shows
Written by Guest on 2008-09-03 20:07:32
Am very glad to hear that STP has done well since mid-August. Saw them at Jones Beach in New York on the 15th and they were enthused and into the crowd. Seems every review beginning after the first of August shows that the band was sharp, tight and happy to play together.  
 
I travel alot so i think i'm going to try to catch them on the road during the Fall. Looking forward to a new album from the band too.
WOW...
Written by Guest on 2008-09-04 01:32:58
This is the best article I've read in a long time about STP and Scott... good job.  
 
As a HUGE, die-hard fan, I so get where you're coming from. 
 
I agree with all of you - I hope that this isn't the last time we'll see them tour...

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