While snow fell down last Thursday outside the House of Blues, so did Scott Weiland’s high. Weiland, the headlining act for the Q101 3-Day Twisted 15 run, put on a rather melodramatic performance.
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Q101 Twisted X-Mas: Scott Weiland, Eagles of Death Metal and Cold War Kids
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 Entertainment
 Art
House of Blues
Chicago, IL
December 18, 2008
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Kicking off the last night of Twisted 15 was the alternative rock band, Cold War Kids. The intensity of front man Nathan Willett brought the crowd to their feet and the energy through the roof. The boys from Long Beach played the favorites including, “Hang Me up To Dry,” and “Hospital Beds.” With high energy, expressive lyrics, and astounding vocals, confusion set in amongst the fans following their set; talking amongst themselves on why the ‘Kids’ weren’t the evenings headlining act.
Following the ‘Kids’, were the Eagles of Death Metal who were playing the last show from their latest U.S. tour. Although they are far from death metal music they put on an illustrious show. Drummer for EODM,and front man for the Queens of the Stone Age, Josh Homme, was a no show and in his place was the drummer of QOTSA’s Joey Castillo. Jesse Hughes, singer for EODM, was his usual charismatic and vibrant self; entertaining the crowd with their innovative rock and roll songs and comedic presence. “I Want You So Hard,” and “Speaking in Tongues,” ended their set getting the crowd pumped up for Weiland.
With a cigarette in hand, aviator glasses covering his glossy eyes, and slanted hat making him irresistible to the ladies in the front row; Wieland took the stage. Arriving thirty minutes late, it was clear after a few songs that Weiland was on something other than just an adrenaline rush. While the women roared and cheered with their matching Wieland shirts, others were not such fans. Sour faces began to pop-up amongst the crowd and throughout the night faces disappeared.
As the face of Stone Temple Pilots, it was only necessary for him to redeem himself and play old hits. “Interstate Love Song,” got the crowd going again, but it was his slurred speeches and dreary face in between songs that brought the energy back down. Wieland did hold his composure with his usual expression to music; he glided around the stage like a figure skater, often dancing to his own beat. Later giving a simple speech stating, “Music is music, and art is art.” He spoke about his influences and his episodes of drug use.
It was clear though that Weiland may have not moved past the difficult times in his life, maybe another session of rehab would do him justice. Otherwise, a cold shower, a few Advil, and a step backward to STP; solo performing just doesn’t seem to be his thing.
Although Scott Weiland was clearly the big name in a night of a 3-day run for Q101’s annual Twisted X-Mas shows, he is clearly a sum of his band’s parts. Without them, he is not the power punch the show clearly needed for a closer. Twisted X-Mas is an annual event for the holiday season and let’s hope the guys and gals at Q101 find a worthy closer for next year’s holiday rock n’ roll cheer.
* Photos of Scott Weiland by Photo Buddha
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