STP @ PNC

Billed as the "return of the rock" tour by k-rock, STP and opening act Filter performed last night,(supported by Ashes Divide, whom I did not get to see) amidst the ever-pending threat of thunderstorms at PNC. Thankfully, the weather pretty much cooperated and we didn't get caught in a downpour, although the frequent bolts of lightening which streaked across the night sky, did add a certain amount of elemental danger to the later portion of the show. The threat of electrocution always does though.
The much hyped reunion of STP was my main motivation for attending the show, but I was surprised by Filter. My only expectation of them was to hear "Hey man nice shot" live, but "Trip like I do", and "Take a picture" were also really good.
Filter left the stage around 9:30pm. The anticipation for STP started to swell, and then swell some more, and then take on a sort of restless edge. PNC stops serving beer at 10pm, the venue supposedly closes at 11pm, (with fines issued to performers for every minute after 11pm that they play) As the energy in the crowd started to reach it's nervous, anger apex, around 10:30pm STP finally took the stage. Rumor has it, the delay was because Weiland refused to leave his bus. Whether this is true or not, and if true whether that was just temperamental rock star diva-esque antics, or something else, the long delay had visions of a canceled performance and testosterone, beer fueled melee ensuing, dancing in my head. Thank Loki for small favors.
Weiland looks the rock star part. Emaciated. It's hard to imagine that he's the same front man that started with STP in the mid 90's. There were definitely sound issues last night. At times the vocals sounded a little thin and reedy (or maybe that was just due to where I was on the lawn) but they delivered all their hits.
Thankfully they played until midnight, because a half hour set again brought visions of riots dancing in my head.
I think STP maybe has to find their mojo as a band again after not playing together for so long. I'd be interested to see how their performance progresses. Especially later on this summer when they open for The Red Hot Chili Peppers. (which probably would be a great show) I kind of think without the added pressure of being the headliners, they probably would have a much tighter set. But, I'm glad I got the chance to see them live, and I'm glad that other than a few rain droplets, (and scary as all shit lightening bolts, the thunder almost indiscernible over the music) the weather held out, I'm also especially happy there weren't any riots.
And just like that, my summer concert season is off and running.
Next up: The cure. I'm sure I won't have to worry about any riots at that show. Some maudlin posturing maybe, but definitely no threat of any bodily harm.