Meta Description: Stone Temple Pilots and Live celebrate their 30th anniversaries with a co-headlining tour. Read about the opening night and how these bands continue to build their rock legacy.
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Stone Temple Pilots and Live launched their highly anticipated co-headlining tour with an electrifying performance in Concord, California, on Friday, Aug. 16. The tour marks a significant milestone in both bands’ careers, as they celebrate the 30th anniversaries of their landmark albums, cementing their place in rock legacy.
Live, whose 1994 album Throwing Copper became a commercial juggernaut with hits like “Lightning Crashes” and “I Alone,” shared the stage with Stone Temple Pilots, whose 1994 release Purple solidified them as one of the most influential rock acts of the era. Both bands paid homage to their respective albums during the concert, although each took a unique approach to their performance.
Live Delivers a ‘Time Machine’ Set
After a dynamic opening act by fellow ‘90s rockers Our Lady Peace, Live took the stage as the first headliner of the night. Frontman Ed Kowalczyk, the band’s only remaining original member, guided the audience through a musical journey that spanned 30 years of their rock legacy. The setlist heavily featured songs from Throwing Copper, with eight of the 14 tracks hailing from the iconic album.
Kowalczyk quipped about “jumping in a time machine” as the band delivered powerful renditions of their classic hits while also introducing new material. Their performance of “Lady Bhang (She Got Me Rollin’),” a brand new song, proved that Live continues to evolve while honoring their roots. The crowd erupted during “The Dolphin’s Cry” and the intense “Lakini’s Juice,” showcasing the enduring appeal of Live’s music.
Stone Temple Pilots Honor Purple with Full Album Performance
The night’s final performance came from Stone Temple Pilots, who chose to celebrate their rock legacy by performing Purple in its entirety. The band kicked off with the raw energy of “Meatplow,” quickly transitioning to fan-favorite “Vaseline,” which had the entire audience singing along. The nostalgic set was a fitting tribute to the album that has become synonymous with the band’s name.
Jeff Gutt, now seven years into his role as Stone Temple Pilots’ lead singer, confidently led the band through the set. Despite following in the footsteps of iconic frontmen Chester Bennington and Scott Weiland, Gutt has firmly established his place within the band’s rock legacy. He acknowledged the band’s storied history by introducing classic members Dean DeLeo (guitar), Robert DeLeo (bass), and Eric Kretz (drums), before launching into the full Purple album performance.
Notably, the Concord show marked the first live performance of “Kitchenware & Candybars” in 22 years, a rare treat for fans. To close the night, Stone Temple Pilots delighted the audience with additional hits like “Plush” and “Sex Type Thing,” ensuring their rock legacy remains strong.
The tour continues through the end of summer, with the final concert scheduled for Sept. 15 in Indianapolis. Stone Temple Pilots and Live are set to deliver more memorable performances as they celebrate their enduring contributions to rock music.
