September 6, 2024 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ
Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry
The PNC Bank Arts Center provided the perfect backdrop on this cool, late summer evening as Holmdel NJ hosted a ’90s rock trifecta as three iconic bands—Soul Asylum, Stone Temple Pilots, and LIVE were about to take the stage for a night to remember on The Jubilee Tour celebrating the 30th Anniversary of “Throwing Copper” and “Purple.”
I’ve been a fan of these three since my 20’s. They populate many of my playlists to this day so I was excited to not only experience these bands live but also be in the fortunate position to review them. Each band brought their unique flair, making it a whirlwind through some of the most influential music of their era.
Soul Asylum had the shortest set list of the night but that certainly didn’t stop them from delivering a high energy performance to remember, kicking off the evening with their signature blend of grunge and alternative rock. Opening with “Somebody to Shove” they immediately tapped into the crowd’s collective memory, eliciting a wave of cheers and sing-alongs. The band’s energy was palpable, led by Dave Pirner’s distinctive voice and engaging stage presence. Hits like “Black Gold” and “Runaway Train” followed, each delivered with a mix of nostalgia and fresh intensity. Pirner, ever the charismatic frontman, shared anecdotes and interacted with the audience, making it clear that despite the years, Soul Asylum remains a formidable live act.
Stone Temple Pilots took the stage next, and the atmosphere shifted to an even higher gear. The band’s set was a masterclass in ’90s rock, opening with “Meatplow” followed immediately by the high-octane hit “Vaseline”. Admittedly not the same without Scott Weiland, Jeff Gutt led the charge on vocals with confidence and charisma as the band delivered an impressive performance that balanced reverence for their past hits with a fresh, dynamic energy. Gutt’s voice, while distinctly different from Weiland’s, brought its own compelling intensity to classics like “Plush” and “Interstate Love Song.” The crowd was on their feet, lost in the raucous joy of familiar tunes, and the band’s tight musicianship and vibrant performance were a testament to their enduring appeal.
LIVE took the stage next to complete the circle with their powerful and emotive rock sound. They opened with “Top” followed by “All Over You” and it was clear from the first notes that the crowd was deeply engaged. Ed Kowalczyk’s commanding voice and the band’s richly layered sound made for a captivating experience. The setlist was a journey through their greatest hits, including “I Alone” and “The Dolphin’s Cry”, and closing with “Lightning Crashes.” Kowalczyk’s heartfelt delivery and the band’s impeccable musicianship resonated deeply with fans, and their performance felt both nostalgic and invigorating as we all sang along.
For each band, the visual and sonic elements of the show complemented the performance perfectly. The lighting design enhanced the mood of each song, shifting from the intense, pulsating lights, to some more subdued, atmospheric hues. The backdrops also complemented the lighting well as trippy, outer space type scenes shifted in and out with each note.
Overall, the evening was a throwback to my earlier days and made for a wonderful celebration of ’90s rock, with each band delivering performances that were both true to their classic sound and infused with a renewed energy. It was a night of three titans, each showcasing powerful vocals, and a shared appreciation for the music that defined a generation.
For more info please visit http://www.livetheband.com http://www.stonetemplepilots.com http://www.soulasylum.com