Words and Photos: Kyle Mueller
Chicago’s summer nights offer a unique blend of urban energy and lakeside tranquility, a tradition dating back to the city’s founding in 1833. The Huntington Bank Pavilion, nestled along the city’s iconic skyline, provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable outdoor concerts, a practice that gained popularity in the late 19th century with the rise of amusement parks and outdoor theaters.
And on this particular evening, the “Jubilee Tour” featuring Stone Temple Pilots, Live, and Soul Asylum delivered a nostalgia-fueled celebration of ’90s rock, a decade that saw a resurgence of alternative rock and grunge music, following the popularity of bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam in the early 1990s.
Soul Asylum, the opening act, warmed up the crowd with their signature blend of gritty grunge and heartfelt melodies. Led by frontman Dave Pirner, the band delivered a high-energy set that showcased their enduring appeal. Classic hits like “Runaway Train” and “Misery” had the audience singing along, while newer tracks like “Somebody to Shove” hinted at their continued creative evolution. Soul Asylum, formed in Minneapolis in 1982, became a significant part of the alternative rock scene in the 1990s, known for their raw sound and socially conscious lyrics.
Next up was Stone Temple Pilots, who marked the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking album Purple with a front-to-back performance. With Jeff Gutt at the helm, the band’s raw power and melodic sensibilities were on full display. Hits like “Vasoline” and “Interstate Love Song” ignited the crowd, creating a palpable sense of excitement. The DeLeo brothers and Eric Kretz, original members of the band, added a touch of history and authenticity to the performance. Stone Temple Pilots, formed in San Diego in 1989, rose to fame in the early 1990s with their unique blend of alternative rock and grunge.
Live, the headliner, closed out the night with a setlist heavily focused on their classic album Throwing Copper. Ed Kowalczyk, the band’s original vocalist, delivered a powerful performance that transported the audience back to the early ’90s. The band’s energetic stage presence and tight musicianship made for a memorable finale, culminating in the iconic “Lightning Crashes”. Live, formed in York, Pennsylvania, in 1989, achieved mainstream success in the 1990s with their melodic alternative rock sound and heartfelt lyrics.
The “Jubilee Tour” was a remarkable celebration of ’90s rock. With its impressive lineup and picturesque setting, the concert was a standout event of Chicago’s summer. The performance showcased the timeless appeal of these classic bands and left a lasting impression on the audience.
JUBILEE 2024 TOUR DATES:
Fri Aug 16 Concord, CA @ Toyota Pavilion at Concord # ^
Sat Aug 17 Inglewood, CA @ YouTube Theater # ^
Mon Aug 19 Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre #
Thu Aug 22 Houston, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman #
Fri Aug 23 Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion #
Sat Aug 24 Rogers, AR @ Walmart Amp +
Tue Aug 27 Pelham, AL @ Oak Mountain Amphitheatre +
Wed Aug 28 Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre #
Fri Aug 30 Jacksonville, FL @ Dally’s Place +
Sat Aug 31 Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre +
Sun Sep 1 Raleigh, NC @ The Red Hat Amphitheater #
Sun Sep 4 Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live +
Thu Sep 5 Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center +
Fri Sep 6 Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center +
Sun Sep 8 Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage #
Tue Sep 10 Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center #
Wed Sep 11 Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island +
Sat Sep 14 Milwaukee, WI @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater +
Sun Sep 15 Indianapolis, IN @ Ruoff Music Center #
# Stone Temple Pilots closes show
+ +LIVE+ closes show
^ with Our Lady Peace
For more information on Stone Temple Pilots visit:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
About Author
