Main Stage
Tonight’s set at Download is one of STP’s first live dates in the UK since their reformation in 2008, when singer Scott Weiland left supergroup Velvet Revolver to rejoin his former band. Unfortunately, despite the big occasion and the high slot on the bill, the US rockers are forced to play for one of the smallest crowds of the day, thanks to the first heavy downpour of the festival. Download’s third and final day had started well, weather-wise, but earlier this afternoon, the heavens opened and there was a mass exodus for the campsite. However, any feeling of pity soon passes as Stone Temple Pilots take to the stage and are met by a warm cheer from the loyal crowd that has gathered at the Main Stage.
While the festival audience may have dwindled, the Californian four-piece appear in good spirits as they take up their instruments. Some could argue that Weiland in particular might be in too high a spirit. As the band burst straight into set-opener ‘Vasoline’, the frontman attempts to put the sour evening into a cheerier light, dancing up to the microphone twirling an umbrella, in true Gene Kelly fashion.
STP bring out all the old favourites, such as ‘Sex Type Thing’, ‘Wicked Garden’ and ‘Interstate Love Song’, much to the delight of the fans that are present. They also introduce a few of the newer tracks from their eponymous comeback album, including recent single ‘Between the Lines’. Although Weiland appears a bit inebriated, his slurred speech seems to disappear during the songs. He is on typically good form, dancing about the stage, singing into a megaphone and strutting along the platform that has been set up for Aerosmith’s headlining slot. From here, he instigates a mass sing-along to early single ‘Plush’ by holding his microphone out to the drenched but enthusiastic crowd. There is one minor moment of embarrassment when he slips on the wet stage and almost tumbles to the floor. However, he manages to remain on his feet and carries on with the show.
Although Stone Temple Pilots fail to reach the benchmark set by some of the performances earlier in the weekend, their grinning faces prove a certain level of surprise and satisfaction with the response received on their return to the UK. As they take a bow, the cheer from the modest but appreciative festival audience suggests that the fans share this satisfaction. Hopefully, for their next visit, things will be a bit drier all round.