A mid-week rock & roll show was just what the crowd at Budweiser Gardens in London needed. Fans of all ages came together for a nostalgic night with Stone Temple Pilots, Seether and Default on November 7th. 

Before I even get into this, first things first. This was my first time seeing STP however I feel like it has to be acknowledged that when thinking of STP or hearing STP the first thing that comes to mind is Scott Weiland. Not remembering his legacy would be a shame since lets face it, he was as rock and roll as they come and the rock world was a much more talented place with him in it. Any true STP fan would agree he is missed greatly.

With that being said, now lead singer Jeff Gutt who joined the band about a year ago has taken on the roll with ease and oozes charisma, stage presence and talent.

Opening the night was Default. No stranger to the stage Dallas Smith stepped out of his solo career and back into his role as lead singer of Default by reuniting with bandmates Jeremy Hora, Dave Benedict and Danny Craig and he brought along guitarist Darren Savard to add to the party. Although Default has been on hiatus for quite some time now you’d never know it with how tight they sounded onstage during their set. I grew up listening to Default and I can honestly say hearing them now just proves how much artists can grow with time and experience.

 

Canadian country music fans are very familiar with frontman Dallas Smith since he has been on one hell of a ride in the country music scene continually succeeding at every turn. Male Artist of the year at this years CCMA’s proves that his time on stage even solo has brought a whole new comfort and level of energy to the stage while joining forces with his old band.

The band rolled though their catalogue of songs including their #1 hits, “Wasting My Time”, “Count on Me” and “Deny”. Leading up to the tour the band released an album of Recuts that I would definitely suggest checking out if you haven’t already.

Seether was next to hit the Budweiser Gardens stage. From the moment this band took to the stage their was an energy in the arena that just kept building over the course of their set. The songs got heavier, the lights got brighter and the crowd well they just got louder and louder.

I think it’s safe to say which song was the crowd favourite of the night, the simple melodic guitar leading into “Broken” caused the crowd to erupt and had everyone singing at the top of their lungs. Seether rounded out the set with other crowd favourites “Remedy” and “Fake It”.

In the headlining spot for the night was Stone Temple Pilots who brought a steady stream of classic hits to the plate for the night. As I mentioned earlier new lead singer Jeff Gutt joined founding members Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, and Eric Kretz for one hell of a performance.

Fan’s were treated with a set that included five of the bands #1 hits as well as some new music from the band. I truly believe that with Jeff Gutt at the vocal helm they’ve found a vocal style, vibe and sound that resinates with STP fans.

Highlight of the night was without a doubt hearing “Plush” ringing through the arena with a heavy supply of backup vocals from the crowd who were rocking out to one of the most iconic STP songs. Another great night for the books at Budweiser Gardens.