Even on their most horrible of days, Velvet Revolver holds a sweet spot in my heart. Stone Temple Pilots were not only (debatably) the first “alternative” band on the scene, but they were also my first and still one of my top 5’s. For better or worse (as most would say) Scott Weiland is one of my personal 4 “Rock Gods” and although I had met him, I had never had the opportunity to see him perform…

Fortunately for me, and everyone else in NYC’s Nokia Theater last night, it certainly was not their most horrible of days. Weiland, Slash, Duff, Matt Sorum and Dave Kushner stood up to all the expectations placed on a bunch of superstar musicians, put away their differences, and banded together like a team to create nearly 2 hours of musical glory.

I’ve never really been able to pin point if I really loved the music of Velvet Revolver, or if I really loved the pieces that made up the band. They’re this hybrid of rock super stardom and seeing artists of that caliber all play together; in any capacity is a mind blowing experience for almost any rock and roll fan. Last night’s cover’s were what really made the show for me, namely seeing Weiland front STP’s hit “Vasoline” which I never got to see live when STP was actually a band. Then, as part of their first encore they covered Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here”. Normally I would need to say no more than that, but they also played it with SLASH ON THE DOUBLNECK, ok now I need say no more.

Additionally, they of course had to play a little Guns N’ Roses and did so with a sick rendition of “It’s So Easy” (last time around they tried to play “Mr. Brownstone” and were subsequently sued by you-know-who), moved on to the Talking Heads “Psycho Killer” and then closed the show/took down the house with their own hit single “Slither”.

Weiland, for all he’s done to himself, has still got it. Although slightly weathered, his performance ability has (fortunately) suffered very little as a result. He is the quintessential front man, charismatic and endurance charged. Flanked by such extreme talent as Slash on the guitar and Duff McKagan on bass and Matt Sorum on drums, it was a mind-trip back to a time when rock and roll ruled the earth and guitar solos actually existed. I love nothing more than a good old fashion rock show and Velvet Revolver definitely delivered.

Written by B.