On Sunday July 22, the Revolution 3 Tour came to Rose Music Center to entertain Huber Heights and surrounding areas. The pavilion packed in, as early support Los Angeles electro-rockers Julien-K led the early performance. The Revolution began with The Cult and shaking shaded medicine men, Ian Astbury bringing hits from the ‘80s to present day. Bush brought the big hard rock radio tunes they’re known for and new life and energy was breathed into Stone Temple Pilots with vocalist Jeff Gutt with material from their new self-titled record and a nice collection of crowd favorites and classics.
Julien-K emerged strapped and fitted in dark leather and electronic aura. The West Coast noir was played against the fading evening sun with an unfortunate short but memorable set of originals and a closing cover remembering their history.
“Strange Invisible” opened things with synthesizers taking ears and minds back to the early electronic advent of the ‘80s. When new wave was new, the later metal titans of the decade were just beginning and Walkman’s were big and expensive.
Guitarist, vocalist Ryan Shuck joked, all these great bands on stage tonight and who the hell are we? The guitars cranked out the riffs and screeches of “Dark Cadence,” delivering the moody, sun streaked, blinding vibe of their So-Cal inspiration.
From the surf and Pacific horizonal inspiration, given to Shuck, California Noir ended the originals with “Photo Voltaire.” They reminded the crowd of their time in Orgy blasting out a final kiss goodnight and goodbye with “Blue Monday.”
The Cult came to The Rose sporting their own blood splattered petals with Astbury cloaked in black. The tambourine shaking wild child embraced and entranced the crowd introducing the “Wild Flower.” Tranquility in ceremony came with the “Rain” as guitars flared up getting heavier and louder on “Rise.”
Fans stood poised to worship as the doors of the Sonic Temple opened on “Edie (Ciao Baby)” and “Sweet Soul Sister.”
“Elemental Light” was the weapon of choice sweeping over the pavilion with a shot of old school Love from “The Phoenix.” The classics came with the vintage touch of “She Sells Sanctuary.” Astbury suggested the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame call The Grammy’s to put rock back on the marque, giving the crowd the hot, smoke filled embrace of the “Fire Woman” finishing with the electrified gypsy dance of “Love Removal Machine.”
Bush hit the stage with their rock show opening with “Machinehead” playing 11 tunes and a cover giving audience tastes of newer songs along with all the favorites and classics.
New, loud melodies continued on “This Is War.” The Sea of Memories came with “The Sound of Winter.”
Science mixed the “The Chemicals Between Us,” as the Razorblade Suitcase sprang open for “Swallowed.” “Everything Zen,” went back to the beginning. They played praise to mid-‘80s REM style on “The One I Love.”
A strong showcase of Sixteen Stone ended the show leaving everyone happy with “Glycerine,” “Little Things,” with a full range pavilion field trip by Gavin hitting the show’s peak before the “Comedown.”
Stone Temple Pilots arrived with new vitality and blood on the mic as Gutt took the stage, showcasing the best of his predecessors’ presence. They played what the crowd came for as the screen showered them with bright, rapid fire psychedelic, elemental and experimental images, shapes and colors.
The band known as a staple of the ‘90s grunge movement began the “Wicked Garden.” The stage went psychedelic themed ‘purple’ plunging into the “Vasoline.”
The smooth slither of “Big Bang Baby” played opposite the jamming, heavy clanking groove of sole No. 4 representative “Down.” The crowd moved and grooved to the relaxing cool bluesy charm of “Big Empty” as guitars and vocals took center stage as the pavilion sang along to “Plush.”
Gutt introduced his era with new tunes “Meadow” as butterflies took flight and “Roll Me Under” rang from the mountaintops. Fittingly they followed, going back to the Core on “Dead & Bloated.”
The Vatican got a final shout out on “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart,” finishing with their controversial MTV debut “Sex Type Thing.”
Images by Mike Ritchie
