This one's a tough call. I was there following the band around the entire midwest from 00-02 - I remember the acoustic set, the giant gong, and Weiland's hot, naked ass with the American flag. I remember him flaying around and throwing himself on stage, then popping up to spin wildly 'round in circles.
And I was there again in '08 for their "reunion" gig. And, though I wasn't travelling to the extreme lengths I did years before, I was still willing to follow the band outside my home city to see them whenever they were close. But I'm older now. Married. No longer a teenager able to go where I please when I please and spend wildly and with abandon. The days of blowing $300 on merchandise at a single show are gone.
I guess like me, the band too, has gotten older. Scooter no longer races back and forth on stage, his delicious sweat pouring all over the front row. He's calmer, more reserved. No longer on the hard drugs, but by many accounts, bogged down with booze.
Part of me misses that crazy, insane energy. But the other part of me is enjoying the fact that my favorite band in the whole wide world is back (!!!!!), alive, and still performing. Every time I go to a show, I think of how lucky I am to be there witnessing the absolute magic that this foursome brings to the stage - with or without Weiland's "crazy stage antics."
So yes, they've slowed down. But they're still putting on A+ shows, delivering their hits, and dammit, giving it all they have - even if their all is weighed down with thoughts of "Daddy, when are you coming home?"
I am totally stoked about the idea of a new record. And a 20th anniversary surprise? C'mon - anyone else hoping for that long-awaited live DVD?
