Stone Temple Pilots storm the Maurice Jones Stage at Download

One of the greatest rock bands of all time put on an incredible gig ahead of Aerosmith's closing set

Whether it was the rowdy groove of Between The Lines or the snaking hips of Scott Weiland (during any song) Stone Temple Pilots were always raw, real and raucous when they played Download.

Ther band were simply and utterly transcendent. The psychedelic hum beginning Vasoline gave way to an otherworldly rock show that saw the band reaching heights that only their heroes have attained. Wicked Garden out across the Main Stage arena on the coattails of Dean DeLeo's flawless riffing and Robert DeLeo's impenetrable bass. 

Eric Kretz's drum stomp propelled the groove as the brothers DeLeo hit each note with palpable passion. Simultaneously, Scott Weiland's vocals showed a pristine purity that matched his unbreakable stage swagger. 

Each chorus resounded through the night as Weiland poured his soul out through the PA.

Scott windmilling away with his trademark megaphone in hand.

The hazy fuzz of new material Between the Lines and the country swagger of Hickory Dichotomy stood seamlessly alongside the band's classic fare because they played the most recent material with an unbridled fervor. 

Dean's guitar solo at the beginning of Big Empty was engaging and entrancing. As he slid down the fretboard, he continued to solidify his status as a modern guitar god. 

Meanwhile, Scott unleashed the powerful timeless hook with every inch of his spirit.

The band then launched into classic radio smash Plush as the audience roared in approval at Scott's sly intro.
 
After Sex Type Thing, the band left the stage victoriously only to return with an epic climax combo of Dead and Bloated and .

As Scott roared, "I'm not dead and I'm not for sale" it was impossible not to feel him and it was also impossible not to see that Stone Temple Pilots are one of the greatest rock bands of all time.