On an unseasonably cool August Saturday night, The St. Louis Music Park was set ablaze by the high-octane energy of Bush as they delivered a memorable performance on their Loaded: Greatest Hits tour. With a sold-out crowd in attendance, the band showed no signs of slowing down, offering a powerful set that spanned their 30-year career, much to the delight of fans both old and new.
The night kicked off with Tim Montana, who warmed up the crowd with his gritty, high-energy performance, setting the tone for the evening. But it was Candlebox, veterans of the Seattle grunge scene, who truly ignited the audience. In what is part of their final run of shows, Candlebox delivered a nostalgic, hard-hitting 45-minute set that had the crowd rocking from start to finish. The band’s emotional intensity, knowing these are among their last performances, was palpable, and the crowd responded with enthusiasm.
Next up was Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell, who brought a mix of his solo work and classic Alice in Chains hits. His renditions of “Rooster” and “Man in the Box” had the audience singing along, showcasing Cantrell’s enduring talent and the timeless quality of his music. His set was a masterclass in rock, blending dark, moody undertones with soaring, electrifying guitar riffs that reverberated through the park.
As the lights dimmed and the anticipation built, Bush took the stage, and the crowd erupted. The band leaned heavily on tracks from their seminal 1994 album Sixteen Stone, with hits like “Everything Zen,” “Comedown,” and “Glycerine” taking the audience on a trip down memory lane. But this wasn’t just a nostalgia act—Bush seamlessly wove in newer songs, which were met with just as much enthusiasm, proving that their music has continued to evolve while staying true to the sound that made them famous. Songs like “Flowers on a Grave,” and “More than Machines” seemed to go over just as well as man of the band’s classic songs which is a true rarity.
Frontman Gavin Rossdale was a force of nature. His boundless energy and dynamic stage presence belied the fact that he’s been doing this for three decades. Rossdale’s voice was as powerful and emotive as ever, delivering each lyric with a raw intensity that connected deeply with the audience. His performance reminded everyone why he remains one of the most underrated frontmen in rock.
The band’s tight musicianship was on full display, with thunderous drums, driving bass lines, and searing guitar solos that filled the open-air venue. The chemistry among the members was evident, and their passion for performing was contagious. The crowd, feeding off this energy, sang along, danced, and relished every moment of the show.
As the night drew to a close, Bush left the stage to a roaring ovation, having delivered a set that was both a celebration of their storied past and a testament to their ongoing relevance in the rock scene. The Loaded: Greatest Hits tour may be rooted in nostalgia, but Bush’s performance in St. Louis proved that they are far from a band resting on their laurels. Instead, they’re still pushing forward, still rocking hard, and still captivating audiences with every note.
For those in attendance, it was a night to remember—a reminder of why Bush has endured for so long and a celebration of the timeless power of rock music.
