Temple Of The Dog Celebrate Seattle's Musical History

Temple Of The Dog w/ Fantastic Negrito
Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA
11.20.16

Saying that this was the most anticipated show of 2016, let alone this quarter of a century, would be an understatement of epic proportions. I thought getting Adele tickets was a next to impossible feat. Well, try to get tickets for Temple Of The Dog. A tour that no one ever thought would happen.

After all it was only 25 years ago this band – one we would now consider a super group – came together to release their one and only album, 1991’s self-titled Temple Of The Dog. Outside a handful of shows in Seattle the group had never toured. This 8 show, 5 city tour was a first, and special.

A little history behind the importance of this historic tour, ending in two sold out nights in Seattle: TOTD consists of Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Matt Cameron from Pearl Jam. Ament and Gossard had been in Mother Love Bone, one of the most iconic Seattle bands, featuring singer Andrew Wood. MLB was about to release their debut album Apple in 1990 when Wood died.

TOTD came together the same year, when Ament and Gossard were approached by Woods’ roommate, Cornell, to record a few songs as a tribute to their friend. Those few songs turned into an entire album, and the group’s name references a line from the MLB song “Man of Golden Words.”

The Seattle date (and subsequently added second night) sold out in minutes. After all, this is where it all began. So it was no surprise that everyone would want to witness history on stage from the city of its birth. The Paramount Theatre was a beautiful choice for the shows, big, but with an intimate vibe. Many were upset that it sold out so quickly, arguing that it should have been held at KeyArena. Regardless, the insane line spanned across the street just to get into the show. All of Seattle seemed to be out for this historic first evening.

Oakland, California’s Fantastic Negrito was the opening act. He played tracks from his 2016 album, The last Days of Oakland. A dynamic and powerful 45 minute set showcased his self-proclaimed “blues with a punk attitude.” It was a really fun set that got the crowd up, and built even more anticipation for what was to come.

TOTD hit the minimally-set stage exactly at 9:30pm. The band members walked on to massive applause and screams. Everyone was instantly on their feet, and proceeded to stay standing for the entire night. As I looked around at the crowd’s smiling faces, we are all in awe, witnessing history in Seattle.

“Say Hello to Heaven” started off the evening and Cornell’s iconic voice soared above all the screams.
Watching McCready tear through solo after ripping solo, while Cameron’s thunderous drum sound laid down the grove alongside bassist Ament was enthralling. Gossard moved and interacted with everyone, showing how magical their performance could be.

Cornell’s humor exuded, as he announced, “This is show 7 of a grueling 8 show tour. Huge relief to be here in Seattle. Most of the songs were written here. Heavily influenced by those in this room and in this place. So 25 years later we are here, so thank you very much.”

“Written to celebrate Andrew Wood,” he continued, “We are going to play the entire album, and play a bunch of other songs we have all been involved with and/or influenced by.”

Numerous stories were shared as the band members each have a long history of music and friendship, for nearly 30 years. Cornell explained that Gossard was the roommate he wanted to get after his brother moved out, but Gossard instead suggested Wood, who eventually moved in with Cornell. “Andrew said he would be down for part of paying rent and never did. He was charming like that.”

Cornell also mentioned the Seattle connection to Chicago. All the other bands these players are in have a member from Chicago. Eddie Vedder, Tom Morello, Kim Thayal, all friends and bandmates hailing from Chicago, all obsessed with the idea of the Cubs in the World Series. “We would like to dedicate this song to the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series,” he said, as they broke into “I’m A Mover.”

The entire evening was magical. The musicianship and dynamic chemistry on stage made it a memorable performance of the songs, in tribute to a fallen friend. Everyone was signing along. You can’t put the history aside. Wood’s spirit and legacy was still celebrated 25 years after the album’s release. It was simply amazing to witness members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam on the Paramount stage, something special that many never thought possible.

TOTD’s two and a half hour performance for an incredibly fortunate crowd was one for the record books. With Wood smiling down, everyone witnessed their hometown heroes delivering greatness.

Temple Of The Dog Set List
Intro: Man of Golden Words (Mother Love Bone – Piano Instrumental)
Say Hello 2 Heaven
Wooden Jesus
Call Me a Dog
Your Saviour
Stardog Champion (Mother Love Bone cover)
Stargazer (Mother Love Bone cover)
Seasons (Chris Cornell song from the “Singles” Movie Soundtrack)
Jump Into The Fire (Harry Nilsson Cover)
Four Walled World
I’m a Mover (Free cover)
Pushing Forward Back
Hunger Strike
Hey Baby (New Rising Sun) (Jimi Hendrix cover)
Heartshine (Mother Love Bone cover)
River of Deceit (Mad Season cover)
Holy Roller (Mother Love Bone cover)
Reach Down
Encore
Man of Golden Words (Mother Love Bone cover)
Baby Lemonade (Syd Barrett cover)
Times Of Trouble
Achilles Last Stand (Led Zeppelin cover)
Holy Holy (David Bowie cover)
Fascination Street (The Cure cover)
War Pigs (Black Sabbath cover)
Encore 2
All Night Thing