Stone Temple Pilots at the Opry

Often derided as post-grunge knock-offs riding the coattails of the alt-rock movement's left-field success in the early '90s, Stone Temple Pilots have put themselves under the critical gun once again as they take on the even worse epithet of "reunited." Falling into rock star cliche when the band broke up in 2003 due to front man Scott Weiland's rampant substance abuse, the band left behind a dubious catalog--openly commercial but always sneaking into brilliance--before Weiland took over now-defunct Velvet Revolver. Judging from recent live reviews, frothing fans have a 50/50 shot at whether or not the revived STP will be clean and sober--or even in key--as Weiland seems to have shredded his vocal ability over the years. But, as always, that flip of the coin could mean continued march into rock oblivion, or against-all-odds greatness. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club opens.
Sun., Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m., 2008