Stabbing Westward delivers!!!
by L. B. on 10/5/19The Depot - Salt Lake CityThis was a great show! I hadn’t seen them in years and they were definitely worth the wait! I even got to meet the band before the show, great group of guys!
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Stabbing Westward In Concert
During alternative rock's 1990s heyday, Stabbing Westward was one of the most popular industrial bands next to Nine Inch Nails and Filter. With a mix of pulsating beats, snarling metallic guitars, and ominous synthesizers — all held together by vocalist Christopher Hall's ferocious, anguished vocals — the group put a fresh spin on the genre.
Hall and keyboardist/programmer Walter Flakus originally co-founded Stabbing Westward in the '80s, while serving as DJs at their college radio station at Western Illinois University. (The duo allegedly took the band's name from a snippet of a President Eisenhower speech found on an LP cover.) The pair eventually moved to the industrial music mecca Chicago and self-released a 1992 EP before inking a major label deal with Columbia Records.
The 1994 cult classic Ungod led to tours with Depeche Mode and Killing Joke, and set up Stabbing Westward for future success. Most notably, 1996's gold-certified Wither Blister Burn & Peel spawned two MTV and alternative and mainstream rock radio hits: the creepy electro-rocker "What Do I Have To Do?" and "Shame," the latter a song brimming with searing metallic fury. Two years later, the gold-selling 1998 effort, Darkest Days, launched another Top 20 modern rock radio hit with the keyboard-heavy, aggressive "Save Yourself."
The band split up in 2002, although its principal members stayed busy; most notably, Hall formed and toured with The Dreaming. However, Stabbing Westward booked two reunion shows in 2016, after Flakus and '90s-era guitarist Mark Eliopulos returned to the fold. The concerts were so successful, Stabbing Westward made their return permanent. In fall 2018, the band marked the 20th anniversary of Darkest Days with a U.S. tour where they played the album in full. Despite the time away, Stabbing Westward hasn't lost a step: Their stage presence is moody and full of dramatic lighting, which only amplifies the angst and melodrama built into the music.
This was a great show! I hadn’t seen them in years and they were definitely worth the wait! I even got to meet the band before the show, great group of guys!
These guys broke up when I was in high school, and at the time, I was a bit bummed out, but I didn't realize what it meant that a band had broken up. My chance to see them live was gone. I had only been to a few live shows at that point in my life, so I didn't have the perspective I do at this point in my life. So, when I found out that Stabbing Westward was back, thanks to an email from the venue, I was both shocked that they were back together, and intrigued. I tried to get friends to go with me, but either they had never heard of them (their loss!) or they had to work, so I had to go to this show solo. Didn't stop me from meeting some really cool folks that evening, and I had a blast hanging out with them all. To be honest, I wasn't even that excited to see Stabbing Westward, because I had no idea what to expect from their music live. If you've ever liked their music (I assume you do, if you're reading this), then go see them. Just trust me on this one. Top 5 show for me, easy, and I've seen enough shows that I'd struggle to come up with a number. Likely over 100 in the past couple decades. Oh, and budget some time to meet the guys, they're incredibly down to earth and genuinely nice guys to hang out with. I cannot stress this enough, first time ever meeting them, and I feel like I have new friends. They may or may not remember me, but I'll never forget this night. I never knew that I was missing out on seeing Stabbing Westward live. Now that I've seen them once, I'll definitely make it a point to see them again, had such a great time. As far as the venue itself, The Depot is very much a favorite. Nice and cozy, without feeling too crowded.
All the hits and more. Thought they done a great job!!
They played more than half of Darkest Days and most of their other awesome songs. Chris Hall can still sing, Walter can still play, and these guys are more than worth the price of admission.
Still sounds as great as ever and the Playlist was fantastic.
They played all of my favorite songs. Performed well and sounded good. Those guys are pretty funny too. I've been to that venue a bunch of times so I knew what to expect there.
This show was Awesome! Meka Nism was direct support and rocked the House of Blues. Stabbing Westward put on an absolutely killer show. The guys were also extremely gracious afterwards, meeting and talking to fans! 🤘🤘🤘
Just like they were when I saw them back in high school - if you are a fan you have to see this show - met the guys and they are down to earth awesome people too
Amazing show at an incredible venue!!!! Band was very engaging with audience!!!!! Must see!!!!!
I bought the tickets for my husband for Valentine’s Day. We were looking forward to sitting down at center stage that’s why i bought the tickets. It was changed to the loft I couldnt see anything because I’m short. I became very sick after drinking the cranberry juice that was served at the bar. I mentioned several times to the bartenders that it didn’t taste right. They kept serving it regardless. I was sick when I got home. Our experience was not good.
Show was fantastic! The music was great, sound was very nice. The band is really interactive with the crowd, which I love! One of the best shows I’ve been to. I never knew what to expect with Stabbing Westward during the show!
Great show. They sound better live than tbey do on thier albums. I was blown away. They played a long set from songs off all of their albums. We met Chris afterwords. He was very friendly and full of energy. I will definitely see them again.
The tickets where a birthday present for my husband. We ended up getting picked to go to the sound check and we got to meet the band. They are amazing guys. They sound even better in person than on their albums. It was an amazing experience.
Super tight performance. Glad to see they're continuing with this project.
The band is better than ever!!! Amazing show!!!!Great venue+setlist!!!!