By Nate Follmer

Edited by Erica McNatt

Despite a power outage and illness threatening to derail the evening, Chevelle, Tigercub, and Return to Dust delivered a night of electrifying rock at Stage AE. Pittsburgh’s boundless energy was so high that it knocked out the power before Return to Dust could even hit the stage.

When the lights finally came back on, Return to Dust kicked off the show with their heavy, grunge-inspired sound. Drawing clear influences from Alice in Chains, their set was also infused with a touch of Queens of the Stone Age’s distinctive flair, particularly evident in their vocal delivery. Despite being relatively new to the scene, the band’s sound was impressively tight, and their stage presence rivaled that of seasoned musical veterans. With their dynamic performance and high energy, Return to Dust is clearly a band on the rise.

Next up, Tigercub took to the stage with an undeniable presence that captivated the audience from the first note. Their set was a whirlwind of fan favorites, driven by a potent combination of powerful riffs and charismatic performance. Jamie Hall, lead singer and guitarist, commanded attention with his gritty vocals and magnetic stage presence, while fill-in bassist Charles Horin brought a thrilling dynamism to the performance. Adding a personal touch, the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to Horin, creating a memorable moment in the evening.

As the headliner, Chevelle brought a staggering level of intensity to Stage AE. From their entrance, it was evident that the band was on top of their game, despite lead vocalist and guitarist Pete Loeffler battling illness. His vocal struggles were offset by the crowd’s enthusiastic participation, singing along to every lyric and amplifying the energy in the room. Loeffler’s guitar work, however, remained flawless, with every riff delivered with the precision that fans have come to expect.

Chevelle’s setlist offered a well-curated mix of classic hits and newer tracks, demonstrating their evolution while staying true to their roots. Standout moments included powerful renditions of “Closure” and “Face to the Floor,” each delivered with the raw energy and clarity that define Chevelle’s live performances. One particularly memorable moment was the acoustic-like rendition of “The Red,” where Pete Loeffler was joined on stage midway by bassist Kemble Walters and drummer Sam Loeffler. The crowd took over the chorus, creating a communal and heartfelt experience.

Despite the challenges of illness and rescheduled tour dates, Chevelle, Tigercub, and Return to Dust delivered a night to remember. With a few final East Coast dates remaining, fans still have the opportunity to catch these bands in action and experience the raw power and passion that made this concert a standout event.

Leave a Reply