Decided I had to see these guys before they're gone, and the Tabernacle in Atlanta seemed like the perfect place.
Downtown Atlanta
Flew into Atlanta and took the MARTA into downtown. Riding MARTA is a trip itself. Interesting mix of locals, people going to school/work, airport commuters, tourists with luggage, and the same guy that hit me up going out and coming back a day later.
Stayed at the Peachtree Westin, the 70 story hotel that looks like a big, empty toilet paper roll standing on end. If you ever stay, pay a little extra for a room above the 50th floor- you won't regret the view.
Checked out a few of the sites, including the Georgia Aquarium which was super cool. After that, it was on to the show.
The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle is an insane place to see a show. Built in 1910, it was previously a church, then following the '96 Summer Oympics, it became a House of Blues.
The line to get in snaked around the building for two blocks. I met this cool couple who drove down from Tennessee & bought me beer once we got inside. Beautiful venue. Three stories of funky, painted balconies that was standing room only.
Lights go down, Cornell comes out looking California and sounding even better. Ben Shepard was perpetually pissed about something (sound monitors, no cigs, people throwing shit...who knows??) and took it out on his bass. Matt Cameron ripped on drums. What more can be said about Kim Thayil and all the crazy doubled string tunings- he rocked. I have to say my favorite axe was Chris' green Gibson (E-335?) with a classic Bigsby. Coolest rig I've seen in awhile. They fucking rocked for two and a half hours and played all the hits.
After all the years, these guys are still tight. I think their new stuff is killer...
A few quality stage pics from my vintage 3gs...
