Stone Temple Pilots kick it out in Aspen, Colorado

Yes it happened. Right on schedule.  The Stone Temple Pilots played their first gig in years tonight at Belly Up Aspen.

400 souls packed The Belly Up to see Scott Weiland, the DeLeo Brothers and Eric Kretz kick out the Jams at 8000 ft.  It was a highly anticipated sold out event.  Demand on the street was high, tix were selling at a premium out in front.  The scalpers price tag ???....face alone was $155 for G.A. and $375 for reserved seats. 

click 4 PEOPLE PIX

STP is often grouped with the Seattle grunge scene, but they actually emerged out of San Diego in 1992.  Weiland the flamboyant lead singer  who has had highly publicized bouts with substance abuse and trouble with Johnny Law appears to be back in form.  They played all their hits, Vasoline, Big Empty, Plush and even covered Led Zep's Dancing Days.  STP broke up in 2003, and reformed in 2008.  They've won Grammy's, they've played the stadium circuit and tonight they charged it , at full throttle in Aspen, Colorado.  It was a rock show.

 

 

 

 

Ski Gangs of Aspen.

The Ski Gangs of Aspen.The Buckaroos.A cessation of hostilities occurred last night in Aspen as the SKI GANGS of ASPEN convened in a peaceable fashion. The Aspen Historical Society played the role of Switzerland and The Mountain Chalet provided a neutral location as a truce was finally called.  Ski Gang members wore their colors proudly and gathered in harmony to discuss their history, the fantastic memories and the camaraderie that is only obtained by shredding the GNAR with your people.

The Bell Mountain Buckaroos, The Dogs, The Bobs, The Powder Sluts, The Flyers, The Acme Racing Company and The Ski the Trees Foundation were well reperesented. Ski Gang members from such sets as Chicks on Sticks, The Bro's, The Menopausal Mama's, The Nachos and The Skizeers were also in attendance.  

Most of the SKI GANGS of ASPEN were formed in the early 70's and continue to flourish to this very day. Its all good clean fun but the on-mountain gang rivalries exist and they are quite real.   Groups of friends, skiing together, partying together and enjoying Aspen life to its fullest evolved into the various organizations.  Customized hats and logo gear along with their distinctive personalities helped identify who was who back in the old days...and now. 

The Flyers and the Dogs.The Buckaroos sang a love song, The Dogs barked, The Powder Sluts were promiscuious and the Bob's ....well they're just the Bob's.  Everybody in the SRO crowd had fun.  The tales of epic ski days gone by began to flow.  Details of the famous Bell Mountain Buck-off were revealed, a tradition that still exists in modern times. Closing day at 1 pm atop the Ridge of Bell is usually the only time that so many gang members get together cordially in one spot.   If you've ever tried to ride the Gondola with some scruffy looking locals ...and been scared off by their loud barking , than you know what its like.  Stories of past heroics became fodder for hecklers in the audience.  Laughs and flashbacks were shared by all.

A few secrets were finally revealed.  The Buckaroo's consider themselves the first ski gang in Aspen--- but that was heavily disputed by other gangs.  Dates and details are a bit hazy as short-term memory loss appears to be one side effect of ski gang membership.   Some gangs refuse to call the season ending bump extravaganza on the Ridge of Bell the "buck-off", they prefer the "rumble on the ridge".  The Powder Sluts admitted..."we like it soft" and "6 inches on the slopes is better than 7 inches in the sack".  The Dogs didn't have much to say...they just yelped and barked a lot.  Lead dog, Dim Tim uttered a few words on behalf of his pack, one rival gang member in the peanut gallery shouted "we didn't know Tim could talk".  One of the Bob's was accused of carrying a difiulator with his backcountry gear.   Other Aspen gang-bangers admitted to now regularly skiing the "over 60 line". 

It was BIG fun for everyone to share their anecdotes of POWDER DAYS gone by... and those yet to come.  The large room was filled with esprit de corps and the friendly rivalries that still exist.  Mike Monroney of the Aspen Historical Society summed it up by sharing sentiments that he overheard at a recent buck off..."those old guys (and girls) can still rip".  Most of them will be skiing with their gangs today.  Keep up if you can.

The Powder Sluts. Mary, Karen and Polly like it soft.The Dogs: They always ski in a pack. Let the barking begin.The Flyers brought their own soap box to stand on.The Bobs, doing what they do.... striving for world peace.The Bell Mountain Buckaroos. Known for their skiing and their singing in the gondola. Full disclosure, AspenSpin is a Buckaroo ( we're the tone deaf one).

Escobar in Aspen.

Escobar. Aspen's hottest spot.Wanna get your drink on?  Wanna party like it's 1999?   Wanna GO BIG..or go home?  Everybody keeps asking us "What's the hottest party spot in Aspen?"  Right here, right now...the answer is ESCOBAR.

Escobar.  Yeah Esse, thaz right ... an Aspen night club named after a deceased drug lord. 

7 young entrepreneurs recently reincarnated the Fly Bar as the hottest entertainment venue in Aspen.  Housed in the fuselage of a private plane, Escobar has been attracting a young, hip and beautiful crowd to 426 E. Hyman.  Ever since  December 30, 2010---the night they first turned it up to 11 in Aspen.  Get there early, be polite to Jeff, (the bouncer), dress to get undressed and prepare yourself to party at Escobar. 

Andrew rules 80's night.The Escobar ownership consortium led by Ryan Chadwick has reinvigorated the entire club scene in Aspen. Escobar is literally blowing the roof off the Hyman Street Mall with a variety of killer DJ's and special events. The GodFather of Aspen DJ's is DJ NAKA G. When he's not being flown around the world to create the musical vibe at the Olympics, X Games and the coolest private BIG TIME bashes he is spinning the wheels of steel at Escobar. ECHO DaFUNK is the loudest mother f#*&er East of Denver. 80's Tuesdays is a big hig hit with the ladies...get there.

The Boyz---most of whom are pictured below are takin' it to the next level.  Ryan, Andrew, Ian, Shay, Colter, Bridger and the kid from CT are all gentlemen.  They are running a  first class operation.  We are proud to be their former neighbor.   If you really wanna GO BIG in Aspen....step up, call ahead for the bottle service at ESCOBAR.

Even regular guys get plenty of play from the ladies when they spring 4 VIP bottle service at Escobar.Shay's in Play at Escobar Aspen. Bridger and his Mom at Esocbar in Aspen.

Ian getting it done behind the bar.

waaaaaz up? at Escobar Aspen

Escobar often hosts entertainers, artists and BIG time bloggers.

Colter and Brittany in the VIP at Escobar.

Sponsor's Rule @ AspenSpin

We're at the midpoint of a KICK A$$ ski season in Aspen. The entire staff at AspenSpin is getting after it daily---on-mountain and off.  The recent POW POW has made every thing soft and creamy which puts the whole thing in perspective.   We have lots of new sponsors this year and without them... we'd have to get a real job (perish the thought). 

Our sponsors include products, organizations, services and people that we truly believe in.   We don't just put anybody up on our wall---we stand by our sponsors, we believe in them and we appreciate their willingness to support the #1 blog in Aspen.  Authenticity is one of  A-Spin's key attributes.  We really do Ski Every Day and Party Every Night (OK we  do take a day off once in a while and a night off--a lot ). 

SHOUT OUT's from AspenSpin.

Skis.com   Our homies from Michigan have created the ultimate online ski store.  Skis.com has special deals on equipment, clothing , accessories and travel.   The best brands at the best prices.  Turns out these are big D-bags.  Do not buy from them.

Pinons   The best restaurant in Aspen.  Pinons has been an institution in Aspen for more than 20 years.  Owners Beth and Rob Mobilian continue to provide excellent food, fantastic service and a wonderful atmosphere.  Its always a special dinner at Pinons.

The Wheeler Opera House  Built in 1889  The Wheeler is our favorite building in town.  The history, the quality of craftsmanship, the unbeatable acoustics and the amazing array of cultural and community events makes The Wheeler #1 in Aspen.

JCC*Aspen   Community in Aspen is extremely important.  The JCC*Aspen provides a warm, comfortable and safe place to observe and celebrate Jewish Culture.  Everyone is always welcome irregardless of their religious beliefs.  Rabbi Mendel Mintz, his family and staff offer a cultural center of openness and sharing.

Miller Electrical.   You've seen Miller Electrical's trucks all around Aspen.  John Miller and his crew handle the BIG jobs and the small jobs with equal quality and dexterity.  John is one of the greatest guys in Aspen--always giving back.  See you at first tracks JM.

SmartSkin   We admit it AspenSpin is a closet metro-sexual.  Dr. Merrilyn Tuma has helped A. Party stay young and presentable with her first-class skin treatments and products.  That's right dude-bro's we dig facials...you will too at SmartSkin.

Next Year's Model / SIA 2011

Snow Show. SIA 2011 in DenverThe entire Snow Sports world was in Colorado last week.  The SnowSports Industries America (SIA) held their SNOW SHOW, the annual trade show in Denver, on the exact same dates as the X Games.  AspenSpin zipped down the mountain to catch a very quick glimpse of NEXT YEAR's MODEL.  The Snow Show is an annual gathering of manufactuers, suppliers, sales reps, resorts and retailers.  It's more than a meet and greet, it's where buying decisions for next ski season are made. The latest colors and the newest technology are on display.  What's hot for next year---check the pix  

NEXT YEAR's MODEL.

SIA was waaaaaay more upbeat than last year.  As America coninues to climb out of the recession, the snow sports brands showed off their wares for the future.  The transaction action looked pretty serious to this blogger. "Deals are getting done" cited an industry insider.  A-Spin did not identify any super-exciting  new trends -- "more of the same"  claimed one ski-industry vet. "Monkey see, monkey do" quipped another.  Bright colors and paterns will remain popular in the clothing lines.  Rocker and early rise technology are becoming the norm in everyone's ski quiver.  Niche ski brands like High Society, Icelandic and Folsom appear to be growing  in popularity and competing with the big boys.  3 buckle ski boots seem to be a popular new extension of the hard goods offerings.   Snowboard brands are younger, more upbeat and play much louder music at their booths than the traditional ski manufacturers.

Things look good for 2011/12.  See NEXT YEAR's MODEL.

The hottest gear for Next Year. Snow Show SIA 2011. click for pix.

@ChrisGeorge4 getting into the mix at Snow Show SIA 2011. click 4 pix.

Local Aspen Boyz made good. High Society makes the BIG TIME at SIA. Click 4 pix