From the moment this year's line-up was announced for KROQ's annual Almost Acoustic Christmas benefit concert at the Shrine Auditorium (moved from the usual venue of the Universal Amphitheatre), there was no doubt about it that Hole would steal the show the opening night (December 11).

On a mini-tour after a long hiatus, in which Courtney Love spent her time becoming a movie star and recording her newest album "Celebrity Skin," the band proved they are a force to be reckoned with. In hip-hugging black leather pants and a black cropped tank top, Love took over the show, and the audience, the second she stepped onstage.

The band played a mix of songs from "Celebrity Skin" and 1994's critically acclaimed "Live Through This" during their 45-minute performance, while Love was her undeniably feisty self throughout, taunting audience members and tossing her Fender guitar into the crowd at the end of their set.

One surprising highlight of the night occurred when Love brought out a guest acoustic guitar player, her boyfriend and "People vs. Larry Flynt" co-star Edward Norton. After finishing their current single "Malibu," Love gave Norton a kiss and jumped on his back for a brief, but playful, piggy-back ride.

To dominate the night even more, Love announced that Hole's set at the 6,000-capacity Shrine Auditorium would be followed by a full-length performance at The Roxy. The close to 500 fans who were fortunate enough to pick up a $10 ticket were treated to an almost two-hour performance that didn't even start until 1:30 a.m. Opening with "Pretty on the Inside," the raw title track to Hole's 1991 debut album, Love proved for the second time in one night that she is one of rock's most electrifying figures.
 
 
 

Christina Radish
ConcertDirect.Com, December 1998