Stone Temple Pilots: From Grunge Contenders to Rock Chameleons
Stone Temple Pilots (STP) is an American rock band formed in San Diego, California, in 1989, known for their rich fusion of grunge, alternative rock, psychedelic influences, and later, glam and classic rock stylings. Initially lumped in with the Seattle grunge scene, STP quickly emerged as a band with their own identity, thanks to their dynamic songwriting, genre-blending instincts, and the unforgettable presence of frontman Scott Weiland.
With a career marked by chart-topping success, critical reassessment, personal turmoil, and ultimately resilience, Stone Temple Pilots remain one of the most impactful and enduring rock bands of the ’90s and beyond.
Stone Temple Pilots (STP). Formation and Line-Up
- Formed: 1989 (originally as Mighty Joe Young)
- Origin: San Diego, California
- Classic Line-up:
- Scott Weiland – Vocals (1989–2013; died in 2015)
- Dean DeLeo – Guitar
- Robert DeLeo – Bass, backing vocals
- Eric Kretz – Drums
After Scott Weiland’s departure and passing, the band recruited:
- Chester Bennington (2013–2015) – Also the frontman of Linkin Park (left amicably)
- Jeff Gutt (2017–present) – Former X Factor contestant, bringing a style reminiscent of Weiland’s power and tone
Stone Temple Pilots (STP). Musical Style
Stone Temple Pilots’ sound evolved across eras:
- Early ’90s: Heavy, riff-driven grunge influenced by Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Led Zeppelin
- Mid-late ’90s: Diversified into psychedelia, glam rock, folk, and power pop
- 2000s onward: A mix of retro stylings and modern hard rock
Scott Weiland’s chameleon-like voice, able to shift from snarling aggression to vulnerable crooning, was central to their musical identity.
Stone Temple Pilots (STP). Key Albums
Core (1992)
Their debut album and one of the defining records of early ’90s hard rock. Though initially dismissed as grunge bandwagoning, it’s since been hailed as a genre classic.
Highlights:
- “Plush” – Grammy-winning hit, still a radio staple
- “Sex Type Thing” – Fierce and controversial
- “Creep” – Acoustic, brooding anthem of isolation
- “Wicked Garden”
Purple (1994)
A massive critical and commercial success, blending grunge muscle with pop hooks and classic rock flavor. It cemented their reputation as more than just imitators.
Highlights:
- “Interstate Love Song” – One of the most beloved rock songs of the decade
- “Vasoline”
- “Big Empty” – Featured in The Crow soundtrack
- “Still Remains”
Tiny Music… Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop (1996)
A stylistic shift toward psychedelic, glam, and lo-fi sounds. Weiland’s lyrics grew more introspective, and the band embraced experimentation.
Highlights:
- “Big Bang Baby”
- “Lady Picture Show”
- “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart”
- “Adhesive”
No. 4 (1999)
A hard rock resurgence after Weiland’s legal troubles. Heavier and more aggressive, with renewed focus on riff-centric rock.
Highlights:
- “Down”
- “Sour Girl” – One of their most melodic and unique hits
- “Heaven & Hot Rods”
Shangri-La Dee Da (2001)
More ambitious and textured, with moments of melancholy, psychedelia, and melodic beauty. It didn’t chart as high but remains a fan favorite.
Highlights:
- “Days of the Week”
- “Too Cool Queenie”
- “Hello It’s Late”
Stone Temple Pilots (2010)
The first reunion album with Weiland, blending retro classic rock with modern polish.
Highlights:
- “Between the Lines”
- “Take a Load Off”
- “Huckleberry Crumble”
Stone Temple Pilots (2018)
The band’s first album with Jeff Gutt, recapturing the band’s melodic and layered sound with fresh energy.
Highlights:
- “Meadow”
- “Roll Me Under”
Perdida (2020)
An acoustic, introspective album reflecting maturity and vulnerability, featuring strings and flutes. A surprising and beautiful detour.
Highlights:
- “Fare Thee Well”
- “Three Wishes”
Stone Temple Pilots (STP). Scott Weiland: The Complicated Icon
- Weiland was known for his haunting vocals, genre-jumping charisma, and troubled personal life
- His battles with addiction and mental health were well-documented, often disrupting the band’s progress
- He passed away in 2015 from an overdose while on tour with his solo project
- Despite his demons, Weiland is remembered as one of rock’s most unique and emotionally raw frontmen
Chester Bennington Era (2013–2015)
- Chester joined during Weiland’s absence and recorded the EP “High Rise”
- Though short-lived, it showcased a different yet respectful take on STP’s sound
- Chester eventually left to focus on Linkin Park and passed away in 2017
Legacy and Influence
- STP helped bring alternative rock to the mainstream in the early ’90s
- Sold over 40 million albums worldwide
- Influenced bands like Velvet Revolver (which featured Weiland), Breaking Benjamin, and Shinedown
- Songs like “Plush,” “Interstate Love Song,” and “Trippin’ on a Hole…” are perennial radio staples
- Known for musical versatility, emotional depth, and sonic evolution
Where to Start
| Album | Year | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Core | 1992 | Grunge-era heaviness and brooding power |
| Purple | 1994 | Masterpiece of melody, rock swagger, and heart |
| Tiny Music… | 1996 | Psychedelic, adventurous, and bold |
| No. 4 | 1999 | Gritty rock revival |
| Perdida | 2020 | Acoustic introspection and emotional beauty |
Final Thoughts
Stone Temple Pilots were never just another grunge band—they were artful shape-shifters, capable of moving between genres without losing their soul. At their best, they blended emotional honesty with radio-ready hooks, balancing stadium-sized riffs with poetic introspection.
Despite tragedy and reinvention, STP’s music continues to resonate—proof that great rock bands can evolve, fall, rise again, and still sound like themselves.
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