Stone Temple Pilots

Jimmy Kimmel Live, May 1

By Ryan Colditz

“One time a thing occurred to me

What's real, and what's for sale?

Blew a kiss and tried to take it home”

The opening lines of “Vasoline” during Stone Temple Pilots' first public show since 2002 on Jimmy Kimmel Live! put the entire experience in perspective. I have been told that STP is back. I see them on stage, playing songs that I have listened to thousands of times, and even play in video games. These are iconic songs of my generation. I've been looking forward to this show for a long time. We stood in front of the stage patiently waiting for our turn to be the chosen few, lucky enough to see STP reunite. Surely this was bound to be an amazing night. I could see it in my head, it was going to be awesome.

After all the fist pumping and “STP” chants died down and the band took the stage, it was time to let the music do the talking. The band was tight and the DeLeo brothers played exceptionally well. The vocals were mixed low, so it was hard to tell how good Scott Weiland's voice really sounded. Through all of the hype and excitement of the moment, I began to wonder why any of this was happening. It seemed forced.

Sure, it's on TV and the production of it all takes away from the rock-n-roll experience. I get that. But there was obviously more going on. Scott Weiland had those 'distant eyes' as he looked out into a sea of fans desperate for the chance to once again call STP the best band around. It was a glaring statement that not much has really changed.

They plan to go into the studio after their tour ends in November. I hope it makes it that far.

Set List:

Vasoline

Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart

Interstate Love Song

Silvergun Superman

Sin

Big Empty

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.