Music

Stone Temple Pilots lean on the hits at the ACC

by Ciaran Thompson

Stone Temple Pilots are one of the best bands in the world…when they play their older songs. Last night at the Air Canada Centre Scott Weiland and co., all the original members are still present since their debut album Core was released, played a stack of old material as well as a few new songs off their latest self-titled album, their first in nine years.

Starting off with “Crackerman” from said first album, the band sounded sharp and in-tune with those present in the half full hockey arena who were there to hear some classic STP tunes. At the end of the first song some of those in attendance might have let out a sigh of relief to see singer Weiland remain on stage, not like the unplanned tumble he took last week in Cincinnati. The band followed with another Core track, “Wicked Garden,” one of their biggest hits “Vasoline” and “Heaven and Hot Rods” from their fourth studio album, No. 4.

Before playing the first single “Between The Lines” off their latest album Weiland got down on his knees and had a moment with the crowd, beckoning them to give some of the new material a second chance. Performance wise all four members sounded great. Brothers Robert and Dean DeLeo both shredded on bass and guitar respectably while Eric Kretz smashed the drums looking like he could do it in his sleep. Though there is a physical difference, Weiland can still howl like he did on the band’s earlier releases and nobody can do the chicken-walk or slippery-feet dance quite like him.

View photos of openers Cage The Elephant

View photos of openers Hot Hot Heat

When STP plays tracks from their older albums they look and sound like one of the most elite bands currently performing today. This was certainly evident when the opening riffs were let out for “Plush,” arguably the best song the band has ever written and certainly a track that brings listeners back to 1992, or maybe 93. The crowd’s reception to the song was terrific and equally so for “Interstate Love Song,” off sophomore album Purple.

Playing those two hits back to back made the band seem untouchable, however whenever they delved into new material such as “Huckleberry Crumble” or “Cinnamon” they seemed unconvincing. Also, in-between songs Weiland had the tendency to start…talking….like…this…when….introducing….songs, which was sort of annoying after awhile. However like any performances by musicians who have been around for so many years and have consistently had people love, or for those alt-rock purists, despise their music, at this stage we have to let them do whatever they want.

Some other notable songs the band performed included “Trippin On a Hole in a Paper Heart,” “Big Empty,” “Dead & Bloated,” and a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Dancing Days.” Surprisingly the band neglected playing “Big Bang Baby,” “Creep,” “Days of the Week” and “Sour Girl,” even with a contingent of the crowd shouting for it. Had these songs been added to the setlist then perhaps the city of Toronto may have witnessed one of the biggest bands in the world performing to their very ears.

Despite the time in-between releases Stone Temple Pilots proved they are a terrific live act and though the new album is by no means a return to their early ’90s heyday, they still deliver by giving fans a taste of what once was.

Photos by Riley Taylor, AUX TV