San Diego’s Stone Temple Pilots made a splash when they released their debut effort Core in 1992. The album featured the hits “Sex Type Thing,” “Wicked Garden,” and “Plush” helped propel STP from opening act to headliner by the time they issued their sophomore album Purple in 1994. From that point forward the bottom started to fall out; singer Scott Weiland fell into alcohol and drug addiction and began to battle with band mates and brothers (guitarist) Dean DeLeo and (bassist) Robert DeLeo. In 1999 the band issued their fourth effort entitled No. 4. The music was lackluster and the chemistry was gone. By 2003 the damage was done and was irreparable – everyone went their separate ways.

Weiland got sober long enough to join Velvet Revolver which released two records before that soured – surprise. The DeLeo brothers formed Talk Show and received very little support from their label and disbanded. They later surfaced with another project with singer/guitarist Richard Patrick (Filter) called Army of Anyone. While they received critical acclaim, that band didn’t take off and also disbanded. When 2008 rolled around Weiland and the rest of the STP guys reconciled and played some reunion shows to test the waters. STP received favorable reviews and recaptured ‘some’ of the magic.

This brings us to the new STP Blu-ray Alive in the Windy City 2010 that captures Weiland & Co at the Riviera Theatre in March of 2010 performing cuts from their 1992 debut effort through the 2010 self-titled reunion album. Weiland looks in top form and delivers an energetic show with a stage presence reminiscent of classic rock greats like Mick Jagger, Iggy Pop, and David Bowie – all of which are direct influences if I recall correctly. One thing is for sure STP still have some of the charisma that made them one of the heavy hitters of the ‘alternative rock’ subgenre in the early 90’s. The audience goes bananas for hits like “Vasoline,” “Wicked Garden,” “Big Empty,” “Creep,” “Plush,” “Interstate Love Song,” and “Sex Type Thing.” Deeper cuts and ‘new’ material don’t get the same reception, though Alive in the Windy City 2010 is still highly recommended. The disc features a nice interview with the band for those that enjoy bonus footage. Why Alive in the Windy City 2010 wasn’t released until now, I don’t know. I’m just glad that it’s finally seen the light of day.

Stone Temple Pilots
Alive in the Windy City 2010
Eagle Rock Entertainment 2012