Stone Temple Pilots (STP) were one of the most popular rock bands in the 1990s and early 2000s, known for their powerful hits and massive commercial success.

Yet, despite their popularity, they were often the target of harsh criticism and ridicule.

Many critics dismissed them as an overnight success, accused them of being derivative of the Seattle grunge scene, and criticized their choices, including turning down offers from legendary rock acts.

This article explores the turbulent journey of STP, from their origins to their rise, controversies, and the reasons behind their polarizing reputation.

The story of Stone Temple Pilots begins with Scott Weiland, born Scott Richard Klein in San Jose, California.

His childhood was marked by sadness and trauma, including his parents’ divorce when he was just two years old and the tragic death of his stepbrother Craig in a bicycle accident.

Music became an escape for Scott, who was introduced to various genres by his father and later gravitated towards punk and rock during his teenage years.

Despite battling loneliness, apathy, and substance abuse, Scott found solace in music and developed a “tortured artist” persona that would later define much of STP’s lyrical content.

Meanwhile, the Dio brothers, Robert and Dean, grew up on classic rock influences like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath in New Jersey.

Neither initially planned on becoming professional musicians, but fate brought them to California, where Robert met Scott at a Black Flag show in 1985.

After some initial conflicts involving dating the same woman, Scott and Robert decided to focus on music together.

They formed a band called Swing with Scott’s friend Cory Hickock and added drummer Eric Kretz, whose powerful drumming impressed the group.

The band’s sound evolved from funk-rock to a heavier hard rock style with the addition of Dean Dio, who joined in 1989.

They initially called themselves Mighty Joe Young but had to change their name after discovering a blues musician already used it.

Inspired by the STP oil treatment product, they adopted the name Stone Temple Pilots, though Dean admitted the name had no particular meaning.

In 1992, STP released their debut album “Core,” which became their most commercially successful release.

The album featured hits like “Sex Type Thing,” “Plush,” “Creep,” “Dead and Bloated,” and “Wicked Garden.” While “Sex Type Thing” was embraced by MTV and alternative radio, it also sparked controversy due to its lyrics.

Scott explained that the song was written from the perspective of a macho abuser to highlight the issue of sexual persecution of women, but many misunderstood or misinterpreted the message.

Despite the controversy, the band’s follow-up single “Plush” became a crossover hit, topping rock charts and reaching pop audiences.

The song’s haunting lyrics and memorable melodies made it a defining track of the ‘90s rock scene.

However, critics were divided.

Some accused STP of being a Pearl Jam or Alice in Chains clone, and the band’s grunge label was a source of frustration since they were actually from San Diego and felt distinct from the Seattle scene.

STP faced relentless criticism from the press and some fans.

Rolling Stone magazine infamously named them one of the worst bands of the year in 1994, even as readers voted them among the best new bands.

The band was often labeled heavy metal, alternative metal, or grunge, genres they rejected or felt misrepresented their music.

Their relationship with major rock magazines like Rolling Stone and Spin was contentious, with accusations of misquoting and unfair coverage.

Spin readers expressed disdain, with some calling STP a “Kingdom Come of Alternative” and others mocking Scott’s personality.

Even other San Diego bands resented STP’s rise, accusing them of being a copycat act.

Despite this, STP’s success helped put San Diego on the map for record labels scouting new talent.

Their early tours were a mix of small audiences and sold-out shows, reflecting their growing but polarized fanbase.

Opening for bands like Megadeth was initially met with hostility from audiences, but STP’s live performances improved with the help of Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine.

Behind the scenes, the band’s relationships were strained, especially due to Scott Weiland’s drug use.

His heroin addiction began during a 1993 tour and affected the band for years.

Despite support and advice from fellow musicians, Scott’s addiction contributed to tensions and instability within STP.

The band also had conflicts with MTV and other media outlets, notably refusing to participate in MTV’s “Headbangers Ball” after a feud with the Butthole Surfers’ Gibby Haynes.

This further alienated them from key promotional platforms during a critical time.

In a surprising move, STP declined to open for Aerosmith on their “Get a Grip” tour.

While they were fans of Aerosmith, the band wanted to achieve success on their own terms and avoid accusations of riding coattails.

Instead, they chose to tour smaller venues with bands like Butthole Surfers and Flaming Lips, emphasizing their desire for artistic control and connection with fans.

Despite the criticism and controversies, Stone Temple Pilots left a lasting impact on rock music.

Their follow-up album “Purple” in 1994 was a massive hit, producing tracks like “Big Empty,” “Vaseline,” and “Interstate Love Song.” These songs showcased the band’s growth and cemented their place in rock history.

STP’s story is one of contrasts—between success and criticism, artistic ambition and public misunderstanding, camaraderie and personal struggles.

Their journey reflects the complexities of navigating fame in the volatile world of 1990s rock.

Stone Temple Pilots’ rise to fame was marked by both adoration and animosity.

Hated by some critics and embraced by millions of fans, they embodied the tension between commercial success and artistic authenticity.

Their music continues to resonate, reminding us that behind every band’s public image lies a deeper story of struggle, resilience, and creative passion.