Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots are more than a relic of the ‘90s alternative boom — they’re a band that has outlived trends, defied expectations, and continued to evolve with the same intensity that first put them on the map. With chart-topping hits, genre-defining albums, and a legacy of raw, melodic rock, STP remains one of the most important voices in American rock music.
Rising to fame with 1992’s Core, the band — Scott Weiland, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, and Eric Kretz — quickly became staples of the grunge era, delivering enduring anthems like “Plush,” “Interstate Love Song,” and “Vasoline.” But they didn’t stop there. STP pushed beyond the confines of grunge into glam, psych, and hard rock, building a catalogue that’s as diverse as it is beloved.
Following Weiland’s tragic death and the band’s reformation with Jeff Gutt on vocals, STP re-emerged as a revitalized force — one that paid homage to the past while boldly moving forward.
In 2019, Kitchener’s Centre In The Square became a cathedral of distortion as Stone Temple Pilots rolled into town on a high-octane tour supporting their self-titled album with Gutt. Known for its pristine acoustics and elegant design, the venue transformed for one night into a full-blown rock sanctuary.
With Gutt’s commanding vocals honouring Weiland’s legacy without imitation, the band tore through a thunderous setlist filled with deep cuts, fan favourites, and fresh material — all delivered with the kind of tight, no-frills precision that only comes from decades of touring.
Kitchener-Waterloo fans, many of whom had grown up with STP on their mixtapes and MuchMusic countdowns, packed the house. It wasn’t just a nostalgia trip — it was a reminder that some bands don’t fade with time. They get louder.
For over 30 years, Stone Temple Pilots have thrived in both chaos and clarity. Their live shows remain a lesson in longevity, adaptation, and pure rock energy. With Gutt, the DeLeo brothers, and Kretz firing on all cylinders, they’ve proven that their story is far from over — and that their connection to fans, old and new, still runs deep.
In Kitchener, they didn’t just bring the hits — they brought the history, the heart, and the heaviness that turned a Tuesday night into a full-blown, full-volume celebration of what rock and roll is all about.
