To say that 1994 was a big year for the Stone Temple Pilots would be an understatement. Following the massive success of their debut album, Core in 1992, the band returned to the studio to work on their second album. It took STP just four weeks to record Purple, an album that debuted at number one on the Billboard album chart and would go on to sell over 6 million copies! Hit singles included "Interstate Love Song," "Vasoline" and "Big Empty," which featured on The Crow Soundtrack – an album that also hit Billboard's number one spot in 1994.
This year marks 25 years since the release of Purple, so we’re taking a look back to the Stone Temple Pilots’ appearances on the David Letterman Show in 1994 when they performed songs off the (then new) album.
Stone Temple Pilots | “Vasoline” [Live on Letterman 1994]
On June 23rd, just weeks after Purple was released, STP gave this rocking rendition of “Vasoline” live on the Letterman show. They kick off with a bossa nova jam, showcasing the diverse range of influences – everything from R&B to Country – present on the album which set it apart from many other 90s rock counterparts. Be sure to check out Eric Kretz’s drumkit, or lack thereof!
Stone Temple Pilots | “Unglued” [Live on Letterman 1994]
A few months later, a week before Christmas, STP appeared on the show for a second time to perform the album track, “Unglued.” Before launching into the scorching guitar-driven intro, Scott Weiland delivered an angelic and albeit, melancholy rendition of “Christmas Time Is Here,” written by Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi for the 1965 TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas. Watch out at 1:09 when guitarist Dean DeLeo makes a great save, gracefully recovering from tripping over his own feet without missing a beat.
In celebration of the album’s quarter-century milestone, Stone Temple Pilots have just released the Purple: Super Deluxe Edition. The 3-CD/1-LP set includes a newly remastered issue of the original studio album on both CD and vinyl, plus previously unreleased versions of album tracks and rarities, and a full concert recording of the band live at New Haven in 1994. Check it out the full tracklisting and inclusions here.
And the good news keeps coming for STP fans! Last month, Under the Southern Stars festival announced that Stone Temple Pilots would be sharing the headlining spot on a revolving bill with fellow 90s monoliths +LIVE+ and Bush. They’ll be joined by local rock legends Rose Tattoo and Electric Mary for the run of 202 dates kicking off in April next year. Get your tickets here.
UNDER THE SOUTHERN STARS 2020
Friday, April 3 | Peter Barclay Field, Tuncurry NSW
Saturday, April 4 | The Crescent, Parramatta Park, NSW
Sunday, April 5 | The Entertainment Grounds, Gosford NSW
Thursday, April 9 | Stuart Park, Wollongong NSW
Saturday, April 11 | Hastings Foreshore Reserve, Mornington VIC
Sunday, April 12 | Showgrounds, Yarrawonga VIC
Monday, April 13 | Bonython Park, Adelaide SA
Wednesday, April 15 | HBF Stadium, Perth WA - Not a UTSS Festival Date
Friday, April 17 | Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast QLD
Saturday, April 18 | Riverstage, Brisbane QLD
Sunday, April 19 | Foreshore Park, Newcastle NSW
Strictly Limited VIP Tickets will be available for all shows (excluding Perth)
VIP Tickets include: VIP Lanyard fast track entry, dedicated VIP bar, grazing table & VIP toilets.
Each show will see headliners Live, Bush and STP alternate their playing order.
Tickets for all events available from underthesouthernstars.com.au.
With Purple, Stone Temple Pilots proved themselves to be one of the most diverse bands of their era, intertwining elements of R&B, psych-rock, jangle pop and country with raw grunge power to forge their own arena-sized sound. Check it out the Purple: Super Deluxe Edition here.
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