Stone Temple Pilots’ Resurgence with ‘Purple’: A Strong Comeback

Stone Temple Pilots skyrocketed into fame with their debut album, 1992’s Core, which sold millions upon millions of copies. Bassist and songwriter Robert DeLeo admitted, “I don’t think we were really prepared for that.”

Ed Kowalczyk, the Live vocalist, had a similar journey. Following Mental Jewelry in late 1991, the pressure to surpass its success felt daunting. The next step for both bands turned out to be monumental. STP’s Purple debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Album Charts, selling a quarter-million copies in its first week and eventually surpassing six million unit sales. Live’s Throwing Copper managed to sell over eight million copies, with an iconic performance at Woodstock ’94 adding to their allure.

To celebrate the 30-year milestone of these pivotal albums, the two bands are teaming up for a tour. In anticipation of this nostalgic journey, Kowalczyk and DeLeo spoke to Ultimate Classic Rock Nights host Matt Wardlaw.

Ed Kowalczyk, Live: We released Mental Jewelry first and it went gold, getting played on the radio. I thought, “This is it, we’ve hit the mark.” Then, out of the blue, the record company said, “Okay, do it again.” That pressure was both exciting and intimidating. It was do-or-die for our next chance. That’s when I honed my skills as a songwriter.

Robert DeLeo, Stone Temple Pilots: When Core took off, we weren’t prepared. We toured for 14 months, writing during that time. I wrote “Interstate Love Song” in an RV on a cheap guitar. Scott [Weiland] contributed his take on the industry’s influence on the band in songs like “Meatplow.” Realizing the pressure to replicate the success of “Plush,” we recorded Purple in Atlanta with Brendan O’Brien, finishing it in just 15 days. The rapid yet rewarding recording process reflected our growth from Core.

Listen to Stone Temple Pilots’ ‘Big Empty’

On the Soundtrack of The Crow Before Being on Purple
DeLeo: “Big Empty” was created by Dean [DeLeo] with Scott on lyrics and melody. We recorded it in 1993 at the now-closed Record Plant, alongside a Led Zeppelin tribute track “Dancing Days.” Both tracks were completed during the same session.

Ed, playing Woodstock ’94.
Kowalczyk: Performing at Woodstock ’94 was wild. We played Friday, before the mud mayhem set in. We were one of the first bands, performing for what seemed like an endless sea of people. It was a frantic night and a significant milestone for us, even though it was such a blur at the time.

Listen to Live Perform ‘Selling the Drama’ at Woodstock ’94

Reflecting on These Albums
Kowalczyk: The most special songs always seem magical, like they come out of nowhere. The studio moments when an idea transforms are truly fascinating.

DeLeo: Those days were a blur, but I have a deep appreciation for our songs now. Hearing them on the radio is humbling. Not all bands get the chance to experience that. After 35 years, I take immense pride in what we’ve achieved and am grateful for our connection with fans.

Kowalczyk: This connection with fans has been ongoing, and seeing the continued interest 30 years later is incredible. Touring together now feels like a testament to the enduring passion for our music.