STP Vocalist Jeff Gut puts some effort into connecting with the fans!

The September night was thick with that familiar late-summer humidity in Raleigh as Stone Temple Pilots took to the stage at Red Hat Amphitheater. Hailing from San Diego, California, STP hadn’t graced Raleigh with their presence since their last tour in 2022, and the crowd’s anticipation was palpable. The current lineup—Dean DeLeo on guitar, Robert DeLeo thumping the bass, Eric Kretz hammering the drums, and Jeff Gutt, the newer frontman with a voice hauntingly reminiscent of their original sound—had the audience on edge. Their set list was a tight blend of timeless classics including Core and Purple. The energy coming off the stage was nothing short of electric.

As soon as they opened with “Wicked Garden,” it was clear that Stone Temple Pilots hadn’t lost a step. Jeff Gutt’s command of the mic was seamless, and while he stepped into enormous shoes after Scott Weiland’s passing, Gutt owned the moment, giving a performance that was equal parts tribute and forward momentum. Dean’s riffs sliced through the humid air while Robert’s basslines thundered, and Kretz’s drumming anchored it all. Stone Temple Pilots are still every bit the grunge icons they were in the ’90s, and their new material hints at a band that has evolved without losing its core. Fans old and new were hooked from the first chord to the final note of “Plush,” leaving everyone in the amphitheater in awe.

The band’s new merch booth was bustling all night, offering a fresh selection of tees, posters, and vinyl—including a limited edition pre-order for the new album. Fans could also visit their official website, stone temple pilots, to snag more merch and stay tuned for the upcoming release date. STP may have seen their share of changes, but one thing’s for sure—they’re not done yet.

Stone Temple Pilots