As Stone Temple Pilots and Live crisscross the country, celebrating the 20th anniversaries of their seminal albums Purple and Throwing Copper, it might be a good idea for them to take another step in their partnership. Ed Kowalczyk, the iconic frontman of Live, should join Stone Temple Pilots for a new album. With both bands currently lacking key original members, this collaboration could be the spark needed to reignite their creative flames and capture Gen X fans’ attention in a way neither band can do alone.
Perfect Timing for a Collaboration
The timing for this is perfect. Live recently released a new song, “Lady Bhang (She Got Me Rollin’),” featuring Stone Temple Pilots guitarist Dean DeLeo. The track is a powerful reminder of the chemistry that can be achieved when two great musical forces come together. If a single song can generate such excitement, imagine what a full album could do.
Filling the Void in Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots are currently touring without their original singer, the late great Scott Weiland, whose voice and swagger were integral to the band’s identity. Since Weiland and Chester Bennington died, they’ve carried on with Jeff Gutt, a talented singer in his own right. However, it’s been four years since the band released an album with Gutt, and the reception to Perdida, while positive, lacked the widespread attention that their albums with Weiland got.
Kowalczyk’s Position in Live
On the other side, Ed Kowalczyk is touring under the Live name, but without any of the other original members after he took over rights to the name after the band’s reunion fell apart. While Kowalczyk’s voice remains as powerful as ever, it’s not the real Live, and is reminiscent of Billy Corgan touring as The Smashing Pumpkins with hired guns a decade ago prior to James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin returning.
The Potential for a Supergroup
This is where the idea of Kowalczyk joining forces with Stone Temple Pilots makes complete sense. Both Live and Stone Temple Pilots are iconic bands that defined the Grunge generation, yet both are currently missing crucial pieces of their puzzle. By bringing Kowalczyk into the fold, Stone Temple Pilots could create a supergroup that not only draws massive publicity, but also delivers a fresh and exciting sound.
A New Grunge Sound
Imagine an album where Kowalczyk’s soaring vocals blend with the DeLeo brothers’ signature guitar and bass work, all grounded by Eric Kretz’s solid drumming. It would be a reunion of sorts, not of past band members, but of kindred spirits from the same era who still have something new to say. The release of such an album could be followed by a one-off tour that would undoubtedly be a hot ticket, drawing both longtime fans and curious new listeners.
A Win-Win for Both Bands
After the tour, Stone Temple Pilots could seamlessly return to their greatest hits set with Gutt, while Kowalczyk could resume touring under the Live name. The temporary nature of the collaboration would let both of them go back to what pays the bills every summer, touring their 90’s hits, while getting a great one off pay day with an album that promotes both STP and Live.
A Great Play For Nostalgia
In an era where the music industry is increasingly dominated by nostalgia, this collaboration could offer a rare opportunity to create something new and relevant while still honoring the 90’s. A team up between Kowalczyk and Stone Temple Pilots is already evident in Live and Dean DeLeo’s single. Expanding this to a full album, with all of STP’s instrumentalists, could be the reinvention both parties need.
