As it turns out, Scott had always been fascinated with the STP oil logo. Dean, however, put his foot down: “I refuse to be in a band called Swing.” Therefore, this incarnated called itself Mighty Joe Young In order to avoid conflict with a blues band that had already taken that name, the San Diego-based collective soon became Stone Temple Pilots. Once Dean, a successful businessman and Led Zeppelin fan, was persuaded to take Corey’s place, the band’s chemistry was perfected. Swing quickly recruited Eric Kretz and moved from San Diego to Los Angeles. They bonded after discovering that they were dating the same woman.

Scott and Robert, who worked at a guitar store, met through their love of music at a Black Flag show. In October, 1987, the pair changed the name of their group to Swing. The events leading up to STP’s formation really initiated when Scott and his Corey decided to reimagine their band Soi-Disant. They called themselves Soi-Disant and covered songs like Wild Cherry’s “Play that Funky Music” while also experimenting their own material. While at Edison High School in Orange County, CA, Scott - a choir boy dubbed “Wyner” by his classmates - was invited by his friend guitarist Corey Hickock to front his band. Stone Temple Pilots’ roster was composed of the late frontman Scott Weiland, the DeLeo brothers - bassist Robert and guitarist Dean, and drummer Eric Kretz. Today, we celebrate how Core and Dirt not only enriched the music world but continue to touch so many listeners. To quote STP’s later song “And So I Know,” Core and Dirt will transport you on a hallucinatory, virtual reality trip of, “… whirlwinds and rollercoasters… disappearing floating graves… never be the same.” We will examine the genesis of STP and AiC, the demos for Core and Dirt, and these monumental albums themselves.ĭuring the recording sessions for Core and Dirt, both bands boasted their original lineups.

Alice in chains dirt album