Given the tour they are on (generally non-headlining festival dates) I understand where Dean is coming from on this. As much as I'd like to see STP play a lot of newer material, at most of the festivals STP is signed on for they are by far the LEAST hard rock band of the bunch. I think the attitude in the band is probably to win the audience over on the first tour pass, then go deeper on the 2nd tour pass (hopefully as a headliner).
Better still would be to play more well rounded festivals (not just the hard rock circuit) or to open the tour season by playing a first leg of smaller venues (1500ish) filled primarily with fans.
Just my 2c. This band is rebuilding.
Personally I'd like-
1. Smaller intimate venues.
2. 2-2.5hr show showcasing at least 5-7 new ones
3. More deep cuts.
4. LESS DOWNTIME BETWEEN SONGS. Keep it moving, fellas.
Aaron, I am going to echo the idea that you explained and add in my personal opinion to it.
I stumbled upon STP in 98-99...I was 13...my dad gave me a boxed cd from one of those cd clubs that came in the mail....I opened it up...some crazy lady standing in water with goat legs and a shower cap...the rest was history. But as a diehard, other than the no.4 era...I didnt get to see the apex of commercial success for the band in early and mid 90's....my peers listened to korn, limp bizkit, slipknot, etc,
So for me, with all that Eric, Dean, and Robert have been through....I root for their success...they deserve it. And of course, hit songs and making more money isn't what its all about, I get that....but if this band has another few chapters in their career to add to the legacy...I want them to get as much support as possible. And IMO, I want to see them take this spring/early summer tour of festivals to play the hits, cause that "oh man, I know that song" and "Dude, I know like 10 songs from these guys" can really help with their success going forward. I want them take this tour to tap into the the younger demographic that havent connected with them yet.
If Jeff is really the guy for the long haul, as mentioned in another part of the forum, we might be seeing a new STP cd every 2 years for awhile. So there should be plenty of time for us to hear deeper cuts and new songs when they decide to go on their own tour and play more intimate venues.
We need to keep in mind, there are three parts to this party. The band, the diehards, and the casuals/newbies. Let the band get in rhythm and take care of the newbies, and they will surely reward us diehards in time.
Ok, Ill put my soap box away now, sorry