Again, I understand that some can't accept it. And, like Blue, I never thought I would either.
But my mind goes back to when Dean said, on looking back over 1992-2002, that "hardly any" of it was enjoyable.
And I look at them now and 3/4 of the original band seems totally re-focused and ready to prove themselves all over again. I don't think they should be denied and I feel they deserve my support after all they've given me and my musical life over the years. That's it really.
Plus Chester is ace imo. That doesn't hurt.
As much as I'd love to see Scott get his head out of his ass and things to get back to the way they were, there's no denying that during the few songs they played at KROQ...the band seemed alive. Watch a performance from 1-2 years ago where they're playing the songs at a slower tempo and Scott is messing up songs, and then check out a few nights ago. They're playing with the excitement and vigor of a newly signed band eager to make their mark on the world.
The fatal flaw that we as fans could make is comparing the next STP album with Chester...to STP's best records with Scott. Not because of fears they won't compare, but because they SHOULDN'T be compared. Because they're different. This new STP, while it may have the same name...is a totally different beast. The classics may be performed, but there are big differences in the band's sound from the Scott days and "Out Of Time" does not sound the same as say "Sex Type Thing" or "Down". It's a totally new sound. Thus the upcoming record (or records) with Chester should be viewed as a new chapter in the STP mythology and a totally new story arc for the band. A reboot of the STP franchise and a chance for STP to rewrite their history, the way they want to write it...without drug, alcohol or substance abuse holding them back.
It may be weird not seeing Scott on stage, but the same was said for Alice In Chains and I feel that they've done alright with themselves since they've reformed. It's all about how you view it. You can either feel it's "Scott or no STP" and boycott any new material, or you can just sit back and enjoy the rock and look forward to Bennington, the DeLeos and Mr. Kretz rocking the fuck out every night and performing the tracks we've missed hearing for so long.
Momma might have come home with a new man, but this new daddy might just be a good fit for the family after all.
...now the only question is, do we have to change the security question on these boards now? >_>