In the '90s, Stone Temple Pilots [ tickets ] scored hits like "Sex Type Thing" and "Plush," before lead singer Scott Weiland's erratic and sometimes drug- and/or alcohol-fueled behavior overshadowed the group's success.

Unfortunately, Weiland's erratic behavior and poor vocal quality hindered the band's first visit to Phoenix since reuniting earlier this year. (Weiland spent the last couple years fronting Velvet Revolver, while STP's DeLeo brothers--Robert (bass) and Dean (guitar)--went on to form Army of Anyone with Filter singer Richard Patrick.)

Playing the city's Dodge Theatre Tuesday (7/29), STP opened the show with "Big Empty." Quickly, it was clear what the night was to hold when Weiland fell back onto the drum riser, pushing aside drummer Eric Kretz's instruments. (Roadies quickly assessed and repaired the damage.) Early on in the show, he chided the audience for not rushing the stage and pronounced he was in a bad mood.

"Come on down," he said, repeating the phrase several times. "Fill that s--- up. We did this to play in front of our fans. If you can tell I am p---ed off. I am p----d off."

In between songs, Weiland filled the gaps with nonsensical stories.

"Mickey. I had a best friend in high school called Mickey," said Weiland, wearing a gray suit, and a hat that covered his buzz-cut hair. "He was an interesting gentleman. This song is called 'Vaseline.'"

Some of the songs were unrecognizable, except for the handywork from the DeLeo brothers. But, in Weiland's defense, the sound wasn't top notch. The fans didn't seem to care, though. During "Big Empty," thousands in the audience of 4,000 lifted their drinks to the group as the verse built up to the chorus. The audience carried the chorus of "Plush," much to Weiland's pleasure.

The pacing of the show was stellar, however, as STP balanced the down-tempo numbers ("Plush," "Lady Picture Show") with the rockers ("Sex Type Thing," "Wicked Garden."). The stage setting was straight out of the '90s. A giant video screen showed images of paisley and geometric shapes, and often flashed STP's logo.