Billy Corgan, the Smashing Pumpkins frontman, has accused the late Scott Weiland of ripping off a Pumpkins song for Stone Temple Pilots’ hit “Plush.” Yeah, you heard that right.
But is there any truth to this claim, or is Billy just stirring the pot?
Let’s dive in.
During The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan podcast, Billy spoke with the DeLeo brothers, Stone Temple Pilot’s guitarist and bassist. Billy claimed that the iconic “And I feel, and I feel” line in “Plush” was lifted from the Pumpkins’ song “Suffer.”
He said he was watching MTV, heard “Plush,” and thought it was ripped. But here’s the kicker: the line in “Suffer” goes, “And you’re feeling, you’re feeling, you’re feeling, you need yourself.”
Now, let’s talk about the songs themselves.
“Suffer” is a deep cut from the Pumpkins’ 1991 album “Gish.” It’s a moody, atmospheric track that showcases Billy’s signature whine. “Plush,” on the other hand, is a grunge anthem from STP’s 1992 debut “Core.” It’s got that driving rhythm, haunting vocals, and a chorus that’s been stuck in our heads for decades.
Comparing the two, it’s hard to see the connection. The melodies, lyrics, and overall vibes are quite different.
But Billy’s not backing down.
He even admitted, “Good rip though.”
But here’s the thing: Scott Weiland isn’t here to defend himself. He passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances and unforgettable songs.
