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Stone Temple Pilots

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Stone Temple Pilots
Company typePrivate
IndustryMusic
Founded1989
Headquarters
San Diego, California
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, live performances

Stone Temple Pilots (commonly abbreviated as STP) is a rock group originating from San Diego, California, established in 1989. The founding members included lead singer Scott Weiland, guitarist Dean DeLeo, bassist Robert DeLeo, and drummer Eric Kretz. This ensemble remained intact until Weiland’s dismissal in February 2013. Chester Bennington stepped in as lead vocalist in May 2013 but amicably departed in November 2015. In 2016, the band initiated an online search for a new frontman, culminating in Jeff Gutt being named as the new singer in November 2017.

Originally called Mighty Joe Young, the group secured a contract with Atlantic Records and subsequently rebranded themselves as Stone Temple Pilots. Their first album, Core (1992), achieved significant commercial acclaim, contributing to sales exceeding 18 million units in the United States and 40 million worldwide. STP followed with four additional studio releases: Purple (1994), Tiny Music... Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop (1996), No. 4 (1999), and Shangri-La Dee Da (2001). After disbanding in 2003, members explored other projects including Velvet Revolver and Army of Anyone. The band reunited for a tour in 2008 and unveiled a self-titled album in 2010.

Post-Weiland’s exit, STP toured with Bennington and launched the EP High Rise (2013). With Gutt as vocalist, they released another self-titled album in 2018 and followed up with the acoustic record Perdida in 2020.

Although they emerged amid the early 1990s grunge scene, Stone Temple Pilots gradually incorporated elements of psychedelic rock, bossa nova, and classic rock into their sound. Their commercial trajectory was affected at times by Weiland’s publicly documented battles with substance abuse.

1985–1992: Origins and time as Mighty Joe Young

In 1985, Scott Weiland connected with fellow musicians Corey Hicock and David Allin while performing live shows; together with Robert DeLeo, they formed the band Swing featuring Allin. After Allin left, Eric Kretz joined on drums. When Hicock departed in 1989, Robert recommended his brother Dean DeLeo—who balanced business work with playing guitar as a hobby—to complete the lineup. The group adopted the name Mighty Joe Young and recorded a demo around 1990 that included songs later re-recorded for their debut album; some styles such as funk and yodeling were experimented with but not continued.

Mighty Joe Young gained a following through performances around San Diego, including opening for Henry Rollins at the Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood. While working on their debut album with producer Brendan O'Brien, legal complications arose over their band name. Drawing inspiration from STP Motor Oil decals, they settled on the name Stone Temple Pilots.

1992–1995: Release of Core and Purple

Stone Temple Pilots inked a deal with Atlantic Records in 1992. Their debut album Core, released on September 29, 1992, reached number three on the Billboard Albums Chart and featured popular tracks such as "Sex Type Thing," "Plush," and "Creep." Despite strong sales, some critics dismissed them as mere "grunge copycats." The band embarked on extensive tours, supporting acts like Rage Against the Machine and Megadeth.

In 1993, they appeared on MTV Unplugged where they introduced "Big Empty." That same year, they earned accolades including Favorite Pop/Rock New Artist and Best Hard Rock Performance Grammy for "Plush." Their sophomore album Purple, released on June 7, 1994, debuted at number one in the United States. Singles including "Interstate Love Song" enjoyed prolonged chart success. Within four months, Purple had sold three million copies.

1995–2003: Tiny Music, No. 4, and Shangri-La Dee Da

In October 1995, Stone Temple Pilots recorded their third studio album, Tiny Music... Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop, within a Santa Barbara mansion. This release showcased a stylistic transition toward glam rock and psychedelic influences. Although initial reception was mixed, the album later received critical acclaim. Touring activities were constrained due to Scott Weiland's rehabilitation period, leading the band to enter a hiatus during which members engaged in side ventures such as Talk Show and Weiland’s solo project.

The group reconvened in 1998 to produce No. 4, released in 1999, which marked a return to a heavier rock sound reminiscent of their earlier material. The track "Sour Girl", accompanied by a music video starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, emerged as a significant hit. This album achieved platinum certification. Their fifth record, Shangri-La Dee Da (2001), generated moderate chart success but failed to meet commercial expectations despite extensive touring alongside Linkin Park.

2003–2008: Hiatus and individual pursuits

Although initial efforts toward a sixth album began in 2002, internal disagreements resulted in inactivity by the end of that year. Atlantic Records issued the compilation Thank You in 2003 shortly before the band officially dissolved. Following the breakup, Scott Weiland became part of the supergroup Velvet Revolver, releasing two albums before their split in 2008. Meanwhile, the DeLeo brothers collaborated with Filter’s Richard Patrick to form Army of Anyone, producing one album before pausing activity. Drummer Eric Kretz concentrated on studio production work.

2008–2011: Reunion and sixth studio album

The reconciliation process started in 2007 when Weiland’s spouse encouraged the DeLeo brothers to perform together again. After Weiland departed Velvet Revolver in April 2008, Stone Temple Pilots reunited for an extensive North American tour commencing in May of that year. Their performances included appearances at prominent festivals such as Virgin Mobile Festival and Voodoo Experience before concluding their reunion tour late in 2008.

Following brief support for Weiland’s solo endeavors, the band entered the studio mid-2009 with producer Don Was to record their sixth album. New songs were previewed at South by Southwest in 2010, alongside performances at major events including England's Download Festival. The self-titled sixth album was released on May 25, 2010, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. The subsequent tour included dates across Southeast Asia and Australia throughout 2011.

2011–2013: Departure of Weiland and legal disputes

Despite plans to commemorate Core's anniversary through tours and reissues, tensions reemerged by late 2011. In September 2012, several shows experienced delays and cancellations attributed to Weiland’s vocal health problems. Speculation regarding his dismissal grew until February 27, 2013, when Stone Temple Pilots officially parted ways with him—their first major lineup alteration. Both parties initiated legal actions concerning ownership of the band name; these were resolved privately with the DeLeo brothers and Kretz retaining rights.

2013–2015: Chester Bennington era and Weiland's passing

In May 2013, Stone Temple Pilots performed with Chester Bennington from Linkin Park as a guest vocalist before officially appointing him as lead singer later that month. They introduced new material including the single "Out of Time" and released the EP High Rise in October 2013. By March 2015, they removed "with Chester Bennington" from their official name. Bennington amicably exited in November 2015 to concentrate on Linkin Park.

Scott Weiland passed away on December 3, 2015, due to an accidental overdose. The band issued an official statement honoring his contributions and legacy.

2016–2018: Jeff Gutt joins and second eponymous album

In February 2016, Stone Temple Pilots initiated online auditions seeking a new vocalist. Jeff Gutt was announced as their new lead singer on November 14, 2017. Prior to this announcement, they released a remastered edition of Core celebrating its 25th anniversary in September 2017; this edition included previously unreleased demos and live tracks.

Their second self-titled album featuring Gutt was released on March 16, 2018. That year also saw them co-headlining a tour alongside Bush and The Cult.

2019–present: Perdida release and ongoing touring with Gutt

By October 2019, Stone Temple Pilots had completed their eighth studio project incorporating distinctive instrumentation such as flute solos. The predominantly acoustic album Perdida was launched on February 7, 2020. The band remains actively touring, including plans for a co-headlining U.S. tour with Live scheduled for summer 2024.

Artistry

Musical style

Stone Temple Pilots fuse elements of '90s alternative rock and grunge with influences drawn from '70s hard rock and psychedelic music.[1] Each record presents unique sonic characteristics while maintaining their recognizable style.[2][3] They are regarded among the heavier grunge acts alongside Alice in Chains,[4][5][6] yet also incorporate softer melodic power-pop aspects inspired by glam rock and psychedelia.[7]

Aerosmith served as a notable influence; Steven Tyler and Joe Perry joined Stone Temple Pilots on stage at Madison Square Garden in 1996. Early stage performances reflected childhood admiration for Kiss, including makeup shows at New York’s Roseland Ballroom in 1993.

Scott Weiland cited inspirations such as The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, and Robert Plant; the band covered artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and David Bowie among others.

Initially linked with grunge contemporaries like Alice in Chains and Soundgarden due more to shared influences than imitation,[8] Weiland’s vocal approach evolved from models like Jim Morrison and David Bowie into highly versatile performances that earned him recognition as a vocal chameleon.

Over time, their sound expanded to include psychedelic rock elements, country influences (notably on "And So I Know"), and bossa nova touches (on Tiny Music...). Weiland described this progression as substantial between their debut Core and subsequent albums prior to his Velvet Revolver involvement.[9]

Band members

Dean DeLeo is recognized for his multi-layered distorted guitar techniques; Robert DeLeo’s bass playing incorporates styles ranging from rhythm & blues to ragtime; Eric Kretz blends funk-inspired rhythms with forceful heel-down drumming.[10]

Scott Weiland functioned as primary lyricist whose themes transitioned from social commentary ("Sex Type Thing") toward introspective struggles with addiction ("Interstate Love Song"), ultimately addressing heroin recovery in later works. Post-reunion lyrics adopted narrative storytelling influenced by Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan rather than self-focused topics.

Legacy

Stone Temple Pilots have achieved RIAA certification totaling eight times platinum,[11] selling over forty million records worldwide,[12][13] including seventeen million units within the United States before their initial disbandment in 2003.

They secured sixteen top ten hits on Billboard’s rock charts—eight reaching number one—and one chart-topping album (Purple).[14][15][16] Their Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance was earned for "Plush" from Core.[17]

Despite early criticism branding them derivative,[18] Stone Temple Pilots have garnered retrospective praise for lasting appeal.[19] AllMusic lauded their greatest hits compilation as nearly flawless.[20]

Following Scott Weiland’s death in December 2015,[21] Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins acknowledged him among his generation’s outstanding vocalists.[22] Media coverage emphasized Weiland’s dynamic voice and unpredictable style throughout his tenure.[23][24]

On December 3, 2016, Stone Temple Pilots commemorated the first anniversary of Weiland's passing.[25] In recognition of their heavier sound contribution, Metal Injection ranked them ninth among "10 Heaviest Grunge Bands" in 2017.[26]

Band members

Current lineup

  • Robert DeLeo – bass guitar, backing vocals (1989–2003, 2008–present)
  • Eric Kretz – drums and percussion (1989–2003, 2008–present)
  • Dean DeLeo – guitar (1989–2003, 2008–present)
  • Jeff Gutt – lead vocals (2017–present)

Former members

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Colors = 

id:Lvocals       value:red         legend:Lead_vocals
id:Guitar        value:green       legend:Guitars
id:Bass          value:blue        legend:Bass,_backing_vocals
id:Drums         value:orange      legend:Drums,_percussion 
id:Studio        value:black       legend:Studio_album

LineData = 

layer:back
color:Studio
  at:29/09/1992
  at:07/06/1994
  at:26/03/1996
  at:26/10/1999
  at:19/06/2001
  at:21/05/2010
  at:16/03/2018
  at:07/02/2020

BarData = 

bar:Weiland   text:"Scott Weiland"
bar:Bennington    text:"Chester Bennington"
bar:Gutt     text:"Jeff Gutt" 
bar:DDeLeo     text:"Dean DeLeo" 
bar:RDeLeo      text:"Robert DeLeo"
bar:Kretz    text:"Eric Kretz"

PlotData= 

width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:Weiland from:01/01/1989 till:16/11/2003 color:lvocals
bar:Weiland from:01/05/2008 till:27/02/2013 color:lvocals
bar:Bennington from:18/05/2013 till:09/11/2015 color:lvocals
bar:Gutt    from:14/11/2017 till:end color:lvocals
bar:DDeLeo from:01/01/1989 till:16/11/2003 color:guitar
bar:DDeLeo from:01/05/2008 till:end        color:guitar
bar:RDeLeo from:01/01/1989 till:16/11/2003 color:bass
bar:RDeLeo from:01/05/2008 till:end        color:bass
bar:Kretz   from:01/01/1989 till:16/11/2003 color:drums
bar:Kretz   from:01/05/2008 till:end        color:drums

</timeline>

Discography

Main article: Stone Temple Pilots discography

Studio albums

Awards

|- | style="text-align:center;"|1993 |"Plush" |MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1993 |"Plush" |MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative Video | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1993 |"Plush" |Billboard Music Award for Top Rock Song of the Year | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1994 | style="text-align:center;"| - |American Music Award recognizing Favorite Pop/Rock New Artist | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1994 | style="text-align:center;"| - |Billboard Music Award awarded for Leading Modern Rock Act of the Year | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1994 |"Plush" |Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1994 | style="text-align:center;"| - |Concert Industry Awards honoring Best New Rock Artist Tour | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1995 | style="text-align:center;"| - |American Music Award for Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1995 | style="text-align:center;"| - |American Music Award awarded to Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1995 |"Interstate Love Song" |MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative Video | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1995 |"Interstate Love Song" |MTV Video Music Award for Best Metal/Hard Rock Video | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1995 |"Interstate Love Song" |MTV Video Music Award for Best Group Video | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1995 |"Interstate Love Song" |MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1995 |"Big Empty" |MTV Movie Award for Best Song From a Movie | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1996 |"Interstate Love Song" | ASCAP Pop Music Award for Most Performed Song | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1997 |"Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart" |Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance | |- | style="text-align:center;"|1997 

| style="text-align:center;"|- 
|American Music Award honoring Favorite Metal/Hard Rock Artist
|

|- 

| style="text-align:center;" |1997 
| style="text-align:center;"|- 
|American Music Award recognizing Favorite Alternative Artist 
|

|- 

| style="text-align:center;" |2000 
|"Sour Girl" 
|MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography 
|

|- 

| style="text-align:center;" |2001 
|"Down" 
|Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance 
|

|- 

| style="text-align:center;" |2010 
| style="text-align:center;" |- 
|Guys Choice for Ballsiest Band 
|

|- 

| style="text-align:center;" |2011 
|"Between the Lines" 
|Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance 
|

External links

  1. ↑ Australian Musician Magazine
  2. ↑ Atlantic Records
  3. ↑ AllMusic
  4. ↑ Life of Agony review
  5. ↑ Questia archive
  6. ↑ Metal Injection
  7. ↑ UPROXX
  8. ↑ The Accidental Genius Blog
  9. ↑ Rolling Stone interview
  10. ↑ Drum Magazine
  11. ↑ RIAA database
  12. ↑ MTV Legacy
  13. ↑ RIAA Top Selling Artists
  14. ↑ AllMusic
  15. ↑ Billboard charts
  16. ↑ AllMusic Purple album
  17. ↑ Grammy archives
  18. ↑ Grunge imitators critique
  19. ↑ MTV News
  20. ↑ AllMusic review
  21. ↑ Billboard obituary
  22. ↑ Smashing Pumpkins Nexus
  23. ↑ Jim Harrington commentary
  24. ↑ Obituary coverage
  25. ↑ Official band statement
  26. ↑ Metal Injection list
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