Former STP & Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland passed away a decade ago

Scott Weiland, the iconic voice behind Stone Temple Pilots (STP) and Velvet Revolver, passed away on December 3, 2015, marking a decade since his death.

Weiland co-founded Stone Temple Pilots in San Diego in 1989 alongside guitarist Dean DeLeo, bassist Robert DeLeo, and drummer Eric Kretz. Their first album, Core, arrived in 1992. While the grunge movement was dominating from Seattle, some critics dismissed STPs sound as derivative. Nevertheless, Core struck a chord with listeners, producing hit singles like "Plush," "Creep," and "Sex Type Thing," and eventually earning an eight-times Platinum certification from the RIAA.

Stone Temple Pilots followed up with Purple in 1994, achieving similar acclaim. Singles such as "Vasoline," "Interstate Love Song," and "Big Empty" helped the album reach six-times Platinum status. STP released three additional albums before their 2003 breakup, which was influenced by Weilands struggles with substance abuse and tensions within the band.

After leaving STP, Weiland joined Velvet Revolver, formed with Slash and Duff McKagan from Guns N Roses. The band released two albums, Contraband in 2004 and Libertad in 2007, generating popular tracks like "Slither," "Fall to Pieces," and "She Builds Quick Machines." Weiland departed Velvet Revolver in 2008 and reunited with STP that same year. The band released a self-titled album in 2010 but parted ways with Weiland in 2013. STP briefly continued with Linkin Parks Chester Bennington until 2015.

Weiland also pursued a solo career, releasing two solo albums and later forming Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts. He was touring with the Wildabouts when he tragically died at the age of 48 from an accidental overdose on his tour bus.

Stone Temple Pilots continue to perform with singer Jeff Gutt, who joined the band in 2017.

Author: Caleb Jennings