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Stone Temple Pilots

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Band Timeline

1985-1989

Formation and Early Years as Mighty Joe Young

Stone Temple Pilots began as a band named Swing, founded by Scott Weiland and Robert DeLeo, with early members guitarist Corey Hicock and drummer David Allin. After Allin and Hicock's departures, drummer Eric Kretz and guitarist Dean DeLeo (Robert's brother) joined, completing the classic lineup. Initially named Mighty Joe Young, they played gigs in San Diego and recorded a demo around 1990. Due to a name conflict with a blues musician, they adopted the name Stone Temple Pilots inspired by STP motor oil stickers. This period set the foundation for their entry into the rock scene.
1992

Release of Debut Album 'Core'

Stone Temple Pilots released their debut album, Core, on September 29, 1992. Produced by Brendan O'Brien, Core became a major commercial success, reaching number three on the Billboard 200 by mid-1993 and being certified 8× Platinum in the US. The album spawned hit singles such as 'Sex Type Thing', 'Wicked Garden', 'Creep', and 'Plush', with the latter winning an MTV Video Music Award and a Grammy. Despite initial criticism for resembling other grunge acts, Core established STP as a major player in the 1990s alternative rock scene.
1994

Release of Second Album 'Purple'

Purple, Stone Temple Pilots' second studio album, was released on June 7, 1994. While remaining rooted in grunge, the album expanded into psychedelic rock, blues, and country influences. Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, it stayed at the top for three weeks. Singles such as 'Vasoline' and 'Interstate Love Song' achieved major chart success. Though initial reviews were mixed, Purple has since been acclaimed as one of the best albums of the 1990s, solidifying STP's reputation for versatility and commercial appeal.
1996

Release of 'Tiny Music... Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop'

'Tiny Music...' marked a turning point for STP, released on March 26, 1996. It showcased a radical reinvention of their sound towards more psychedelic and eclectic styles, recorded in isolation at Westerly Ranch. Despite Scott Weiland's worsening drug issues that led to short recording setbacks and legal troubles, the album debuted at number four on Billboard 200. Singles like 'Big Bang Baby' and 'Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart' topped rock charts, and it received platinum certification. This album revealed the band's evolving artistic direction amid personal challenges.
1999

Release of Fourth Album 'No. 4'

In 1999, Stone Temple Pilots released their fourth album, No. 4. Continuing their exploration beyond grunge, the album incorporated hard rock and alternative metal elements. It spawned several singles like 'Sour Girl' which gained notable radio play. No. 4 illustrated the band's maturation and resilience despite internal struggles. The album maintained the band's presence in the rock scene during a period of shifting musical trends and highlighted their adaptability to new sounds and audiences.
2001

Release of Fifth Album 'Shangri-La Dee Da' and Subsequent Hiatus

Shangri-La Dee Da, released June 19, 2001, was STP's fifth studio album and last before their hiatus. Recorded in a Malibu villa, it offered a mix of hard rock and psychedelic pop, reflecting the band's most diverse mood palette. Though not as commercially successful as prior albums, it reached the top ten in the US and was certified Gold. The band toured extensively, including the Family Values Tour. Following ongoing struggles with lead singer Scott Weiland's substance abuse, STP officially separated in 2003, with members pursuing other projects.
2002-2008

Members' Side Projects and Reunion

During the hiatus from 2003 to 2008, members engaged in notable side projects. Scott Weiland joined Velvet Revolver, releasing two albums before his firing in 2008. Brothers Dean and Robert DeLeo along with drummer Eric Kretz formed Army of Anyone with Filter's Richard Patrick. In April 2008, Stone Temple Pilots reunited for a North American tour, culminating in overcoming legal disputes with Atlantic Records regarding album contracts. This reunion paved the way for their return to recording and performing together after years of separation.
2010

Release of Self-Titled Sixth Album and Final Record with Scott Weiland

Stone Temple Pilots released their sixth studio album, self-titled 'Stone Temple Pilots', in May 2010. Produced primarily by the DeLeo brothers, recording spanned almost a year using multiple studios. It reflected influences from 1960s and 1970s rock, including country and classic rock elements. The album received favorable reviews and peaked at number two on Billboard 200. This was the final album with original frontman Scott Weiland, who was dismissed from the band in 2013, marking the end of an era for STP.
2013

Scott Weiland's Firing and Chester Bennington Joining

In February 2013, Stone Temple Pilots fired lead vocalist Scott Weiland due to ongoing conflicts. The band subsequently recruited Chester Bennington from Linkin Park as their new lead singer, debuting with him in May 2013 at the KROQ Weenie Roast. Their only recorded material with Bennington was the 'High Rise' EP released in October 2013. The period involved legal battles regarding the band's name and performances but ended with settlements allowing STP to continue with Bennington. Bennington cited joining STP as a lifelong dream, bringing renewed energy to the band.
2015

Chester Bennington's Departure from Stone Temple Pilots

Chester Bennington amicably left Stone Temple Pilots in November 2015 to focus on his primary band, Linkin Park. During his tenure, STP released the 'High Rise' EP and toured but did not produce a full-length album. Bennington's departure marked another significant lineup change for the band. This period reflects the challenges STP faced in maintaining stability in the post-Weiland era, as they searched for a long-term vocalist and identity moving forward.
2017

Jeff Gutt Becomes Lead Vocalist and Release of Seventh Album

Following a 2016 online audition process, Jeff Gutt was announced as Stone Temple Pilots' new lead singer in November 2017. Shortly after, they released their seventh studio album, also self-titled, in March 2018, called informally the Butterfly Album. This was the band's first album without Scott Weiland or Chester Bennington, both of whom had passed away. The album's singles, including 'Meadow' and 'Roll Me Under', received favorable reviews, signifying a successful new chapter. Gutt's addition helped stabilize the lineup and renewed the band's presence in contemporary rock.
2020

Release of Acoustic Eighth Album 'Perdida'

Stone Temple Pilots released their eighth studio album, 'Perdida', on February 7, 2020. The album was largely acoustic, recorded using vintage instruments, reflecting a matured and introspective sound. It was the second album featuring Jeff Gutt on vocals. Critical reception noted the band's expansion beyond typical rock boundaries, blending elements of country, folk, and orchestral pop. 'Perdida' demonstrated STP's continued evolution and willingness to explore new musical landscapes, marking a significant milestone in their long career.

Albums

stone-temple-pilots_1st_album
Core
12 tracks
1992
stone-temple-pilots_2nd_album
Purple
11 tracks
1994
stone-temple-pilots_3rd_album
Tiny Music… Songs From the Vatican Gift Shop
12 tracks
1996
stone-temple-pilots_4th_album
№4
12 tracks
1999
stone-temple-pilots_5th_album
Shangri‐La Dee Da
13 tracks
2001
stone-temple-pilots_6th_album
Stone Temple Pilots
19 tracks
2010
stone-temple-pilots_7th_album
Stone Temple Pilots
14 tracks
2018
stone-temple-pilots_8th_album
Perdida
13 tracks
2020
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Jeff Gutt

2017

Lead vocals

Dean DeLeo

N/A

Eric Kretz

N/A

Robert DeLeo

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Chester Bennington

2013
2015

Lead vocals

Scott Weiland

1989
2002

Lead vocals

Story of Stone Temple Pilots

Stone Temple Pilots: A Grunge Era Powerhouse

Stone Temple Pilots, often shortened to STP, emerged from the San Diego music scene in 1989. The band's original lineup, which remained intact for over two decades, featured the charismatic Scott Weiland (lead vocals), the DeLeo brothers, Dean (guitar) and Robert (bass and backing vocals), and drummer Eric Kretz. This dynamic quartet quickly rose to prominence in the early 1990s, carving a niche in the burgeoning grunge movement.

Their debut album, "Core," released in 1992, became a commercial sensation, propelling them into the ranks of the most successful bands of the decade. STP's sound, a potent blend of hard-hitting rock, grunge influences, and Weiland's powerful vocals, captured the hearts of a generation. The band went on to release four more studio albums: "Purple" (1994), "Tiny Music... Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop" (1996), "No. 4" (1999), and "Shangri-La Dee Da" (2001).

Despite their immense success, internal tensions and Weiland's struggles with addiction eventually led to the band's separation in 2003. The members pursued individual projects, with notable ventures including Velvet Revolver and Army of Anyone.

However, the call of the music brought them back together in 2008 for a highly anticipated reunion tour. This marked a period of renewed energy and creativity, culminating in their self-titled sixth album in 2010, once again featuring Weiland.

Tragically, Scott Weiland's life was cut short in 2015. Despite his passing, the legacy of Stone Temple Pilots continues to resonate, their music standing as a testament to their immense talent and impact on the rock music landscape. The band continues to perform with their new vocalist, Jeff Gutt, who was chosen through an online audition in 2017.

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