Scott Weiland, the former vocalist with Stone Temple Pilots, has died aged 48.
“Scott Weiland, best known as the lead singer for Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, passed away in his sleep while on a tour stop in Bloomington, Minnesota, with his band The Wildabouts,” a post on Weiland’s Facebook page reads. “At this time we ask that the privacy of Scott’s family be respected.”
Born in California, Weiland formed the band Stone Temple Pilots with brothers Robert and Dean DeLeo in the late 1980s.
Stone Temple Pilots released its first studio album, Core, in September 1992, which included the hits “Plush” and “Creep”.
The band’s second album, 1994’s Purple, sold over six million copies and produced three more hit singles – “Big Empty”, “Vasoline”, and “Interstate Love Song”.
Stone Temple Pilots continued until 2002, although Weiland’s drug problems routinely interfered with their career.
Weiland admitted to Blabbermouth earlier this year, “I haven’t had a needle in my arm in thirteen years.
“Overcoming my addiction to heroin was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’m damn proud of the fact that the time in my life when drugs were stronger than my commitment to my health is so far behind me, and always will be.”
After Stone Temple Pilots, Weiland joined former Guns N’ Roses members guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum in Velvet Revolver.
They released an album, Contraband, in 2004 and another in 2007, Libertad, which was the last to feature Weiland on vocals.
He released his first solo album, 12 Bar Blues, in 1998 and its follow-up, “Happy” In Galoshes, a decade later. In 2011, he released a holiday album titled The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
In March 2015, he released Blaster under the name Scott Weiland & The Wildabouts.
Meanwhile, tributes have been paid to Weiland.
Really sorry to hear about Scott Weiland.
— Krist Novoselić (@KristNovoselic) December 4, 2015
I saw Scott Weiland perform many times and those were some of my favorite concerts of all time. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) December 4, 2015
RIP Scott Weiland
Universe, please take care of him. https://t.co/sNXVIPl2jA
— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) December 4, 2015
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) December 4, 2015
Its not my loss, its our loss. Send your thoughts toward the family! https://t.co/Ojv1QYABmg
— Dave Navarro (@DaveNavarro) December 4, 2015
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