Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots – Biography & Legacy

📅 Last Updated: January 22, 2026 | ⏱️ 18-minute read

Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots represents one of rock music’s most fascinating and bittersweet chapters. When the iconic Linkin Park frontman joined the legendary grunge-rock pioneers in 2013, it marked an unexpected collision of two generations of rock excellence. Chester Bennington’s tenure with Stone Temple Pilots, though brief, demonstrated his remarkable versatility as a vocalist and his deep respect for rock music’s heritage, while offering the band a powerful new chapter following Scott Weiland’s tumultuous departure.

The Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots era lasted from 2013 to 2015, producing the critically acclaimed EP “ High Rise ” and unforgettable live performances that honored the band’s classic catalog while infusing it with fresh energy. For fans of both Linkin Park and Stone Temple Pilots, this period represented a dream collaboration that showcased Chester Bennington’s incredible vocal range and his ability to channel the spirit of grunge without simply imitating his predecessor.

This comprehensive article explores Chester Bennington’s journey with Stone Temple Pilots, the circumstances that brought him to the band, the music they created together, and the lasting impact of this unique partnership that ended tragically with Bennington’s death in 2017. Discover how Chester Bennington breathed new life into Stone Temple Pilots while maintaining his commitment to Linkin Park and creating a legacy that continues to resonate with rock fans worldwide.

🎤 Who Was Chester Bennington?

Chester Charles Bennington was born on March 20, 1976, in Phoenix, Arizona. Before Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots became a reality, he had already established himself as one of the most distinctive and powerful voices in modern rock music. As the lead vocalist of Linkin Park, Chester Bennington helped define the sound of a generation with his incredible ability to seamlessly transition from melodic singing to intense screaming vocals, a technique that would later serve him well with Stone Temple Pilots.

Chester Bennington’s early life was marked by both musical passion and personal struggles. Growing up in Arizona, he discovered music as an outlet for the emotional pain he experienced during his childhood. He drew inspiration from bands like Depeche Mode and Stone Temple Pilots ironically one of the bands he would later join. His vocal influences ranged from Chris Cornell to Scott Weiland, both of whom tragically passed away before Chester Bennington himself.

Before his international fame with Linkin Park, Chester Bennington sang for various Arizona-based bands including Grey Daze, where he first demonstrated the raw emotional power that would become his signature. His ability to convey authentic pain and vulnerability through his voice made him stand out in a crowded alternative rock scene. This authenticity would later make the Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots partnership feel so natural and powerful.

Chester Bennington’s vocal technique was extraordinary. He possessed a rare ability to maintain pitch and clarity even during the most intense screaming passages, something vocal coaches often cite as evidence of his technical mastery. His range spanned multiple octaves, allowing him to tackle both the soaring melodic lines of Linkin Park’s ballads and the aggressive, raw power needed for Stone Temple Pilots’ grunge anthems.

🎸 Linkin Park Success and Musical Background

Chester Bennington joined Linkin Park in 1999, and the band’s debut album “Hybrid Theory” (2000) became one of the best-selling debut albums of the 21st century, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. Songs like “In the End,” “Crawling,” and “One Step Closer” showcased Chester Bennington’s incredible vocal dynamics and emotional intensity. This massive success would eventually lead to the unexpected Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots collaboration over a decade later.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Chester Bennington and Linkin Park continued to evolve their sound across seven studio albums, earning two Grammy Awards and selling over 100 million records globally. Albums like “Meteora” (2003), “Minutes to Midnight” (2007), and “A Thousand Suns” (2010) demonstrated the band’s willingness to experiment while maintaining Chester Bennington’s voice as their most distinctive and recognizable element.

Beyond Linkin Park, Chester Bennington explored other musical projects that showed his versatility. His side project Dead by Sunrise released the album “Out of Ashes” in 2009, featuring a more alternative rock sound that gave Chester Bennington creative freedom to explore different musical territories. This willingness to step outside his comfort zone would prove crucial when the opportunity to join Stone Temple Pilots presented itself.

Chester Bennington was also known for his collaborations with other rock legends. He performed with members of Stone Temple Pilots at various tribute concerts even before officially joining the band, and he frequently cited Scott Weiland as a major influence. His friendship with Chris Cornell was particularly deep, making Cornell’s 2017 death especially devastating for Chester Bennington, occurring just two months before his own tragic passing.

🚀 How Did Chester Bennington Join Stone Temple Pilots?

The Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots story began in February 2013, when the band officially parted ways with founding vocalist Scott Weiland after years of turbulent on-and-off relationships. Stone Temple Pilots members Robert DeLeo, Dean DeLeo, and Eric Kretz found themselves at a crossroads, needing a vocalist who could honor their legacy while bringing fresh energy to the band.

Chester Bennington was not the obvious choice for many fans, but for the band members, he made perfect sense. The DeLeo brothers and Kretz had witnessed Chester Bennington’s vocal prowess firsthand at various industry events and tribute performances. They knew he possessed the technical skill, emotional depth, and rock credibility to step into such massive shoes. In May 2013, Stone Temple Pilots officially announced Chester Bennington as their new lead vocalist, sending shockwaves through the rock music world.

The announcement of Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots generated mixed reactions from fans. Linkin Park devotees worried about what this meant for their favorite band, while die-hard Stone Temple Pilots fans questioned whether anyone could replace Scott Weiland. However, Chester Bennington quickly addressed these concerns, emphasizing that he viewed this as an honor and a challenge, not an attempt to replace Weiland but rather to continue the band’s legacy with respect and his own artistic interpretation.

Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots made sense from a musical perspective. Both bands shared DNA in the alternative rock and grunge movements, though from different eras. Stone Temple Pilots emerged from the early 1990s grunge explosion, while Linkin Park represented the late 1990s nu-metal evolution of that sound. Chester Bennington’s vocal style, with its combination of melody and aggression, aligned naturally with Stone Temple Pilots’ catalog, particularly songs from albums like Core and Purple.

🎵 First Performances and Fan Reactions (2013)

Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots debuted live on May 18, 2013, at KROQ’s Weenie Roast festival in Irvine, California. The setlist included Stone Temple Pilots classics like “Vasoline,” “Interstate Love Song,” and the iconic “Plush”. Chester Bennington approached these songs with reverence while adding his own vocal signature, creating performances that honored the originals without simply imitating Scott Weiland’s delivery.

The critical reception to Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots’ debut performance was largely positive, with many reviewers praising his vocal power and stage presence. Rock journalists noted that Chester Bennington brought an intensity to the performances that reminded fans why they loved Stone Temple Pilots in the first place. His version of “Plush” particularly impressed critics, as he maintained the song’s haunting quality while injecting his own emotional interpretation.

Fan reactions to Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots varied widely initially. Some longtime Stone Temple Pilots supporters remained skeptical, viewing Scott Weiland as irreplaceable. However, many fans, including those who came to appreciate both Linkin Park and Stone Temple Pilots, embraced this new chapter. Chester Bennington’s genuine respect for the material and his refusal to make the performances about him won over many doubters during these early shows.

During these first performances, Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots demonstrated remarkable chemistry on stage. The DeLeo brothers’ guitar interplay, Eric Kretz’s powerful drumming, and Chester Bennington’s commanding vocal presence created a sound that felt both familiar and fresh. The band’s performance of “Interstate Love Song” at these early shows became particularly legendary, with Chester Bennington’s soaring vocals perfectly complementing Robert DeLeo’s iconic bassline.

💿 High Rise EP: New Music with Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots

In October 2013, Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots released the “High Rise” EP, their first and only studio recording together. The five-track EP featured new original material written collaboratively by Chester Bennington and the band members, marking a fresh creative direction while maintaining the Stone Temple Pilots sound that fans expected. The lead single “Out of Time” received significant rock radio airplay and positive critical reception.

“High Rise” showcased Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots at their most collaborative. The EP’s opening track “Out of Time” demonstrated Chester Bennington’s ability to write within the Stone Temple Pilots framework while bringing his own melodic sensibilities. The song featured the driving rhythms and guitar work characteristic of classic STP, elevated by Chester Bennington’s powerful, emotionally charged vocals that ranged from vulnerable verses to anthemic choruses.

Other standout tracks on “High Rise” included “Black Heart” and “Cry Cry,” both of which highlighted the chemistry between Chester Bennington and the instrumentalists. “Black Heart” featured a more aggressive approach that played to Chester Bennington’s strengths in delivering raw, intense vocals, while “Cry Cry” offered a more melodic, introspective moment that recalled Stone Temple Pilots’ work on albums like Tiny Music.

Critical reception of the “High Rise” EP was generally favorable, with many reviewers praising the songwriting and Chester Bennington’s vocal performance. Rock publications noted that Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots had successfully created new material that felt authentic to the band’s legacy without simply rehashing their greatest hits. The EP debuted at number two on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart, demonstrating strong commercial interest in this new iteration of the band.

The “High Rise” EP also featured “Same on the Inside” and “Tomorrow,” rounding out a diverse collection that showed Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots exploring different facets of their sound. The production, helmed by Don Was, captured the raw energy of the band while maintaining radio-friendly polish. For many fans, “High Rise” represented what could have been the beginning of an exciting new chapter had circumstances allowed Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots to continue.

🛒 Shop Stone Temple Pilots Albums

🎪 Touring Era and Live Performances (2013-2015)

Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots toured extensively from 2013 through 2015, bringing their unique partnership to venues across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. These tours featured setlists that balanced Stone Temple Pilots classics with tracks from the “High Rise” EP, creating shows that honored the band’s legacy while pushing forward. Chester Bennington’s energetic stage presence and genuine enthusiasm for the material made each performance memorable for both longtime STP fans and Linkin Park devotees.

The Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots live experience was particularly powerful during festival appearances. At events like Rock on the Range, Download Festival, and various South American rock festivals, the band delivered performances that demonstrated the strength of this collaboration. Chester Bennington’s ability to command large festival stages while maintaining the intimate emotional connection of Stone Temple Pilots’ songs impressed both critics and audiences, proving the partnership was more than just a commercial experiment.

Setlist highlights during the Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots era consistently included “Interstate Love Song,” “Vasoline,” “Plush,” “Sex Type Thing,” and “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart.” Chester Bennington approached each song with respect for the original versions while adding his own vocal interpretations. His version of “Interstate Love Song” became particularly celebrated, with many fans noting that he brought a different but equally compelling emotional intensity to the track.

During this touring period, Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots also played smaller club shows that allowed for more intimate fan experiences. These performances gave audiences the chance to see Chester Bennington tackle the Stone Temple Pilots catalog in more stripped-down settings, further demonstrating his versatility. The band’s performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles became legendary among fans, with Chester Bennington delivering emotionally charged interpretations of deep cuts alongside the hits.

⚡ Balancing Linkin Park and Stone Temple Pilots

One of the most remarkable aspects of Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots was how the vocalist managed to balance his commitments to both bands during 2013-2015. Chester Bennington never intended to leave Linkin Park, and he made this clear from the beginning of his tenure with Stone Temple Pilots. The arrangement required careful scheduling and extraordinary stamina, as Chester Bennington often flew between cities to fulfill obligations to both bands within days of each other.

Linkin Park continued working on new material during the Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots period, with the band releasing “The Hunting Party” album in 2014. Chester Bennington’s involvement in both projects demonstrated his work ethic and passion for music. He approached Stone Temple Pilots performances with the same dedication he brought to Linkin Park, never treating either band as secondary to the other despite Linkin Park being his primary musical home.

The logistics of Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots alongside his Linkin Park commitments sometimes proved challenging. There were occasional scheduling conflicts that required creative solutions, but Chester Bennington’s professionalism and the understanding between both bands made the arrangement work for over two years. Both sets of band members expressed admiration for Chester Bennington’s ability to give 100% to each project without compromising either band’s artistic vision.

Chester Bennington’s dual band membership also created unique opportunities for cross-pollination between fan bases. Many younger Linkin Park fans discovered Stone Temple Pilots through Chester Bennington, while older Stone Temple Pilots supporters gained new appreciation for Linkin Park’s music. This cultural bridge between generations of rock music represented one of the most positive aspects of the Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots partnership, introducing classic 1990s grunge to a new generation.

💔 Departure from Stone Temple Pilots (2015)

In November 2015, Stone Temple Pilots and Chester Bennington announced their amicable separation, ending the Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots era after two and a half years. The official statement emphasized that the parting was friendly and that scheduling conflicts between Chester Bennington’s commitments to Linkin Park and Stone Temple Pilots had made the dual role increasingly unsustainable. Both parties expressed mutual respect and gratitude for the time they had spent creating music together.

The end of Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots came as Linkin Park prepared to enter an intensive period of writing and recording for what would become their seventh studio album, “One More Light” (2017). Chester Bennington needed to focus his full attention on Linkin Park’s new creative direction, which required more studio time and promotional commitments than could be managed while fronting two major rock bands simultaneously.

Stone Temple Pilots released a statement thanking Chester Bennington for his contributions and expressing understanding about the scheduling challenges. Robert DeLeo commented that Chester Bennington had brought tremendous energy and talent to the band during a crucial period, helping them navigate the post-Scott Weiland era with dignity and artistic integrity. The DeLeo brothers and Eric Kretz began searching for a new vocalist, eventually finding Jeff Gutt in 2017.

Chester Bennington’s departure from Stone Temple Pilots allowed him to focus on what would tragically be his final years with Linkin Park. Looking back, the Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots period represents a remarkable achievement in Chester Bennington’s career demonstrating his versatility, professionalism, and deep love for rock music across genres and generations. The “High Rise” EP and live performances remain as testament to this unique collaboration.

🎤 Chester Bennington vs. Scott Weiland: Vocal Styles Compared

Comparing Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots to Scott Weiland’s original performances reveals two distinct but equally powerful vocal approaches. Scott Weiland possessed a unique baritone voice with an almost theatrical quality, capable of ranging from vulnerable whispers to powerful rock delivery. His vocal style often incorporated elements of glam rock, punk, and blues, creating a signature sound that defined Stone Temple Pilots’ identity throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

Chester Bennington brought a different but complementary vocal style to Stone Temple Pilots. His voice had more raw power and a wider dynamic range, particularly in the upper registers where his screaming technique was unmatched in modern rock. Chester Bennington’s approach to songs like “Plush” emphasized the emotional vulnerability in the verses while bringing explosive energy to the choruses, creating interpretations that honored the originals while showcasing his own strengths.

The technical differences between Scott Weiland and Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots interpretations were most apparent in songs like “Interstate Love Song.” Weiland’s version featured his characteristic vibrato and laid-back phrasing that gave the song a confident swagger. Chester Bennington’s version maintained the melody while adding more urgency and power, particularly in the chorus, creating a slightly more aggressive interpretation that aligned with his Linkin Park background.

Despite these differences, Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots succeeded because Chester Bennington never attempted to imitate Scott Weiland. He understood that any attempt at direct imitation would be both impossible and disrespectful. Instead, Chester Bennington brought his own interpretation to the material, honoring the songs’ emotional cores while adding his own vocal personality. This approach won respect from both critics and fans who initially questioned whether anyone could front Stone Temple Pilots after Weiland.

🏆 Legacy of Chester Bennington with Stone Temple Pilots

The Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots legacy endures as one of rock music’s most interesting “what if” scenarios. Though the partnership lasted only from 2013 to 2015, it demonstrated several important truths about rock music: that great songs can survive changes in personnel when approached with respect, that versatile vocalists can successfully navigate different musical styles, and that collaboration between generations of rock artists can create something valuable for fans of all ages.

Chester Bennington’s tragic death on July 20, 2017, cast the Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots era in a new, bittersweet light. The collaboration became part of Chester Bennington’s larger legacy as a vocalist who refused to be confined to one style or band, who constantly challenged himself artistically, and who brought genuine passion to every performance regardless of the context. His time with Stone Temple Pilots showed a different side of his artistry that many Linkin Park fans had never fully appreciated.

The “High Rise” EP remains the primary recorded document of Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots, and it has grown in stature since Chester Bennington’s passing. Fans and critics who initially dismissed it as a side project now recognize it as an important chapter in both Chester Bennington’s career and Stone Temple Pilots’ evolution. The EP’s five tracks showcase the chemistry between Chester Bennington and the band members, revealing what might have been had circumstances allowed the collaboration to continue.

For Stone Temple Pilots, the Chester Bennington era helped bridge the difficult transition from Scott Weiland (who died in December 2015, shortly after Chester Bennington’s departure) to the band’s current vocalist Jeff Gutt. Chester Bennington proved that Stone Temple Pilots could continue as a vital creative force with a different vocalist, setting a precedent that allowed the band to move forward after losing both of their iconic frontmen within two years. The current Stone Temple Pilots tour dates for 2026 demonstrate the band’s resilience and continued relevance.

Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots also represents an important moment in rock music history when two distinct eras of alternative rock the grunge movement of the early 1990s and the nu-metal explosion of the late 1990s found common ground. This collaboration helped remind fans that these seemingly different movements shared more DNA than many realized, with both emphasizing emotional authenticity, powerful vocals, and a rejection of hair metal excess in favor of substance and genuine artistic expression.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots

Here are answers to the most common questions fans ask about Chester Bennington’s time with Stone Temple Pilots.

🎸 Bottom Line

Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots represents one of rock music’s most fascinating and bittersweet partnerships. From his first performance at KROQ’s Weenie Roast in May 2013 to his amicable departure in November 2015, Chester Bennington brought extraordinary vocal power, artistic integrity, and genuine respect to one of grunge rock’s most legendary bands during a crucial transitional period.

The “High Rise” EP remains the primary recorded testament to Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots, showcasing the remarkable chemistry between Chester Bennington’s powerful vocals and the instrumental prowess of Robert DeLeo, Dean DeLeo, and Eric Kretz. Despite lasting only two and a half years, this collaboration successfully honored Stone Temple Pilots’ legacy while demonstrating that great songs can transcend changes in personnel when approached with artistic respect and emotional authenticity.

At 41 years old when he tragically passed away in 2017, Chester Bennington had already established himself as one of his generation’s most versatile and powerful vocalists. His work with Stone Temple Pilots exemplified his willingness to challenge himself artistically, step outside his comfort zone, and pay tribute to the rock legends who influenced his own musical development. Chester Bennington proved that authentic passion for music transcends genre boundaries and generational divides.

The Chester Bennington Stone Temple Pilots era continues to resonate with fans who appreciate both bands’ contributions to rock music. While many wondered “what if” regarding this partnership’s potential had it continued, the music they created together and the memorable live performances they delivered stand as testament to a unique moment when two generations of alternative rock excellence found common ground. Chester Bennington’s legacy with Stone Temple Pilots, alongside his groundbreaking work with Linkin Park, ensures his influence will inspire rock vocalists for generations to come.

📚 Sources

• Wikipedia – Chester Bennington
• Wikipedia – Stone Temple Pilots
• AllMusic – Chester Bennington Biography
• Rolling Stone – Chester Bennington Joins Stone Temple Pilots
• Billboard – Chester Bennington Parts Ways With Stone Temple Pilots
• Consequence of Sound – Stone Temple Pilots ‘High Rise’ EP Review
• Ultimate Guitar – Stone Temple Pilots Explain Chester Bennington Departure

🎶 Retired, recharged, and rocking harder than ever – I’m Charlie Gillingham. Founder of Classic Rock Artists, I live for legendary riffs, timeless tracks, and the stories that keep them alive.