Image Credit: Mfield, Matthew Field, via Wikimedia Commons
The Stone Temple Pilots members forged one of the most commercially successful rock bands of the 1990s, selling over 40 million albums worldwide between 1992 and the early 2000s. From their San Diego origins as Mighty Joe Young to becoming multi-platinum grunge pioneers, the original quartet of Scott Weiland, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, and Eric Kretz created an enduring legacy built on powerful vocals, psychedelic guitar work, and thundering rhythms. Despite facing personal tragedies, lineup changes, and the loss of two lead vocalists, the band has persevered through multiple eras, proving their resilience as classic rock artists.
Whether you’re curious about the original lineup, the dramatic vocalist transitions, or where these rock legends stand today, this complete guide reveals the full story behind one of alternative rock’s most enduring acts. The journey of the Stone Temple Pilots members spans over three decades, marked by groundbreaking albums like Core and Purple, personal struggles with addiction, and a determination to keep creating music despite seemingly insurmountable challenges. Their story is one of artistic triumph, human tragedy, and ultimate perseverance in the face of loss.
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The Original Stone Temple Pilots Members
The original Stone Temple Pilots members came together in San Diego, California in 1989 when brothers Robert DeLeo and Dean DeLeo formed a group called Mighty Joe Young with vocalist Scott Weiland and drummer Eric Kretz.
Robert DeLeo brought his melodic bass style and songwriting prowess to the group, while his brother Dean contributed powerful guitar riffs influenced by Led Zeppelin and classic rock.
Scott Weiland, with his versatile vocal range and charismatic stage presence, became the face of the band, capable of shifting from powerful baritone to soaring tenor within a single song.
Eric Kretz provided the thundering rhythmic foundation that gave classic rock bands their driving force.
This lineup remained unchanged for an extraordinary 24 years, from their formation in 1989 until Weiland’s firing in February 2013, making them one of the most stable lineups in rock history.
From Mighty Joe Young to Stone Temple Pilots
The Stone Temple Pilots members initially performed under the name Mighty Joe Young, building a dedicated fanbase in San Diego clubs throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Their first major show came when they opened for Henry Rollins at the legendary Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, which helped them gain attention from Atlantic Records.
During the recording of what would become their debut album, the band received a call from their lawyer informing them that a blues musician had already claimed the Mighty Joe Young name.
Inspired by the STP Motor Oil stickers they had loved in their youth, the band brainstormed various meanings for the initials before settling on Stone Temple Pilots.
This name change in 1992 coincided with their signing to Atlantic Records and the release of their groundbreaking debut album Core, which would sell over eight million copies.
Early Musical Background of Key Members
Before forming Stone Temple Pilots, Robert DeLeo had studied music and developed his distinctive bass playing style that blended classic rock influences with more contemporary alternative sounds.
Dean DeLeo had honed his guitar skills playing in various bands, developing a psychedelic approach that drew from artists like The Doors and Led Zeppelin.
Scott Weiland had sung in choir during his youth and had experience in the San Diego music scene, bringing theatrical flair and emotional depth to his performances.
Eric Kretz had established himself as a powerful drummer with a hard-hitting style that perfectly complemented the DeLeo brothers’ musical vision.
Together, these four musicians created a chemistry that would define 1990s alternative rock and influence countless classic rock artists who followed.
Stone Temple Pilots Lineup Changes Through the Years
For over two decades, the Stone Temple Pilots members maintained their original lineup despite numerous challenges, including Scott Weiland’s well-documented struggles with substance abuse.
The band first separated in 2003 after releasing their fifth studio album Shangri-La Dee Da, with members pursuing various side projects including Velvet Revolver and Army of Anyone.
They reunited in 2008 for a successful tour and released their sixth album, a self-titled effort, in 2010 that reached number two on the Billboard 200.
However, tensions continued to mount as Weiland’s erratic behavior and substance issues created increasing difficulties for the band to tour and record consistently.
The breaking point came in February 2013 when the remaining Stone Temple Pilots members made the difficult decision to fire Weiland, marking the first lineup change in the band’s history.
The Departure and Death of Scott Weiland
When Scott Weiland was dismissed from Stone Temple Pilots in 2013, both parties filed lawsuits over the rights to perform under the band’s name.
The legal disputes were eventually settled out of court, with the DeLeo brothers and Kretz retaining the rights to continue as Stone Temple Pilots.
Weiland continued performing with his solo band The Wildabouts, but his personal struggles intensified as he dealt with bipolar disorder, financial troubles, and estrangement from his children.
On December 3, 2015, Weiland was found dead on his tour bus in Bloomington, Minnesota at the age of 48, with the cause of death determined to be an accidental overdose of alcohol, cocaine, and MDA.
His death shocked the music world, with tributes pouring in from fellow musicians including Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, who called Weiland one of the great voices of their generation.
The Stone Temple Pilots members released a statement thanking Weiland for his contributions and noting he was gifted beyond words, while acknowledging the complex relationship they had shared.
Chester Bennington and Jeff Gutt Era
In May 2013, Chester Bennington of Linkin Park joined the Stone Temple Pilots members, fulfilling what he described as his lifelong dream.
Bennington and the band released a five-track EP titled High Rise in October 2013, showcasing his powerful vocals on songs like Out of Time and Black Heart.
However, Bennington amicably departed in November 2015 to focus full-time on Linkin Park, leaving the band to search for another vocalist.
Tragically, Bennington died by suicide on July 20, 2017, before Stone Temple Pilots could announce their new singer, adding another devastating loss to the band’s history.
After holding online auditions that attracted thousands of hopefuls, the band announced Jeff Gutt as their new lead vocalist on November 14, 2017.
Gutt, a Detroit native who had appeared on The X Factor and fronted the band Dry Cell, brought both the vocal range to handle the classic catalog and the creativity to forge new musical directions with the remaining founding Stone Temple Pilots members.
Where Are the Stone Temple Pilots Members Today?
The current status of the Stone Temple Pilots members shows a band that has persevered through unimaginable tragedy to continue creating music and touring.
With three original founding members still intact along with vocalist Jeff Gutt, Stone Temple Pilots released their second self-titled album in March 2018 and their eighth studio album Perdida in February 2020.
The band has embarked on extensive tours throughout the 2020s, including a co-headlining summer tour with Live in 2024 celebrating the 30th anniversary of their sophomore album Purple.
Despite losing two lead singers within a span of just over two years, the Stone Temple Pilots members have demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication to their musical legacy.
Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, and Eric Kretz remain committed to honoring their past while continuing to create new material and introduce their classic hits to new generations of rock fans.
Dean DeLeo: Guitar Virtuoso and Creative Force
Today, Dean DeLeo continues to serve as Stone Temple Pilots’ lead guitarist and primary creative architect.
His distinctive guitar work blends classic rock influences with psychedelic textures and alternative rock energy, creating the signature sound that defines the band.
Dean has spoken publicly about the losses of both Scott Weiland and Chester Bennington, reflecting on the pressures and challenges his former bandmates faced.
In recent interviews, he has expressed enthusiasm about the band’s future with Jeff Gutt and their continued ability to create meaningful music while honoring their legacy.
His guitar playing remains as powerful and innovative as ever, with critics praising his work on the band’s recent albums and live performances.
Robert DeLeo: Melodic Bassist and Songwriter
Robert DeLeo remains the bass guitarist and backing vocalist for Stone Temple Pilots, continuing to be a driving creative force in the band.
As a primary songwriter alongside his brother Dean, Robert has been instrumental in crafting the band’s most memorable songs throughout their career.
He has discussed in interviews seeing Scott Weiland’s internal struggles early on and understanding the demons that plagued the original frontman.
Robert has maintained his own recording studio where much of the band’s recent work has been created, allowing the Stone Temple Pilots members greater creative control.
His melodic bass lines and musical sensibility continue to be essential elements of the band’s evolving sound.
Eric Kretz: The Steady Rhythmic Foundation
Drummer Eric Kretz has been the consistent backbone of Stone Temple Pilots since their formation in 1989.
His powerful, hard-hitting drumming style has remained unchanged throughout the band’s various eras and lineup transitions.
Kretz has been praised for his work on recent albums, with the band completing 14 songs for their 2018 self-titled release, the most tracks they had ever recorded for a single album.
He operates his own recording studio where the band frequently works, giving them the freedom to experiment and develop new material at their own pace.
Eric’s dedication to keeping the band moving forward despite personal tragedies has been crucial to Stone Temple Pilots’ survival as one of rock’s enduring acts.
Jeff Gutt: The New Voice Carrying the Legacy Forward
Jeff Gutt has successfully navigated the challenging task of becoming the third lead singer for Stone Temple Pilots since joining in 2017.
Born in Detroit, Michigan on May 2, 1976, Gutt brought extensive experience from his previous band Dry Cell and his appearances on The X Factor where he impressed audiences with his powerful vocal performances.
Dean DeLeo has praised Gutt for possessing both the baritone power and tenor range necessary to perform the band’s extensive catalog while also bringing fresh creative energy to new material.
Gutt has co-written and recorded two albums with the Stone Temple Pilots members, proving his ability to honor the past while helping forge new creative directions.
His performances have been praised for their authenticity and power, earning him acceptance from longtime fans while attracting new audiences to classic rock bands like Stone Temple Pilots.
Connected Bands and Member Crossovers
The Stone Temple Pilots members have fascinating connections to other major rock acts throughout their careers, creating an intricate web of classic rock artist collaborations.
Scott Weiland’s most notable connection came when he joined Velvet Revolver in 2003, a supergroup formed by former Guns N’ Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan, and Matt Sorum.
Velvet Revolver achieved massive success with their debut album Contraband, which sold over three million copies and earned Weiland another Grammy for the hit single Slither.
During one of Stone Temple Pilots’ breakups in the late 1990s, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, and Eric Kretz formed the band Talk Show with vocalist Dave Coutts, releasing a self-titled album in 1997.
Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz later joined forces with Richard Patrick of Filter to form Army of Anyone, releasing an album in 2006 that showcased their ability to create compelling music outside the Stone Temple Pilots framework.
Chester Bennington’s tenure with Stone Temple Pilots created a unique bridge between two of alternative rock’s biggest acts, as he balanced his time between STP and Linkin Park from 2013 to 2015.
Key Band Connections:
- Scott Weiland – Fronted Velvet Revolver from 2003 to 2008, performed with The Wildabouts from 2013 until his death in 2015
- Chester Bennington – Lead vocalist of Linkin Park, joined Stone Temple Pilots from 2013 to 2015
- Dean and Robert DeLeo – Formed Talk Show in 1997 and Army of Anyone in 2006
- Jeff Gutt – Previously fronted nu-metal band Dry Cell signed to Warner Bros. Records
These interconnections between classic rock bands and artists demonstrate how the Stone Temple Pilots members influenced and collaborated with their contemporaries throughout alternative rock’s most important era.
Musical Legacy of Stone Temple Pilots Members
The Stone Temple Pilots members left an indelible mark on 1990s rock music, selling over 40 million albums worldwide and earning a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1994 for their breakout hit Plush.
While initially criticized by some music critics as grunge imitators, Stone Temple Pilots developed a distinctive sound that blended elements of classic rock, psychedelia, and alternative music in ways that set them apart from their contemporaries.
Their influence can be heard in countless rock bands that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with their melodic approach to heavy rock helping define the post-grunge movement.
MTV writer James Montgomery later questioned the validity of critics’ negative assessments, suggesting that Stone Temple Pilots had been treated unfairly and that history had proven them to be one of the most important classic rock bands of their generation.
AllMusic critic Stephen Erlewine wrote that Stone Temple Pilots made music that sounded great at the time and even better in retrospect, calling them the best straight-ahead rock singles outfit of their era.
Songwriting Contributions by Each Member
The songwriting partnership between Dean and Robert DeLeo formed the musical foundation of Stone Temple Pilots, with the brothers typically composing the instrumental arrangements before Scott Weiland added his lyrical and vocal contributions.
Dean DeLeo’s guitar work created the psychedelic textures and powerful riffs that defined songs like Interstate Love Song, Vasoline, and Big Empty, drawing from influences ranging from Led Zeppelin to The Doors.
Robert DeLeo’s melodic bass lines and musical sensibility helped craft some of the band’s most memorable hooks, with his playing being described as a defining element of their sound.
Scott Weiland’s lyrical contributions often explored themes of personal struggle, relationships, and internal conflict, with his versatile vocal delivery bringing emotional depth to the band’s material.
Eric Kretz’s drumming provided the dynamic foundation that allowed the other Stone Temple Pilots members to explore various musical styles, from the heavy grunge of Core to the more experimental sounds of Tiny Music Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop.
Post-Band Success Stories
Scott Weiland achieved significant commercial success with Velvet Revolver, whose debut album Contraband reached number one on the Billboard 200 and earned the band a Grammy Award for Slither in 2005.
Weiland also released four solo albums throughout his career, with 12 Bar Blues in 1998 showcasing his ability to explore different musical directions beyond the Stone Temple Pilots sound.
Chester Bennington’s work with Stone Temple Pilots represented a dream fulfilled for the Linkin Park frontman, though his primary legacy remains his groundbreaking work with his main band, which sold over 100 million records worldwide.
The DeLeo brothers and Eric Kretz demonstrated their musical versatility through projects like Talk Show and Army of Anyone, proving they could create compelling music with different vocalists.
Jeff Gutt has successfully established himself as a legitimate member of classic rock bands legacy, earning respect from critics and fans for his powerful vocal performances and creative contributions to Stone Temple Pilots’ recent albums.
Essential Stone Temple Pilots Albums Featuring Different Lineups
Understanding the Stone Temple Pilots members and their evolution requires exploring the albums that defined each era of the band’s history.
From their groundbreaking debut Core to their recent work with Jeff Gutt, each album captures a specific moment in the band’s journey and showcases the different talents of the musicians involved.
These essential releases demonstrate the band’s ability to evolve musically while maintaining the core elements that made them one of the most successful classic rock artists of the 1990s.
Core (1992)
Featuring: Scott Weiland, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, Eric Kretz
The debut album that launched Stone Temple Pilots to stardom, featuring the original lineup in their most powerful form.
Core sold over eight million copies and spawned massive hits like Plush, Creep, Sex Type Thing, and Wicked Garden.
The album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and established the Stone Temple Pilots members as major forces in the grunge and alternative rock movements.
Purple (1994)
Featuring: Scott Weiland, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, Eric Kretz
Stone Temple Pilots’ sophomore effort debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and went on to sell six million copies.
Purple featured the band’s biggest charting single Interstate Love Song, along with hits like Vasoline and Big Empty, which appeared in the film The Crow.
The album showcased the maturation of the Stone Temple Pilots members’ songwriting abilities and cemented their status as one of rock’s biggest acts.
Tiny Music…Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop (1996)
Featuring: Scott Weiland, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, Eric Kretz
The band’s most experimental album saw them moving away from grunge toward glam rock and psychedelic influences.
Featuring hits like Big Bang Baby and Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart, the album demonstrated the versatility of the Stone Temple Pilots members.
Despite mixed initial reviews, the album has been reassessed as one of their most creative and influential works.
No. 4 (1999)
Featuring: Scott Weiland, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, Eric Kretz
A return to the heavier sound of their earlier work, No. 4 debuted at number one and featured singles like Sour Girl and No Way Out.
The album showed the Stone Temple Pilots members successfully balancing their commercial instincts with artistic experimentation.
High Rise EP (2013)
Featuring: Chester Bennington, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, Eric Kretz
The only release featuring Chester Bennington as lead vocalist, this five-track EP showcased his powerful vocals on songs like Out of Time and Black Heart.
The EP demonstrated that the Stone Temple Pilots members could create compelling new material with a different vocalist while maintaining their signature sound.
Stone Temple Pilots (2018)
Featuring: Jeff Gutt, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, Eric Kretz
The first full-length album with Jeff Gutt featured 14 tracks, the most the band had ever recorded for a single release.
Singles like Meadow and Roll Me Under showcased Gutt’s ability to honor the band’s legacy while bringing fresh energy to new material.
The album proved that the surviving Stone Temple Pilots members could continue creating vital music despite their tragic losses.
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Core (25th Anniversary)
The Album That Started It All
The groundbreaking 1992 debut that introduced the Stone Temple Pilots members to the world and sold over eight million copies.
Features the Grammy-winning hit Plush along with Creep, Sex Type Thing, and Wicked Garden that defined 90s alternative rock.
The 25th anniversary edition includes remastered tracks and bonus material showcasing the original lineup at their creative peak.
Essential listening for understanding how these classic rock artists revolutionized grunge and alternative music.
Purple
The Commercial Peak
The 1994 sophomore album that debuted at number one and became the biggest commercial success for the Stone Temple Pilots members.
Contains the band’s biggest hit Interstate Love Song along with Vasoline and Big Empty, all reaching the top of rock radio charts.
Showcases Scott Weiland’s vocal versatility and the DeLeo brothers’ sophisticated songwriting at their absolute peak.
A must-have for any collection celebrating classic rock bands of the 1990s.
Tiny Music Songs from Vatican Gift Shop
The Psychedelic Masterpiece
The bold 1996 album where the Stone Temple Pilots members explored glam rock and psychedelic influences, creating their most experimental work.
Features Big Bang Baby and Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart, showcasing the band’s willingness to evolve beyond grunge.
Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins called this a wizardly mix of glam and post-punk that proved the band’s artistic range.
A critical favorite that has grown in stature over time as one of the 90s most underrated classic rock albums.
Thank You – Greatest Hits
The Essential Collection
The definitive 2003 compilation featuring all the biggest hits from the Stone Temple Pilots members’ most successful era.
Includes 15 essential tracks like Plush, Interstate Love Song, Vasoline, Big Empty, and Sour Girl spanning their entire Atlantic Records career.
AllMusic critic Stephen Erlewine praised this collection saying the music has stood the test of time and called STP the best straight-ahead rock singles outfit of their era.
Perfect introduction for new fans and essential for any classic rock bands collection celebrating 90s alternative rock.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Stone Temple Pilots Members
Who were the original Stone Temple Pilots members?
The original Stone Temple Pilots members were Scott Weiland on lead vocals, Dean DeLeo on guitar, Robert DeLeo on bass and backing vocals, and Eric Kretz on drums. This lineup formed in San Diego, California in 1989 under the name Mighty Joe Young before changing to Stone Temple Pilots in 1992. Remarkably, this lineup remained completely unchanged for 24 years until Weiland’s dismissal in February 2013, making them one of the most stable lineups in rock history. Together, they created some of the most iconic albums of the 1990s including Core, Purple, and Tiny Music Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop.
Are any original Stone Temple Pilots members still alive?
Three of the four original Stone Temple Pilots members are still alive and actively performing. Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, and Eric Kretz continue to tour and record as Stone Temple Pilots with current vocalist Jeff Gutt. Original lead singer Scott Weiland tragically passed away on December 3, 2015, at the age of 48 from an accidental drug overdose while on tour with his band The Wildabouts. The band has also experienced the loss of two subsequent lead singers, with Chester Bennington passing away in 2017, though he had already left the band by that time to focus on Linkin Park.
What are the Stone Temple Pilots members doing now?
The current Stone Temple Pilots members remain active as a touring and recording band. Dean DeLeo continues as lead guitarist, Robert DeLeo as bassist, Eric Kretz as drummer, and Jeff Gutt as lead vocalist since 2017. The band released their second self-titled album in March 2018 and their eighth studio album Perdida in February 2020. They have been touring extensively throughout the 2020s, including a co-headlining summer tour with Live in 2024 celebrating the 30th anniversary of Purple. The surviving founding members have shown remarkable dedication to preserving their legacy while continuing to create new music for both longtime fans and new generations discovering these classic rock artists.
Why did Scott Weiland leave Stone Temple Pilots?
Scott Weiland didn’t voluntarily leave Stone Temple Pilots – he was fired by the remaining members in February 2013. The dismissal came after years of struggles with Weiland’s substance abuse issues and increasingly erratic behavior that made it difficult for the band to tour and record consistently. Both parties initially filed lawsuits over the rights to perform under the Stone Temple Pilots name, which were eventually settled out of court with the DeLeo brothers and Kretz retaining the rights. Weiland had previously left the band once before in 2003 when they initially broke up, but returned for a reunion in 2008. His ongoing battles with addiction ultimately led to his tragic death in December 2015, just two years after his final departure from the band.
How many members did Stone Temple Pilots have throughout their career?
Stone Temple Pilots has had a total of seven official members throughout their career. The four original founding members were Scott Weiland, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, and Eric Kretz. After Weiland’s departure in 2013, Chester Bennington of Linkin Park served as lead vocalist from 2013 to 2015. Following an online audition process, Jeff Gutt was announced as the new lead singer in November 2017 and continues in that role today. The band also briefly worked with vocalist Dave Coutts in the side project Talk Show during one of their breakups in the 1990s, though this was not officially under the Stone Temple Pilots name. What makes the band unique is that three founding members – Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, and Eric Kretz – have remained constant throughout every lineup change.
Want to dive deeper into Stone Temple Pilots’ music? Explore the complete discography and discover the albums that made these classic rock legends immortal. Learn more about their breakthrough hit Plush and other classic rock artists who shaped the 1990s alternative rock movement.
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Sources:
- Wikipedia – Stone Temple Pilots
- Wikipedia – Scott Weiland
- Wikipedia – Jeff Gutt
- Official Stone Temple Pilots Website
- ClassicRockHistory.com – Complete List of Stone Temple Pilots Band Members
Last updated: October 2025
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