STONE TEMPLE PILOTS ANNOUNCE CHESTER BENNINGTON AS NEW LEAD SINGER, DEBUT NEW TRACK "OUT OF TIME"

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(LOS ANGELES) – Fans attending KROQ’s annual Weenie Roast over the weekend got a real surprise when Stone Temple Pilots took the stage unannounced, for a blistering set with Chester Bennington of Linkin Park as lead vocalist.

The crowd went wild as the band performed STP classics like ‘Sex Type Thing’ and ‘Vasoline’ and also debuted a brand new song, “Out of Time”– the recording of which KROQ premiered immediately following the band’s explosive 40 minute set.

When Stone Temple Pilots band members, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz began thinking of singers to accompany the new music they were working on, Bennington was at the top of the list. “Chester has a one-of-a-kind voice that we’ve admired for a long time,” said Dean DeLeo. “We know Linkin Park will always be his priority, but we thought it would be cool to try something together. We managed to find the time to record a song and we’re all really happy with the result.”

“I’ve loved STP since I was 13 years old and they’ve had a huge influence on me,” explained Bennington. “When the opportunity came up to do something creative with them, I jumped at the chance. The guys in Linkin Park have been incredibly supportive of me undertaking this project while I’ve continued to work on new music with LP.”

Get a Free Download of “Out Of Time” on radio.com here: smarturl.it/stpoutoftime


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  • humanmonkey

    Not bad. He fits with the music. I don’t feel that it’s wrong for him to be the frontman. He is a huge fan of the Seattle rock scene(I know STP is California) and loves 90s alt. Honestly…I dig it.

  • ShadowMunkey117

    It sounds good but how will it really affect the bands music lyrically?… I don’t really know how to feel about this… I’m happy but not sure..

  • GRUNGECASTER

    Cheston Bennington could of crossed over Velvet Revolver as well. So it kinda makes sense to have a younger Scott Weiland singing the classics and new STONE TEMPLE PILOTS :) the screaming and deep angry post grunge vocals are amazingly close to the real Scott Weiland. They picked a good choice but of course we will always miss the original Scott Weiland. I hope Linkin Park will now hire Weiland to front their band now. Like an alternative rock exchange program

  • GRUNGECASTER

    But of course, I was still holding out hope that Buckcherrys lead singer would be replacing Scott Weiland in Velvet Revolver. Will some rock band take in Weiland? He needs to get his rock n roll powers back , for his mental state of mind :(

    Come on Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters or Queens Of The Stone Age, time to give Weiland a chance man :)

  • Brett Buchanan

    For the record, I’m in complete shock. What I do know though is this will be massive, Bennington is by far the biggest viable commercial name they could have gotten to replace Scott. Also, Scott is FUCKED big time. People are going to see STP with Chester over him going out there and butchering the STP hits with his solo band. I hope this is the thing that finally makes him get his act together.

  • BillyL

    Wow, I was just completely dead-wrong about everything! Haha!

  • Greg

    I’d hate this, except the song is really good. So… yeah.

    Plus, what are they supposed to do, stop making music because Scott Weiland is too busy being a D-bag?

  • BillyL

    Vocally he is very similar to Richard Patrick. This sounds more like AoA than STP to me.

  • Dan

    Is Chester Bennington officially a member of Stone Temple Pilots? They recorded a song together and there is a promo picture of him with the band, but have STP actually announced him as their new vocalist?

  • Mills

    Velvet Revolver should announce Chester as their new lead singer as well. That would be funny.

  • BillyL

    @ Dan

    Go to stonetemplepilots.com

  • Mills

    I would go see this lineup. Weiland gave up being Weiland a long time ago. Like when he hired that garage band to be his solo band. He is always to drunk or drugged up to put on a good performance. Scott Weiland is a fucking waste of talent.

  • Mills

    they have tour dates on STP .com

  • Mills

    One is today I think.

  • Mills

    Yes it’s Mountain View CA.

  • BillyL

    Now let’s all just sit back and wait for Weiland’s inevitable “they can’t do that” statement. Well, Scott, they just fucking did.

  • Dan

    I see a lawsuit in the forceable future…

  • Mills

    And some judge will say they can both use the name like the two LA Guns out there and the two Queensryche bands.

  • lauren

    cheaster singing dead and bloated w/stp in 01

  • BillyL

    @ Mills

    Even if that were to happen, would you rather go see a drunk David Bowie singing STP karaoke, or STP with the singer from LP? I think most people would go for the latter. Besides, you’d have to know the kid who was having the bar mitzvah in order to see Scott’s STP perform.

  • Greg

    Does anyone else think the picture of the new band with the cloud in the middle, looks like a hand giving the middle finger?

    In any case, I’m not sure how I feel about this. I feel a little loyalty to Scott… I’ve been a huge fan of his for a long time. At the same time, I completely understand why the fired him.

  • MindRiot132

    You have got to be fucking kidding me….is it April Fools Day? If not my days as an STP fan are over

  • Dolan

    Not my type of music anymore but it’s really good for what it is. STP made a great bargain here imo.

  • Monster Robert

    This is very shocking.

  • Trippinjim

    Never listened to a LP song in my life (bar accidently tripping over one on crap FM radio), but at least he can sing ok and his voice works with their style.

    But he’ll never create vocal melody magic like SW, and the Deleos know it. They’ve always talked about the magic he sprinkled on their songs, so that they were always amazed what came back when they gave them to him to record over.

  • Big M

    It’s official. God is dead.

  • BillyL

    I’m excited. It doesn’t take away from the Scott era. In fact the Scott era hadn’t existed in a while because Scott hasn’t been himself for a long time. I’ll still have that music to listen to, and now there’s a new STP era which I get to enjoy. It sure beats the agony of having to see Scott completely ruin STP with his crap like has been doing for the past three years. I say bring it on and let’s look forward to some new kick ass music.

  • Shaun Jam

    Why can’t they just do music without the STP name? Just do their own thing, and when they go live maybe throw in a small amount of STP songs and the new songs they do. The whole legacy and name is being butchered around, go on to a new phase…finish STP and let Scott Weiland do his own thing. Cause there will be a shitstorm brewing…

    It’s no wonder why most of the guys from the Seattle corner hated these guys, it’s because of fake rock and roll drama like this.

  • Nick

    I agree with Shaun Jam. First time I saw Velvet Revolver they play half their set of guns and stp covers. I think the reason they are using the stp name is because it will bring bigger crowds.

  • jarofchains

    wow…did not expect this at all. That new song is pretty good – I hope they crank a record or two with Bennington as their frontman. Musically they sound really focused, tight and sharp. Bennington’s vocal style fits the band well.

    I hope Scott is floored by this and it gets him sober.

  • stoned tempted parrot

    PLEASE STOP USING THE NAME STONE TEMPLE PILOTS WITHOUT WEILAND!!!

    ARE YOU GUYS FAMILIAR WITH THE BAND TALK SHOW???

    TALK SHOW IS THE APPROPRIATE BANDS NAME!!!

    HELLO HELLO!!!

  • Chris J.

    I USE TO HAVE RESPECT FOR “STP” SINCE I WAS 13 YEARS OLD – SELLOUTS, FAKE BAND, FUCKING IDIOTS! WILL NEVER GO TO ANOTHER STONE TEMPLE PILOTS SHOW IN MY LIFE!

  • Chris J.

    MAYBE CHESTER CAN FRONT A NEW AND IMPROVED NIRVANA TOO!!! DUMB DUMB DUMB!!!

  • Chris J.

    SEROOUSLY CAN’T GET OVER THIS, LIVID AT 9AM ON A SATURDAY MORNING!!! SORRY FOR 3 COMMENTS, BUT THIS IS FUCKING RIDICULOUS!!!

    IF THEY STARTED A NEW PROJECT AND CALLED IT SOMETHING ELSE, AND DIDN’T PLAY STP COVER SONGS – this COULD have been REALLY cool!!! FUCKING IDIOTS! ALL RESPECT IS GONE FOR THE DELENO’S, KRETZ, AND CHESTER!!!

    FUCK.

  • cosmicatomic

    I won’t exactly criticize the lineup or the new song but….CHANGE THE NAME OF The BAND. Seriously. It’s not Stone Temple Pilots, I’m sorry. It’d be like if Audioslave “kept” the name Rage Against the Machine.

    Interesting they already have a new song out. Seems that would mean that Weiland didn’t want to make new music while the rest of the band did. And meanwhile Scott has his pathetic tour based on 20 yr old albums.

  • Shadow on the Sun

    This might some of the craziest news I’ve woken up to on a Sunday. I am very excited to hear an album with Chester and to hear him do the old stuff.
    That new song is totally an Army of Anyone song more than an Stp-ish track, but that’s alright with me since I love pretty much every song the Deleo bros write.

    I can’t wait for the Scott shit storm to start. Hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen, I think this is going to get ugly!!!

  • Andrei

    They’re just pissing away their history. Wonderful.

    I understand the guys that they want to create more music but shit, it’s too hard for me to forget about Scott Weiland.

    And also, I hate the song, it’s pretty dumb.

  • lilrockable

    ARMY OF ANYONE IS THAT YOU?!

  • lilrockable

    Chester has an extremely talented voice. You just can’t tell behind the rap-rock. His other band Dead by Sinrise was fucking awful, sounds like a poor attempt at pop-punk. Maybe STP is his calling? I never thought I’d support STP w out scott but in spite of his voice beig higher Cester gives the songs justice and that new song is pretty good too. Idk best case scenario is we get two good albums from new STP and Scott Weiland

  • cosmicatomic

    From Bennington’s wiki:

    Chester Bennington was born on March 20, 1976 to a nurse and a Phoenix police detective who worked with child sex abuse cases[2] and took double shifts.[3] He is of English descent. Bennington took interest in music at a young age, citing Depeche Mode and Stone Temple Pilots as early inspirations[4] and dreamed of becoming a member of Stone Temple Pilots.

  • Luke

    I think this is pretty good for what it is, childish to use the same name but if 3/4 of the band want to do so let them.

  • idiof

    @stoned tempted parrot I agree dude, we all know scott weiland team up with GnR guys for money… but when it comes to stone temple pilots he gave his all… how disrecpecful scott weiland’s legacy will be ruined by a richard patrick clone. the new song sounds like of army of anyone, since the stp drummer is present they should have used talk show or any name that fits their new style. new style for new fanbase.

  • The Incredible Mr. Mark Arm

    hey Brett, what is your opinion in this topic, since you are one of the biggest STP/Weiland fans out there?

  • The Incredible Mr. Mark Arm

    can’t wait to hear the reaction from Weiland
    and STP keep the name

  • Nick

    I never liked LP but hell Chester sounds better than Scott ever did and way better than he ever will again.

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  • Deviate

    I hate to say this, but he actually sounds good with STP.

    I said in another post (about the live performance) that I actually sounds a little like Scott, but the scarier thing is he even looks and acts a little like him on stage in that particular performance, which is kinda weird.

    Not exactly a Linkin Park fan, although I did kinda dig Hybrid Theory way back when, because it was something kinda different and had attitude to it. But I lost interest. And Chester’s vocals really kinda sucked with LP. I mean sounded like shit after a while. But with STP and him adjusting his style and not screaming at the absolute top of his lungs, it actually kinda works.

    Not sure I’m completely thrilled, because this is kind of a weird mashup. I didn’t look at AOA the same way because it wasn’t “STP” it was AOA. This is STP, playing STP songs classic & new… with Chester… so it’s kinda weird.

    But this new song is actually pretty good. Just feels very strange saying so.

  • Deviate

    I = he

    I can’t type a sentence for shit today.

  • Krusty the Clown

    This is the best thing to happen to STP in a long time. I use to like Linkin Park in the early 2000’s when I was younger. And at least Chester can sing good and we don’t have worry about Weiland ruining the band anymore.

  • Peace_Frog
  • Peace_Frog

    Do we know for sure this isnt just a one off single?

    Guitarist Dean DeLeo told the Los Angeles-based radio station, “Chester has a one-of-a-kind voice that we’ve admired for a long time. We know Linkin Park will always be his priority, but we thought it would be cool to try something together. We managed to find the time to record a song and we’re all really happy with the result.”

  • CagedTiger

    Completely shocked by this, I actually had to think for a second to make sure it wasn’t an April Fools joke. STP have been my favourite band for nearly 20 years and I’ve followed them through all the struggles and bullshit but this is just ridiculous and saddening. I completely understand that the Deleos and Kretz want to make new music and dint want to wait around for Scott and I’m all for that because they are really talented players but to call this STP with Chester singing is blasphemy. Don’t get me wrong I kinda dig the new song and Chester does have a great voice but this is NOT stone temple pilots without Scott, I’m in agreement with those who would like to hear new music from this group but just not under the STP name… It just feels so wrong. I loved AOA and talk show but the Deleo’s are keeping the name simply because they know it draws crowds and I can’t respect that, they’re fucking with their legacy and when they inevitably take Scott back again in the future there will be that one album in their back catalogue with a different fucking singer on it… Ridiculous.

  • Raj

    I’m in shock, the other members are wrong to use STP as the name. Scott Weiland is STP, he started Soi Distant with Corey Hickock. He met Robert later on and they had to coerce Dean to join the band.

    The other members did put up with a lot of Scott’s problems back in the 90’s so this should have been taken care of a long time ago or they should change the name.

    LP only had one good song, One Step Closer. After that it hasn’t been good. CB never had nor ever will have the powerful torturous angst like Staley or Cobain. This guy can’t fill Weiland’s shoes.

  • Dan

    I am still confused as to whether or not Chester has actually joined Stone Temple Pilots. Yes, he does sing on their new song which is credited as “Stone Temple Pilots” and not “STP with CB” and there are new band shots with him, which suggests that he is their new singer. Yet there has not been a press statement that states that Chester is now a full-fledged band member and Chester and STP have stated that Linkin Park will always be his main priority.

    So will it be a song or two and some shows, or a complete STP album and national/world-wide tour?

  • CagedTiger

    I’m guessing it’ll be a couple of new songs and a cash grab tour then Chester will go back to LP where he belongs… I’ve just had a terrible thought in regards to the live shows too, what if they start throwing in a few LP covers?? I don’t wanna hear the Deleo’s jamming to ‘Crawling’ and ‘Numb’ under the STP name with the DJ doing scratches in the background :-/

  • the darkness

    The only reason I don’t like this is because I cant stand to listen to linkin park. Who knows maybe they will go well together but I’m not gonna listen.

  • bf3engi

    yea, i really don’t want to hate on the guy. He can sing, no doubt, but when ever i hear him sing that tone in his voice just constantly reminds me of all of those horrible Linkin Park songs and i just wanna barf

  • CLoDown

    I dont understand why more people on here arent defending the Deleo’s and Kretz. How much more shit should they have to put up with from Scott before it’s acceptable to use and keep their name? This is the 3rd time they’ve parted ways with Scott! They have EARNED THE RIGHT TO CARRY ON WITH THAT NAME after all the patience they’ve exhausted dealing with him. How much money and work was lost for their crew back in the day while he was shooting up and tours were being cancelled because of his own rock diva bullshit selfishness? How many times have they started late and ended their set early cause they couldnt start on time because of him? How many more second chances does Scott deserve before they give up on him? Shit, let me have the incredible life and good fortune to be in a band as truly great as this and act the way he has and expect people to come to my defense. See if I dont come off as an incredible horses ass. This is the perfect sonic middle finger to Weiland; the song is really good (better than anything off of their last album, and dont give me crap cause I love this band too and have seen em live five times), its the “we’re back and we mean business goddamnit” track they should have had with their self titled album in ’10. And Chester sings great on it, hope we see an album with him. Good for STP.

  • Todd

    Wow, these are very dark days in Rock indeed. Awful awful awful.

  • Joe

    Anyone who is saying One Step Closer is a good song, you’re not allowed to comment anymore. You’re all clearly deaf.

    But Chester is clearly a talent.

  • NickG

    Guess it’s come full circle?

  • ShaneC

    This is a great tune at first listen.

    I heard it on the way into work just now. Made my whole day.

    So, he’s THE Official new lead singer?

    I didn’t think that would happen, but I think it’s awesome!

    I love Scott, but we have to admit that the man has lost his fucking mind. He’s also given STP very little respect for 20 years now.

  • Mawhonic

    Stone Temple Park

  • Curmudgeon

    I think they are testing the waters fan wise and to see what Scott will do legally with this new song and show. And if things don’t pan out they will leave it as a one off thing. But if the fans are on board and things work out, look out for a cash grab tour and possibly an album.

  • Susan

    STP has been my favorite band for years BECAUSE of Scott…but of course he’s screwed the rest of the band for so long and has really damaged his singing range. But to me there’s definitely no STP without him, so they should be using a different band name like they did before.

  • AnyColourYouLike

    It is dark days indeed. Whats next, Chad Kroger as the replacing lead singer of Nirvana.

  • ShaneC

    OUT OF TIME

    Nice message for Scott.

    Maybe Scott will put out a great new album with The Waboritas or whatever the fuck they are called.

  • Tastes Grungey

    Caption under that pic:
    “Hey guys, is that Weiland jumping off a mountain?”

  • Alternadude

    Linkin Park is awful. But this is good..

    Still I don’t agree. Change the name please.

  • lilrockable

    At least they got someone who fits the style of music. Imagine if they chose Myles Kennedy? Or Corey Taylor?*shudders*

  • Kalopsia

    To the, “You guys can’t use the Stone Temple Pilots name because Scott’s not in the band” or “Scott IS Stone Temple Pilots!” contingent:

    Dean, Robert and Eric have as much right to the band name as Scott, probably more so. Scott was one-quarter of the band, those guys represent three-quarters of the band. They have put just as much time, effort, blood-sweat-and-tears into STP as Scott ever did. But perhaps most importantly, Dean and Robert wrote all the music. If Scott Weiland chooses drink & drugs over writing, recording and touring (and doing so with a shred of reliability, professionalism, and sober dedication to his bandmates), then that is Scott’s choice alone. He made his own bed and now he can lie in it. Look at the over-two-decades of history of Stone Temple Pilots. They’ve given him more chances than he deserved to wake up and fly right. Would you just look at him now, Scott in 2013? He did that to himself. The remaining three-quarters of STP can use their own fucking name with a new singer. That’s all there is to it. You don’t like it? Good luck doing something about it. It’s done…

  • NiceNcleaN

    Will be interesting to see how it works out long term as Chester is doing this as a side project as LP is his home. The song is OK and is nothing like Scott at his best plus SW has that “it factor” that is when he is on.

  • Brett Buchanan

    I’ll bet STP tour on a more part time schedule than they did in 2008-2011 with the new lineup. Probably more of a Soundgarden touring schedule. I wouldn’t be shocked to see STP and Linkin Park tour together as well.

  • james m.

    I am not afraid to admit that this is a good single and that i am glad the remaining 3 guys found a decent singer that can give the songs a kick in the ass that Scott has given in some time. I saw them a few years back and Scott didn’t give a fuck about what he was doing on stage of the fans in front of him who love the music. He was uninspired, and just goin through the motions. I could not believe what the fuck i was seeing in front of me. Now the Deleo’s and Kretz can get back to what they do best and you know what, they are a big part of what STP “WAS” too and they fully deserve to use that fuckin name and Scott can use it to drive it into the ground like he has for quite some time now. Sorry that the truth sucks but hey, change is difficult, move the fuck on!

  • Aaron

    I don’t know how I feel about it. Chester sounds surprisingly good with the song but its not STP without Scott. They made a good move artistically but they should change the name. Its not the same. At least they won’t have to worry about him being late at shows. I think its to early to say how this will go but I’m more loyal to Scott and his voice for this band.

  • http://Gravatar.com Secret Squirrel

    I love all the trolls on here, first off, it would be ridiculous for Chester to take frontman for velvet revolver, that would be like William Duvall becoming singer of Mad Season, it’s like they replaced the person and not the singer spot. And all I have to say is, if Alice In Chains didnt have to change their name, then the Stone Temple Pilots shouldn’t have to, especially when you consider that LS died and was a much better vocalist than SW. Just sayin. (End Rant)

  • Tastes Grungey

    It has to be bittersweet for Bennington as an STP fan to be singing for one of his favorite bands but also knowing that he is destroying their legacy.

  • lauren

    All alice albums are basically jerry cantrell solo productions now.

    the name is for cash…that’s it. they cannot sell w.out the name.

  • Stosh

    Its not STP change the name. STP included Scott and the original lineup this sucks

  • SmashIT

    Alice and Chains
    Stone Temple Pilots
    Whats next?

    If Pearl Jam pulled this Id give up on music.

  • Monster Robert

    I kind look forward to this despite I was never a big Linkin Park fan. Scott was the one that fucked up and now he is paying a price for it. Now this is the new STP.

  • Tastes Grungey

    Is this version of STP better than having no STP at all? I believe so.

    I’m sure the guys were tired of seeing Weiland take his mediocre version of STP on the road. He definitely threw the first punch with that move.

    Now the other members of STP just KO’d him with (1) replacing him with no forewarning and (2) actually keeping the name that Scott helped create.

    Just the thought of the drama and lawsuits that will undoubtedly happen gives me a big ol’ spicy boner.

    Oh, and you can’t compare this to AIC. Their singer died. Weiland is just on the brink of death.

  • ShaneC

    SmashIT,

    Actually, I just heard Corgan will be the new singer for PJ.

    Vedder is fronting Smashing Pumpkins now.

    Grohl has joined every band.

  • Monster Robert

    Despite I do look forward I do feel funny of them keeping the STP name but this proves Scott fucked up big time.

  • Spents

    I have never been a fan of Linkin Park and think their music boils down to “Whiny whiny rap rap hit the fuzz box hard rock screaming” for every song but I gotta say, this sounds good. As in “better than anything since No. 4 by far good.”

    I hope Linkin Park give Chester the time to record a full album with STP because I’d buy it.

  • wasogrunge

    Chester Bennington will give STP what they have been missing for years: a talented hard rocking voice. Scott Weiland is now a piece of shit. His past may have been bright and whatever the fuck fond memories it may bring but, today he’s nothing but a pain in the ass.

  • Kalopsia

    That’s right ‘wasogrunge’. If you have TWO former bands that want nothing to do with you any longer, it’s not them. It’s you. Nope, they shouldn’t have to change the name without Scott. Proof? It’s done. The name has been retained, that’s it. They’re keeping it, and I say ‘good for you’. I look forward to hearing more from the new Stone Temple Pilots. :)

  • Anth

    I kind of feel bad that I actually like “Out of Time” more than 80% of STP’s last album. Reminds me a lot of VR’s “Come On Come In” though.

  • The Incredible Mr. Mark Arm

    can somebody confirm that Dave Grohl is officialy the new drummer of the resurection of Led Zeppelin?

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