When I was a budding 16-year-old hard rock fan, one of my favorite bands in the world was Stone Temple Pilots – and one of my most despised was Creed. So if I traveled back in time and revealed to my young self that then-frontman of STP, Scott Weiland would eventually be kicked out of the band, be replaced by Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, die of an overdose and then be replaced by Scott Stapp, I'm not sure 16-year-old me would believe it.
But that looks to be exactly what's happening. (Update: STP have since issued a statement denying Stapp is their vocalist). Stone Temple Pilots have made no secret of the fact that they are looking for a new vocalist since their replacement for Weiland, Chester Bennington could not handle being in two gigantic touring entities. This weekend, Stapp heavily inferred he's up for the gig in an interview on Rock 100.5 radio's "Bailey And Southside."
"[I've] been working on a new album with a new group of guys — guys from some pretty well-known rock bands that you guys will know. I can't really share the details about it, but there's a lot of good things going on, man, and I'm excited about it."
When pressed on more info, Stapp said:
"I can't tell you 'till later in June, man. [That's when] we'll be making the announcement." He did, however, offer the following hint about his new bandmates' identities: "This other band that I'm jamming with is its own band with its own band name."
Putting two and two together, the DJs then asked if Stapp is joining Stone Temple Pilots. Stapp could not confirm nor deny:
"I can't say, man, I can't say. I can't confirm or deny. [But] I will tell you this: there is a six-degree-separation connection between this new project and the band you mentioned."
What a shocking turn of events, especially for Stapp, who two years ago, was found drugged out of his mind on the side of the road, but has since cleaned up his act.
It's shocking to me that Stapp is being considered for the role, because I always thought that STP wasn't a fan – then again, it could've just been friendly competition between Weiland and Stapp as both were once asked to be a part of a tribute to The Doors, and Weiland clearly crushed it, while Stapp not so much.
Update:. Stone Temple Pilots have since issued a statement denying Scott Stapp is their vocalist.
STP fans, how do you feel about this news? Chime in with your comments…
