Was Scott Weiland Fired From Stone Temple Pilots? He Doesn't Think So

Scott Weiland has been fired from the Stone Temple Pilots. Actually, that depends on whom you talk to.

News broke on Wednesday that Weiland (born Scott Richard Kline) had been terminated from the post-grunge giants that were founded in 1986, and the lead singer found out the same way as everyone else, Spin reported.

The 45-year-old frontman sent out a statement when he discovered the news:

"I learned of my supposed 'termination' from Stone Temple Pilots this morning by reading about it in the press,” Weiland wrote in a statement on his Facebook page. “Not sure how I can be 'terminated' from a band that I founded, fronted and co-wrote many of its biggest hits, but that's something for the lawyers to figure out. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing all of my fans on my solo tour which starts this Friday."

Clearly, Weiland disputes the news. The bad news for the singer is that it was his bandmates who announced they had decided to let him go. Guitarist Dean DeLeo, bassist Robert DeLeo and drummer Eric Kretz released a concise statement revealing that they had  "officially terminated Scott Weiland."

The band has had their ups and downs, but firing Weiland comes during a “rocky period” for the musicians, Rolling Stone wrote. After taking a lengthy break they reunited in 2008 and toured together for their 2010 self-titled album. During his hiatus from the group Weiland performed with the supergroup Velvet Revolver from 2003 to 2008. 

"There were some hurt egos," Weiland told the magazine on Tuesday, adding that "no one has ever fired anybody in STP. We're like a family."

"My personal feeling is that we need some new blood in the band," he said. "We've been playing the same greatest hits set since we got back together. I'd like to make a new record. It will breathe new life into the group."

It seems the Pilots will certainly be getting some new blood, but Weiland won’t be involved in that decision. It’s unclear if the band will be continuing with a new vocalist though, Rolling Stone added. 

Weiland's career has been plagued with substance abuse and arrests, which may have influenced his bandmates' action.