A multi platinum act that would, despite publicly played out internal tensions, be one of the few bands to truly transcend the Grunge explosion. Previously a heavy metal band known as MIGHTY JOE YOUNG, these Californians came seemingly out of nowhere to huge triple platinum success with their debut release 'Core'. The DeLeo brothers were originally from New Jersey and once played in a group with Tracy White, frontman for Pomp Metal outfit SHOTGUN SYMPHONY.

Toured Britain in 1994 with strong support from RED KROSS. 1995 saw the beginning of a series of traumatic events that would rock the band's career. In May Weiland was arrested in Pasadena, Texas for possession of heroin and cocaine. It was to be the first of many arrests and the singer would have numerous unsuccessful attempts at rehabilitation. 1996's 'Tiny Music, ... Songs From The Vatican Gift Shop' was produced by MASTERS OF REALITY mainman Chris Goss.

The DeLeo's and Kretz created VITAMIN with former TEN INCH MEN singer David Coutts whilst Weiland recovered. The band was later retitled TALK SHOW but unfortunately this attempt at a STONE TEMPLE PILOTS without their enigmatic frontman failed, the album failed to break the American top 100.

Weiland finally got around to issuing his solo album, '12 Bar Blues', in mid 1998, but faced a prison spell after being found in possession of a substantial amount of heroin by New York cops forcing the cancellation of the remaining dates on the singer's solo tour of America. The singer acknowledged his problem and admitted to spending $400 a day on heroin. Weiland was finally jailed for breaking probation in September of 1999, bizarrely finding himself in the same cell recently vacated by MȪTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee.

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS toured America in 2000 as guests to RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS prior to headline shows with support from GODSMACK and DISTURBED. Upfront of the August release of their US top ten 2001 album 'Shangri La De Dee' the band would put in a secret gig at the tiny St. Moritz club in central London. Officially the world tour would break loose in Portugal on August 16th.

Toward the close of the year Weiland collaborated with CINDERS on a track entitled 'Lush' for their debut album. The band would form part of the package billing for the established 'Family Values' American dates allied with LINKIN PARK, STAIND and DEADSY. The resulting live compilation culled from these dates would see STONE TEMPLE PILOTS donating 'Vasoline' 'Wicked Garden' and 'Wonderful'. This latter track featuring a guesting Chester Bennington of LINKIN PARK.

It would be learned in May of 2002 that the brothers Robert and Dean Deleo were engaged in an unlikely song writing alliance with legendary country star GLEN CAMPBELL. Weiland's activities outside the band increased apace during 2003. The singer had aided in production of Fort Myers, Florida act CINDER's debut record 'Break Your Silence', also donating both lyrics and vocals to a song entitled 'Lush'. A more high profile endeavour saw Weiland linking up with the erstwhile GUNS N' ROSES triumvirate of guitarist Slash, bassist DUFF McKAGAN and drummer Matt Sorum for a rendition of PINK FLOYD's 'Money'. This track was used for the soundtrack to the remake of the cult 60's comedy film 'The Italian Job'.

Although Weiland informed the press in mid May that he was indeed the chosen singer for the band some cautionary tones came from other sources citing concerns over the frontman's well documented struggles with narcotic abuse. Unfortunately Weiland, stopped by Burbank police for driving without lights, was caught in possession of drugs on May 18th. An official press statement quickly made claims Weiland's passenger was to blame but on 20th May the singer was charged with cocaine and heroin possession. He was released after posting $25,000 bail. Nevertheless, Weiland's official confirmation that he was indeed the chosen singer for Slash's band, now dubbed VELVET REVOLVER, came shortly after.

Media speculation that STONE TEMPLE PILOTS had folded would be counter claimed in June, band members stating the group was in fact in hiatus. Meantime a brand new track 'All In The Suit That You Wear' had been recorded for a stop gap compilation. By this stage STONE TEMPLE PILOTS had racked up more than 25 million global album sales. The DeLeo brothers confirmed to the press that the band had, for all intents and purposes, folded upon release of 'Thank You'. However, by December rumours would be circulating that the siblings, along with Kretz, were working in collusion with ex-BLACK CROWES frontman Chris Robinson.

In mid 2004, as Weiland shot back into the limelight with the VELVET REVOLVER debut hitting the no. 1 spot on the Billboard charts, Eric Kretz opened his own recording studio in downtown Los Angeles called Bomb Shelter Studios. The DeLeo brothers would also be out on the road, touring as part of JOE WALSH's band. Later that same year the DeLeo's united with the SANTANA credited Alex Lighterwood on vocals and TOM PETTY band drummer Steve Ferrone for a band entitled FARM FUR. In March of 2005 Eric Kretz joined the ranks of SPIRALARMS.

In June the Recording Industry Association of America revealed STONE TEMPLE PILOTS had sold over 17 million albums in the USA.

The DeLeo's band hopping continued throughout the year as August saw rumours of a union with ex-DAVID LEE ROTH band drummer Ray Luzier and FILTER frontman Richard Patrick coming to fruition, this being confirmed with the announcement of ARMY OF ANYONE.