Stone Temple Pilots has had member changes and tragedies, and questions about which members died are common. As of the latest verified information, two individuals associated with the band have died: bassist Robert DeLeo’s brother, actor James DeLeo (an unrelated private individual often mentioned in broader coverage), and lead singer Scott Weiland, the band’s iconic frontman from 1989 to 2007 and again during later reunions, who died in 2015. No other core member of Stone Temple Pilots has died. Dean DeLeo and Eric Kretz remain active with the band, which continues to perform and record.
Scott Weiland Death
Cause and Impact
Scott Weiland died in December 2015 at age 48. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s office determined his death was accidental, caused by “chronic drug intoxication” involving multiple substances. His passing was a significant moment for the band and its fans, yet Stone Temple Pilots carried on with other vocalists during different periods.
Alive: Dean DeLeo and Eric Kretz
Guitarist Dean DeLeo and drummer Eric Kretz remain the longest-tenured living members of Stone Temple Pilots’ classic lineup. They have been consistent fixtures since the band’s formation and continued activity after Weiland’s death, including work with later singers.
Core Member Timeline
| Member | Role | Status | Key Dates | Scott Weiland | Lead Vocals | Deceased | 1989–2007, 2008–2013, 2014–2015; died December 2015 | Dean DeLeo | Guitar | Alive | 1989–present | Eric Kretz | Drums | Alive | 1989–present |
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Other Names and Relationships
Confusion sometimes arises because of namesakes and tributes. For example, James DeLeo has been mentioned in broader coverage, but he is not a band member and his connection is often through shared surname or familial references, not musical activity within Stone Temple Pilots.
Alive: Later Vocalists and Touring Members
Since Weiland, Stone Temple Pilots have performed with Chester Bennington (2013–2017, Linkin Park vocalist, deceased in 2017), Jeff Gutt (2017 onward), and other temporary singers for specific tours. These musicians are alive and continue to contribute to performances, though the band’s classic sound is most associated with Weiland’s era.
Summary Status
In summary, only one member of Stone Temple Pilots has died: Scott Weiland. All other principal members—Dean DeLeo and Eric Kretz—are alive and remain active in music. The band has navigated multiple lineup changes while maintaining a notable presence in rock history.