STONE TEMPLE PILOTS Bassist: 'It Feels Good To Be Productive Again'

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS bassist Robert DeLeo recently spoke to The Star-Ledger about the band's split with vocalist Scott Weiland and addition of LINKIN PARK's Chester Bennington.

"[Chester has] made it clear that he grew up on our music," said DeLeo. "He knows it well. But the thing that sold me was that he told us that the only way he'd ever want to do this is if we honor the past and move forward in a creative direction. That's what we wanted, too."

He continued: "It feels good to be productive again, and have someone who is focused. Our goal remains the same: We want to go out and play some loud, good rock 'n' roll."

According to Robert, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS' decision to fire Weiland was made as a last resort once it became clear the DeLeos (Robert and guitarist brother Dean) and drummer Eric Kretz had no choice but to move on.

"We had to do what we had to do," said DeLeo. "Believe me, it wasn't something we enjoyed doing. We had a lot of great years with Scott, and we made amazing music together. But somewhere along the line, the vision was lost.

"There's a book in there — a really good book. It was a difficult decision, and we wish Scott the best."

DeLeo also revealed that STONE TEMPLE PILOTS' 2010 self-titled album was recorded under less-than-ideal circumstances, with internal divisions and geographical difficulties making it hard for the band to recapture their initial energy and drive.

"Guitar rock never went out of style for me, ever," he said. "I'm just trying to carry the torch from the great bands I learned from. Hopefully, younger bands will take the torch from us. It all comes around."