The singer helping a classic rock band roll on without their legendary frontman

Finding the right voice to carry a legacy as monumental as Stone Temple Pilots is no small task. Roughly nine years ago, the Southern California icons, known for definitive '90s staples like “Plush,” “Vasoline,” and “Interstate Love Song,” settled on a perfect fit in Michigan native Jeff Gutt.

Stepping into the role previously held by the late Scott Weiland is a tall order. Weiland, who passed away in 2015 from an accidental overdose, remains a singular figure in rock history—a frontman defined by his poetic depth, chameleon-like vocals, and magnetic stage presence.

However, Gutt has successfully stepped into the breach, channeling that essential energy alongside founding members Robert DeLeo (bass), Dean DeLeo (guitar), and Eric Kretz (drums). For the 50-year-old singer, the experience of watching fans—and their children—singing along to decades-old hits is a surreal, deeply rewarding privilege. “Being able to go out there and share those songs with people who love those songs” is his favorite part of the gig, Gutt said.

The Rise of Rock

Currently, Stone Temple Pilots are back where they belong: out on the road. The band is serving as special guests on “The Rise Of Rock World Tour,” sharing the stage with headliners Godsmack and opener Dorothy.

The tour makes two stops in Alabama this weekend: Saturday at Huntsville’s Orion Amphitheater and Sunday at Orange Beach’s Wharf Amphitheater.

From Auditions to the Stage

Gutt recalls his initial audition at the Foo Fighters' Studio 606 as a whirlwind. He arrived in Los Angeles under the pretense of a trip to Las Vegas, eager to prove himself to the legendary rhythm section of the DeLeo brothers and Kretz. Despite some technical hiccups—including nearly blowing out the monitors during his take on “Piece of Pie”—he quickly cemented his place in the band's history.

“I just wanted for them to have that [opportunity to play] and I’m still doing that today,” Gutt said regarding his commitment to keeping the band on the road. “I wouldn’t have showed up if Scott was still alive at all.”

Looking Forward and Honoring Roots

While Gutt acknowledges the weight of the past, he is also focused on the band’s future and its recent output, including the 2018 self-titled release and 2020’s Perdida. He points to the track “Thought She’d Be Mine” as a standout example of the band's evolving musicality.

When reflecting on his own influences—ranging from early bluesman Robert Johnson to grunge icons like Layne Staley and Chris Cornell—Gutt views the vocal instrument as something that must be handled with care and intention. Whether it’s the airy delivery needed for “Big Bang Baby” or finding the perfect pocket in Eric Kretz’s drumming, Gutt is clear about his primary responsibility: “Just don’t screw it up.”

Reflecting on his journey, which included a stint on “The X Factor,” Gutt remains grounded. “I gotta pinch myself sometimes,” he said. “I put in years of work not knowing this is what it was going to be for. Just to get to the place so I had everything in my tool belt needed to do this job—and thank God it worked.”