Dean DeLeo Stone Temple Pilots
Interview May 2008

by Chris A.
Staff Writer

Comments: The return of hard-rocking band Stone Temple Pilots has been a long time coming. Fueled by drug use and fame, the continuous and well-documented struggles of frontman Scott Weiland played a major factor to STP hanging it up several years ago.

However, during that seven-year period the members of STP never stepped away from the music business. Guitarist Dean DeLeo and his brother, bass player Robert DeLeo, teamed up with Filter Frontman Richard Patrick to form the short-lived band, Army of One. Weiland hooked up with ex-Guns 'n' Roses' guitarist Slash and created Velvet Revolver. In January 2008, it was revealed that STP would indeed be reforming and would headline the Rock On The Range festival in Columbus, Ohio on May 17th 2008.

Apparently relationships within Velvet Revolver were disintegrating. In April, after several years and the release of two albums, Velvet Revolver's Web site reported that the band had "parted ways" with Weiland because he wasn't 100 percent committed to the band or its fans. Apparently Weiland's focus shifted from VR to STP. The reunited band is currently scheduled for approximately 65 dates on what will certainly be one of the most anticipated tours of 2008.

With relationships in the band seemingly solid, coupled with a positive, forward looking view, STP guitarist Dean DeLeo took a few moments before returning to the stage with Stone Temple Pilots to chat with Hardrock Haven about the tour, guitars and the future for STP.

Chris: Hi Dean and thanks for taking the time to talk to me this evening. So help our readers catch up with what have you been up to for the past seven years. What are the high points?

Dean: Probably the most important thing I've done is become a father. It's been a great experience and I've really enjoyed myself. Musically of course I've never stopped working. My brother and I did some writing with Richard Patrick (Filter) and we enjoyed it so much we created the band Army of One.

Chris: It's been seven years since you've performed with STP. In about an hour-and-a-half you go on-stage here in Columbus, Ohio in front of probably 30,000 people. What's going through your mind.

Dean: I'm excited about the show and really looking forward to the tour. I think we'll be on the road into October doing something like 60 plus dates. I think it's going to be a blast for us and we're confident our audiences will really have a good time.

Chris: Did you ever think you'd see this day after the demise of STP?

Dean: You know, there really wasn't any demise, it was honestly more like a well deserved break, a sabbatical. We all get along, we enjoy each other's company and I felt it was only a matter of time before we got back to playing live together.

Chris: From a guitar and gear perspective, you have one of the most unique tones in rock and roll. A thick biting crunch coupled with at times a psychedelic, ethereal style. What kind of guitars and gear are you using?

Dean: For guitars I have a rack full of Gibson Les Pauls. They just have the weight and power that I like to give that signature STP sound. For amps, I'm using a couple Marshall cabinets and a Vox AC30.

Chris: Your distinctive playing style to me is clearly "retro." Who do you count among your guitar playing and styling influences?

Dean: You know, I'm influenced by almost everyone who I hear and not just rock or metal players. From blues to Jazz to rock 'n' roll, my playing is sort of a composite of all the different guitar players I enjoy. You know, I rarely listen to hard rock. I've got an eclectic ear and simply appreciate good playing. Really, it's anything from Joe Pass, to Jimmy Page to David Gilmour.

Chris: How are things going within the band? Any concerns about Scott Weiland's volatile reputation?

Dean: No, not really, we're just really looking forward to playing.

Chris: With the tour about to kick off and a very excited vibe in the rock 'n' roll world about the return of Stone Temple Pilots, are there any plans for a new STP album.

Dean: Well, STP is a democratic band, we all work together and we all have to agree. We've been rehearsing and playing a lot of our music.
Were it up to me I'd say that maybe by January we'd be in the studio but again, that's if it were up to me. At the moment, we'll just have to wait and see but I'd love to get back into the studio.

Chris: Are there any surprises in store for fans who will be attending STP gigs this year?

Dean: Yeah, I think people will really enjoy the show. We're going to be playing a lot of tunes that we don't normally play live. In fact we'll be doing some tunes that we've never done live before.

Chris: Any final words for all the STP fans who have been thirsting for the return of this great band?

Dean: Yeah, thank you for letting us work for you. We're grateful and we look forward to seeing everyone on the road!

Stone Temple Pilots went on to perform a blistering set for the Columbus audience. Flanked by a huge LED display, the band performed for nearly 90 minutes to an enthusiastic crowd. For more information on Stone Temple Pilots, their music and their current tour visit www.stonetemplepilots.com.

Photo provided by Chris A.