Scott was a force of nature, on record and on stage. One of the most extraordinary vocalists, performers, and songwriters in rock history, he was a charismatic, galvanizing presence with an unmistakable voice and style.
In 1991, the year that I joined Atlantic Records, we signed a band from Southern California called Mighty Joe Young. By the following year, they had changed their name to Stone Temple Pilots, and I watched firsthand as they began a decade of phenomenal creativity and success. We released their debut album, Core, in September of 1992, and STP immediately became America’s biggest new rock band, going on to rank among the most accomplished and influential artists of their generation.
By the time they disbanded in 2002, STP had sold some 35 million albums worldwide, half of those in the U.S. alone. Their songs became rock anthems: “’Sex Type Thing, “ “Plush,” “Creep”, “Interstate Love Song,” and many more. Scott and STP made music that has only become more timeless over the years, sounding as fresh and vital today as the day it was recorded. In 1998, we released Scott’s acclaimed solo album, 12 Bar Blues. STP got back together in 2008, and we released their reunion album in 2010, but unfortunately, it turned out to be Scott’s last work with the band.
Scott was an incredibly creative, warm, intelligent, and inspired human being. His demons have been well publicized, but it is his incredible musical legacy that will be remembered for many years to come. Scott’s passing is a tragic loss for all of those who knew him and for his millions of fans around the world. He will be greatly missed.
– Craig Kallman, Chairman & CEO, Atlantic Records
